The File on Esther Zidel

2010-07-06T08:57:00.000-07:00

Just got a tip (from Anonymous) and was able to identify another celeb.

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Alas, with Esther no longer taking photos outside of the Shubert, I can add little more to her "file". So, it only seemed logical to branch out...and so I have. Please, saunter over if you get the chance

http://mittendrinnen.blogspot.com/

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THE SCRAPBOOK AND PHOTOS OF A boston area FAN (OR PERHAPS STALKER?) OF (MOSTLY) BROADWAY AND HOLLYWOOD CELEBS FROM THE LATE THIRTIES INTO THE FORTIES. DISCOUNTING THE FAMOUS, MANY PICTURED BELOW WERE CERTAINLY SUPPORTING PLAYERS, DANCERS OR CONNECTED WITH THE THEATRE IN SOME WAY. I'VE MADE IT MY QUEST TO PUT NAMES TO THESE UNNAMED AND HOPE YOU CAN HELP! THE REST OF THE PHOTOS ARE OF ESTHER & VARIOUS PALS; A TINY PEEK INTO A LONG AGO WORLD OF GAY LIFE.

NOVEMBER 18, 2009-WE'RE NOW UPDATED. THE LAST OF THE "NEW PHOTOS" ARE HERE FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE. WILL THERE BE ANY MORE PHOTOs...WHO KNOWS?

Unmarked Photo

2009-11-18T10:32:00.000-08:00

But I just love it. Boyfriends, back in the day (when back in the day was REALLY BACK!)....and doesn't Mr. Left give off a Jon Hamm vibe?

"Provincetown"

2009-11-18T10:29:00.001-08:00

"July 4, 1950"

"Provincetown"

2009-11-18T10:28:00.000-08:00

"Race Point, July, 1947"

MY FAVORITE PHOTO OF THEM ALL!

2009-11-18T10:24:00.000-08:00

I just adore this one....so provocative..so, so...Esther! How brazen she was, right there on Revere Beach, June 1948. Can'tcha just hear that oil sizzle on that thigh?

A Lesson in Lipstick

2009-11-18T10:20:00.000-08:00

Someone's trying to show dear Esther how to fem it up!

Penny Singleton & her daughter Dorothy!

2009-11-18T10:12:00.000-08:00

A Few More Unmarked Unknowns....

2009-11-18T10:11:00.000-08:00

More unmarked photos....

2009-11-02T16:41:00.000-08:00

Any guesses?

and even more unmarked pictures....

2009-11-02T16:38:00.000-08:00

Another unmarked photo....

2009-11-02T16:33:00.001-08:00

I've stared at this woman's face with my magnifying glass (think Little Edie) and can't put a name to it. She's obviously fabulous....and possibly the star.

Unmarked Snapshots

2009-11-02T16:30:00.000-08:00

I just love this set!

Can't recognize anyone in these or what show they were taken at. Boo-hoo.

Elsa Maxwell "Chicago, 1941"

2009-10-25T21:16:00.000-07:00

Not sure who Elsa's speaking to.

Ladies & Gentlemen....Mae West!

2009-10-25T21:10:00.001-07:00

Jackie Cooper

2009-10-25T21:09:00.001-07:00

I think this may be Carole Lombard

2009-10-25T21:07:00.000-07:00

Virginia O'Brien with John & Jane Doe

2009-09-25T14:10:00.000-07:00

Virginia certainly had lovely coats!

2009-09-25T10:08:00.000-07:00

"Crazy With the Heat" "Shubert 1941"

2009-09-21T10:50:00.000-07:00

Taken outside the Shubert Theatre, Boston while the revue, "Crazy With The Heat" was in the house. (It's time in New York was fleeting.) Is "Foreign Legion Dude" signing an autograph? Once again, Esther labeled the show & location, but no names. Grrr...

If Anonymous is correct, the first two visible folks in the photo below are pictured here....Luella Gear & Willie Howard.

And here are two more from "CWTH". I have to presume that these are from the first incarnation of the show (the Boston tryouts) which went to Broadway & played a whopping 7 performances. After closing, it was then taken over by Ed Sullivan, restaged and played for 92 performances. Missing from this new production was Richard Kollmar, (Mr. Dorothy Killgallen) both his person & song writing credit gonzo. Ouch. If only Esther had managed to get a snapshot of Dickie!

