The Interwar Period (often referred to as “Between the Wars,” especially in British antique terms) of the 1920’s and 1930’s produced a surplus of amazing art and design which relied heavily on organic shapes and materials, geometric patterns and Asian influence.
While the use of hand fans had largely fallen out of practice by this period, fans continued to be produced for decorative purposes due to the sense of romance associated with the items. This English fan, created in a Japanese style is the epitome of “Between the Wars” sensibilities.
Wooden sticks which have been inlaid with mother-of-pearl disks and incised with a gilt pattern, support a black silk screen, brightly painted with a peacock and orchids. Turquoise, gold, brilliant green, pink, white and shocking red cleverly emerge from the black background. These colors were extremely popular during that time period— a throwback to Eighteenth Century pastoral painting. Mounted in a period, custom-built, curiously geometric case, this fan was, no doubt, produced solely for artistic purposes. Its job was simply to look beautiful and it’s a task for which it is very well suited.
No, Bette Davis didn’t get along with everyone. Neither, in fact, did Miriam Hopkins. The two actresses—one at the height of her career, the other fading out—had a good many reasons to dislike one another. Miriam Hopkins suspected that Bette Davis had entered into an affair with her husband, Anatole Litvak, during the shooting of the Davis film, The Sisters. She was also a bit miffed that Bette had just won an Academy Award for Jezebel—the film version of the stage play in which Hopkins had played the lead (and flopped). Davis, on the other hand, felt that Hopkins was an overwrought scene stealer who would pull “every trick in the book” to divert attention from her co-stars. Their rivalry went back to their days on the New York stage when Hopkins was an established star and Davis was an ingénue. Hopkins was long considered a self-centered actor. Even in her later career when she had been relegated to playing character parts, she still fancied that each film was about her character. In The Heiress, for example, she believed that the film was about a caring aunt who had to guide her timid niece into a relationship with a handsome man. This interview with Bette Davis sums up her feelings on Miss Hopkins perfectly.
For this reason, the executives at Warner Brothers knew that a pairing between Hopkins and Davis would make for explosive drama. And, so, they presented the pair with the script for The Old Maid. Davis was against it. At the peak of her career, she didn’t wish to share starring credit with another actress—particularly Miriam Hopkins. Davis’ solution was simple—she would play both female leads. Warner Brothers declined her offer.
Warner Brothers Pictures
Production on The Old Maid began in 1939 based on the 1935 play of the same name by Zoe Atkins (a play which, incidentally, won a Pullitzer Prize) and adapted from the Edith Wharton novel, The Old Maid: The Fifties. The film was produced by Hal B. Wallis and directed by Edmund Goulding. Goulding had his hands full with these two bickering stars. Davis, to her credit, tried her best to be cordial, but Hopkins was typically histrionic. Davis later described how Hopkins would do anything possible to attract attention to herself in a scene—tugging on a button, fiddling with props. Hopkins also worked with makeup artist Perc Westmore to ensure that as the characters aged, Davis would always look considerably older.
By the end of filming, the feud between the two stars had reached an apex. Each feigned illness to avoid coming to the set. Production was stalled for eleven days because of their antics. In the end, however, the result was a perfectly lovely picture which used their animosity to its advantage.
The Old Maid is set in the United States during the Civil War and concerns two cousins—Davis playing Charlotte (why were her characters so frequently named Charlotte?) and Hopkins playing Delia. Delia and Charlotte both loved the same man—Clem Spender—played by George Brent who replaced Humphrey Bogart after only shooting for two days. Bogart was considered not manly enough for the part. Clem returns to interrupt Delia’s wedding to another man. Delia, however, proceeds to marry the moneyed gentleman. Broken-hearted, Clem is comforted by Charlotte and seduces the girl.
Warner Brothers Pictures
With Clem gone to battle, Charlotte discovers that she’s pregnant. When Clem is killed, she hides the pregnancy and opens up an orphanage so that her child, Clementina, can be raised amongst other “parentless” children. Charlotte is slated to marry Delia’s brother-in-law, but when Delia finds out the “Tina” is Charlotte’s illegitimate daughter, she stops the wedding.
Many years later, when Delia’s husband dies, she invites Charlotte to reconcile and move into her mansion with Clementina. Tina, who is unaware that Charlotte is her mother, begins to look to Delia as a mother-figure. Charlotte takes on the role of “The Old Maid” Aunt and her resentment toward Delia reaches a startling climax.
Despite all the off-set feuding, the two manage to deliver fine performances. With a musical backdrop by Max Steiner and the usual sumptuous Warner Brothers sets (Seriously, look at the staircase. It’s the same staircase that’s in every Bette Davis film, just with different railings), this picture is a lot of fun and offers some beautiful tension and drama.