Billie Bernice, "Shubert B & G Together" Sept. 1940

2009-09-14T21:34:00.000-07:00

The answer to this one was under my nose all the time. This is Billie Bernice, Esther's other swoon, who played Wynnsome Dancing Girl, "Down Mexico Way" Girl and Other girl in "Boys & Girls Together". (You'll find a Xmas card from Bernice {to Esther} as well as clippings as you scroll down.) I don't know where these were snapped, NYC or Boston though as you can see, "George Washington Slept Here" is playing at the Plymouth. Might there have been a Plymouth Theatre in Boston?

WELCOME JANE PICKENS!

2009-09-14T15:37:00.000-07:00

I think Anonymous may be right in saying that the grande dame in the middle is Jane Pickens! I found this small photo, I think they are one in the same...thanks Anon! You're the Greatest! AND....Billie Bernice was in "Boys and Girls Together" and we all know how Esther felt about Billie!!!

The back of this reads, "Shubert.....B & G Together 1940". The body language of Esther says she's not friends with these folks & is humbled to be getting a snapshot with them. This veiled dame's gotta be somebody! Help!

2009-09-08T15:49:00.000-07:00

Someone must know this hot little number, who is she?

Panama Hattie

2009-09-07T19:33:00.000-07:00

This one's marked "Shubert 1940 PH" which stands for Panama Hattie & checking at ibdb.com, it says there was a Marguerite Benton billed as a "singing girl." It's also signed "To Esther, Best Always, Marguerite" (Margie made the cover of Life Magazine, March 18, 1940) This mystery solved....oops, maybe not. just found ANOTHER Marguerite in the cast....this one's last name is James. I can't find photos of her so who knows.....

Could these be Marguerite Benton?

2009-09-07T16:08:00.000-07:00

They're marked South Station (Boston) or Shubert and Panama Hattie 1940.

These bottom two photos are of Lucille Bremmer.

My viewing public seems to think that this is my mystery girl.

Dixie Dunbar

2009-09-06T19:04:00.000-07:00

These are both marked "Shubert Yokel Boy 1939" on the back. That's Esther to the right(above, that is...below is someone far butcher than Zidel) , but I don't know who the cute, smilin' gal is. Do you? Well, I just did some hunting and I think this might be Dixie Dunbar. I found a page with photos of Dixie & I've pulled one off (top left), what do you think?

UPDATE: Just found the ticket stub & envelope on eBay & just couldn't resist snatching a copy for myself...can you blame me?

UPDATE #2: According to Time Magazine (Milestones), Dixie died quite young, December 20, 1954. Let's just hope Esther wasn't involved.

UPDATE #3: (2/3/12)
According to "Anonymous",
Dixie passed away in Miami Beach,
Florida, 8/29/91.

Arthur Treacher

2009-09-06T16:25:00.000-07:00

Tony Martin

2009-09-06T14:20:00.001-07:00

Preston Foster

2009-09-06T14:19:00.000-07:00

with unidentified fish and man, or is it unidentified man and fish?

Rags Ragland

2009-09-06T14:18:00.000-07:00

Thanks Richard for making a positive i.d. on RR! Rags played Woozy Hogan in Panama Hattie. Too bad Esther didn't get a snap of Miss Merman.

2009-09-06T14:17:00.002-07:00

Just might be Merv Griffin on the left....if it is, his beard is unknown.

Martha Scott

2009-09-06T14:17:00.001-07:00

A young, blurry Martha Raye and a new arrival!

2009-09-06T14:16:00.000-07:00

Louella Parsons Tour

2009-09-06T14:15:00.002-07:00

?, ?, Louella Parsons, ?, ?, Sabu and ? and what are they all doing on stage & what stage is it?

In the fall of 1940, shortly after her marriage, Binnie joined Hollywood columnist Louella Parsons in a tour of vaudeville theaters across the country. Binnie had one show-stopping number. Dressed in a tightly fitted blouse and baggy white pantaloons, she stepped into the spotlight and gave a soulful rendition of "Why Am I Always A Bridesmaid and Never a Blushing Bride?"

This year Lolly's tour, promoted by Music Corporation of America, is abroad with a new cast, including Sabu, Binnie Barnes, Brenda Joyce, Ilona Massey.

(Time Magazine 11/11/40)

Harry Babbit and Kay Kyser

2009-09-06T14:15:00.001-07:00

Joel McCrea

2009-09-06T14:14:00.002-07:00

Ruth Hussey

2009-09-06T14:14:00.001-07:00

James Dunn

2009-09-06T14:13:00.000-07:00

We think this is Hal Block,

2009-09-06T14:12:00.000-07:00

the panelist "What's My Line" didn't ask back.

2009-09-06T14:11:00.000-07:00

Yet another mystery woman.....

Years away from her "To Tell the Truth" gig.....

2009-09-06T14:08:00.002-07:00

The delightfully alive Joan Fontaine

Bette Davis

2009-09-06T14:08:00.001-07:00

Esther and June Allyson

2009-09-06T14:07:00.000-07:00

Sterling Hayden

2009-09-06T14:05:00.002-07:00

at the Fenway Billiard Parlor? Hey Sterl, hope you brought your own stick!

2009-09-06T14:05:00.001-07:00

Yet another mystery.......

2009-09-06T14:04:00.000-07:00

Any ideas?

2009-09-06T14:03:00.000-07:00

The delovely Esther with......???

Sonya Henie and Friend.

2009-09-06T14:02:00.000-07:00

Maybe Tom Brown?

2009-09-06T14:01:00.001-07:00

Somebody has got to know who this guy is!

Oh boy, someone maybe does! panavia999 is suggesting that this is Tom Brown. I've found a photo online of Mr. Brown & will upload it for your consideration.

2009-09-06T14:00:00.000-07:00

Looks a teensy bit like a young Monty Clift....any ideas?

Kaye Ballard(!) Happy 84th, 11/20/09

2009-09-06T13:59:00.000-07:00

and her squeeze of the moment.

Betty Hutton...

2009-09-06T13:58:00.000-07:00

...and unidentified gal pal.

Edgar Bergen

2009-09-06T13:57:00.000-07:00

....with Candy and/or Mortimer in the case?

Eddie Cantor

2009-09-06T13:55:00.000-07:00

Constance Moore

2009-09-06T13:52:00.000-07:00

& unidentified gent.

Allan Jones

2009-09-06T13:51:00.000-07:00

Here's Allan Jones, dad of Jack. Anonymous is right. Thanks for the tip!

Her name is Diane....

2009-09-06T10:37:00.000-07:00

Have a clue....I haven't?

2009-09-06T10:35:00.000-07:00

"Miss Nameless always remained in character, even outside the stage door."

Looks like another could be somebody.

2009-09-06T10:31:00.000-07:00

Joan Carroll

2009-09-06T10:26:00.000-07:00

Well, somebody wanted her autograph and now we know exactly what name she wrote! Thanks Bill!

She played Geraldine Bullett In Panama Hattie.

2009-09-06T10:23:00.000-07:00

Any idea who this flexible chap is?

"Keep Off The Grass-Shubert-1940"

2009-09-02T07:54:00.000-07:00

"Backstage- Shubert Theatre 1939"

2009-09-01T08:04:00.000-07:00

"NY World's Fair-1959"

2009-09-01T08:02:00.000-07:00

Might Esther's escort be faux female?

2009-09-01T07:51:00.000-07:00

"Hotel Bryant"

2009-09-01T07:50:00.000-07:00

The many moods of E.Z.

2009-09-01T07:47:00.000-07:00

Unmarked snapshots

2009-09-01T07:45:00.000-07:00

"June 1948, Revere Beach, Revere, Massachusetts"

2009-09-01T07:43:00.000-07:00

"January, 1946 Central Park, NYC"

2009-09-01T07:42:00.000-07:00

"June 16, 1941 New York"

2009-09-01T07:40:00.000-07:00

Billie Bernice with Esther

Haven't a clue.....

2009-09-01T07:39:00.000-07:00

"South Station, 1940"

2009-09-01T07:38:00.000-07:00

Undecipherable name & EZ

2009-09-01T07:19:00.000-07:00

A man in uniform.....

2009-09-01T07:14:00.000-07:00

This one's marked, "May-1946" It might say "Nikki" but the writing's indecipherable.