By the way, Warner Brothers tried once again to capitalize on the much-publicized feud between the two stars with 1943 film, Old Acquaintance. That’s a real gem, too! After that film, Hopkins took a decade-long break from Hollywood.
Invented by John P. Bakewell in 1825, the creation of pressed glass involves the use of a plunger to distribute molten glass into a mold. When the glass hardens, it takes the shape of the mold which is then removed. The technique was initially developed as a means of producing inexpensive doorknobs and furniture pulls which were strong and attractive. However, the process was quickly adapted to create a variety of handsome glassware which soared in popularity in the United States in the late 1820’s and in Europe in the 1830’s.
Conversely, the creation of cut-glass had been in practice for many centuries prior to the Nineteenth Century. In cut glass, similarly in cut crystal, the object is formed by traditional glass-blowing techniques, and then faceted, cut and polished in much the same way a gem would be.
A Cut Crystal Waterford Pear
Pressed glass—while attractive in its own right—lacks the clarity, definition and luster of cut glass or crystal. If you question if a piece if pressed glass, examine the item for signs of a seam or area where the mold is evident. Typically, antique or vintage pressed glass will have a bit of a grayish tone and will be just slightly cloudier in areas that cut glass or crystal.
Big things are happening in Marionneaux as Punch’s Cousin continues with Chapter 61 this week. When last we saw Robert, he’d fallen in a heap on the floor of Carling Rittenhouse’s parlor after coughing up blood. This can’t be a good sign considering that Louisiana in the latter part of 1852 was about to be swept up in a terrible epidemic of Yellow Fever. Could Robert have contracted “Yellow Jack?” We’ll find out this week.
Why is it that Lady Barbara is working as a maid at the Rittenhouse Plantation—calling herself “Barbara Allen” and wearing a blonde wig no less? What could be motivating her to do this? Is it a promise she made to Iolanthe Evageline or something more? And, what’s become of her baby?
Mr. Punch must manage Robert’s illness as well as the increasing threat of danger at the hands of Iolanthe Evangeline. His desire to protect his “chums” might distract him from his goal of finding the Fallbridge Blue. Will Mr. Punch be able to handle all of the trials which are thrown at him or will he need to rouse Julian from his “rest” to help?
Cecil and Adrienne are about to face their worst nightmare head-on, and Naasir is going to be haunted by what he considers his own destiny. Worse still, Julian/Mr. Punch will be confronted by a voice which they thought was long-gone.
This week of Punch’s Cousin promises to be action-packed. My continued thanks to those of you who have been following this story. Your kind words are very much appreciated.
Now that the weather is a little cooler, it’s a great time to get outside for a little exercise.I’m not talking about doing wind sprints or jumping hurdles, but rather, a nice walk around your neighborhood.This is the time of year when we naturally become a bit sedentary—wishing to be cozy.However, we all still need to get a little cardiovascular exercise from time to time.
So, today, with weather permitting, do something to get your heart beating a little faster.You’ll feel all the better for it.
The technique of “Pressed Glass” rose in popularity in the early 1800’s. It has remained a valued method of replicating the look of cut-glass in mass production. Designers of the 1920’s and 1930’s were especially adept in creating pressed glass pieces—drawing upon elements and influences of their Victorian Counterparts.
This pair of pressed glass candleholders dates to the late 1920’s. Most likely American in production, these shimmering pieces reflect popular Art Deco influences while retaining some of the flare of late Victorian and early Edwardian design sensibilities such as “saw-tooth” detailing and faceting. Candleholders such as these would have found their way into a variety of uses—gracing tables, mantles, or even pianos. They speak of romance—the desire for the glow of candles in a world blazingly lit by electric light. Most assuredly, these items saw much joy, and perhaps, a little sorrow.
Now, that we’re firmly into October, starting this week, Stalking the Belle Époque will feature a classic film suitable for Halloween viewing. Our first film will be the terrifically entertaining Tallulah Bankhead “Grand Dame Guignol” classic, Die! Die, My Darling. We’ll also take a peek at the fascinating Miss Bankhead and explore her influence on our culture. In less gruesome pursuits (the film, not Tallulah), we’ll continue our exploration of the most beautiful locations in the world with a visit to The Hermitage Hotel in Nashville Tennessee.
As always, we’ll be featuring fine and interesting antiques and art from my own collection and from museums across the globe. Glittering gems, gorgeous paintings, sinuous sculpture, flickering images, puzzling photography and precious pets await you this week as well. Of course, Punch’s Cousin will continue with Chapter 61 as Mr. Punch must decide if it is he or Julian who can best help his ailing “chum.”
All of you who are reading have already made a huge difference in our worldwide community. I’ve been so heartened by the messages I’ve received from people who have begun to look at their world through new eyes—finding the gems amongst the rubble. Thank you for making this such a great experience.