"Park Square Cemetary, Boston"

2009-09-01T07:09:00.000-07:00

Hubba Hubba!

Hey Esther,

who's the cute

dude?

Don't know what show this is.....

2009-09-01T07:06:00.000-07:00

2009-09-01T07:05:00.000-07:00

The Chick Webb Band with Ella Fitzgerald!

2009-09-01T07:01:00.000-07:00

Thanks to William, we now know that this is Chick with Ella....Thanks William!

2009-09-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

Not labelled

"SHUBERT- 3 AFTER 3 1940" Simone Simone

2009-09-01T06:57:00.000-07:00

"Three After Three" was a George Abbott-Hoagy Carmichael-Johnny Mercer show that closed out of town (January-February, 1940). Starred Simone Simon (!), Mary Brian and Mitzi Green, who were replaced (Simon and Brian were, anyway) by the time the show got to NYC (in June), where it was called "Walk With Music," and it still bombed.

Thanks Anonymous for the fabulous info! Your comment deserved the front page and I moved it accordingly. Another mystery's been solved!

I've grabbed a photo of Simone off the internet and posted it here for comparison.

Might this be Janis Paige?

2009-09-01T06:56:00.000-07:00

"SHUBERT-CRAZY WITH THE HEAT-1941"

2009-09-01T06:47:00.000-07:00

So many of these Shubert Alley dames had

fabulous coats!

"August, 1943 Boston"

2009-08-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

"July, 1946- Provincetown, Massachusetts"

2009-08-30T07:58:00.000-07:00

THE MIMI BERRY MEMORIAL SCRAPBOOK

2009-08-29T20:29:00.000-07:00

I knew Esther Zidel through friends. I knew very little about her. Esther passed away February 11, 2009. Recently, I became the custodian of some of her belongings, specifically, a scrapbook from the 40s, the contents of which follows.

2009-08-27T19:15:00.000-07:00

Firstly, Esther's crumbling scrapbook shows us a woman truly smitten with a pert young thing, one Miss Mimi Berry. A model and aspiring actress, Mimi appeared in many print ads, which Esther painstakingly cut and pasted into her scrapbook....like any fastidious stalker might. This isn't an accusation....I'm just blogging out loud. You be the judge.

2009-08-25T19:25:00.000-07:00

Mimi is listed as having appeared in four Broadway shows.....A Connecticut Yankee, Star and Garter, Panama Hattie and Keep Off The Grass.

2009-08-15T20:17:00.000-07:00

Here's some of Mimi's print work......

2009-08-14T20:22:00.000-07:00

...and some more.....

2009-08-12T20:25:00.000-07:00

....and still more!

2009-08-11T02:45:00.000-07:00

The cover of Life Magazine! Not too shabby! Gee, wonder how often Esther used this?

2009-08-10T20:30:00.000-07:00

...and here's more stuff from the scrapbook. Did I mention that Esther was a teensy bit obsessed?

2009-08-09T20:36:00.000-07:00

and still more! Here are a few greeting cards Esther received from Mimi........

2009-08-08T20:54:00.000-07:00

And this card is, I think, the most telling. I'd imagine if Esther had had correspondence from Mimi, she would have put it into this scrapbook, so I'm presuming that this is the most Mimi ever wrote to Esther. Does the word noodge mean anything to you? Does Mimi's sentence come off as code?

2009-08-08T20:42:00.000-07:00

2009-08-05T20:47:00.000-07:00

2009-08-01T20:28:00.000-07:00

Mimi in an ad with Joan Caulfield....and yes, I'd give anything to be as lovely as a lyric in a Jaunty Junior....in Charm Magazine, of course.

2009-07-30T20:32:00.000-07:00

What's a scrapbook without a Kilgallen clipping?

2009-07-29T20:36:00.000-07:00

There was another babe that warmed Esther's heart...one Billie Bernice. She's listed as having been in three shows in the '40s......Boys and Girls Together, Walk With Music and Keep Off the Grass. Billie may have gotten a few spots in the scrapbook, but when Esther closed her eyes at night, me thinks it was all Mimi, all the time.

2009-07-28T02:50:00.000-07:00

Esther sure knew how to draw a dame.