From the editor
When you think of Jewish movie stars from old Hollywood, who comes to mind? The Three Stooges? The Marx brothers? What about Fanny Brice, the real life “funny girl”? Or Molly Picon, star of Yiddish stage and screen, and silent film femme fatale Theda Bara? This photoshoot imagines these three historical Jewish performers as an ultra-glamorous friend group taking the streets of Hollywood by storm.
Mik Moore — President, Heeb Media
From 2008
Best Femmes Forever Photoshoot
Once upon a time, the first Jewish film starlets were striking, young first-generation Americans: vamp Theda Bara, Yiddish darling Molly Picon and comedienne Fanny Brice. These beauties weren't exactly bosom buddies during the years their careers overlapped (Fanny Brice even parodied Theda Bara's seductress persona in Ziegfeld's Follies), but we like to imagine them as a power threesome, joining forces to seduce Hollywood with their talent and feminine charms.
Fanny - Vintage Navy Silk Slip, and Orange and Navy Silk Printed Scarf from Tahir Boutique; Opal and Cold Antique Ring from Vintage!; Antique Yellow Cigarette Holder from Vintage!; Gold and Amethyst Multi-strand Belt, Stylist’s Own.
Theda - Black Silk Embroidered Kimono, Stylist's Own; Gold and Diamond Snake Earrings from Vintage!; Gold Snake Cuff from Vintage!; Gold and Rhinestone Necklace and Rhinestone "T" Ring from Girlprops.
Molly - Rose Chiffon Embroidered Tank, Tracey Reese; Mauve Silk Slip from Tahir Boutique; Gold Chain and Green Stone Hanging Earrings, Orange Rhinestone Necklace, and Gold Ring with Pink Stone from Girlprops; Gold and Pearl Bracelet from Vintage!; Antique Gold Locket Astridland; Vintage Beige Suede Mary Janes from Screaming Mimi's; Vintage Orange Rhinestone Bracelet, Stylist's Own.
Theda - Black Dress with Gold Beading from Screaming Mimi's; Fendi Cold Chain Necklace, Bruce Snell Collection At Tahir Boutique, Black Long Fur Coat from Tahir Boutique: Gold and Diamond Large Stud Earrings, Dior; Black Leather Opera Gloves, La Crasia; Black Woven Leather and Wooden Wedge Sandals, Yves Saint Laurent; Iron Cross Ring and Gold Mesh Bracelets from Girlprops; Black Lace and Suede Hat from Tahir Boutique; Gold Mesh Bag, Nine West; Onyx and Cold Long Necklace, Stylist's Own.
Chauffeur - Christian Dior Mauve Silk Button-down Shirt and Brooks Brothers Black Patent Leather Shoes from Screaming Mimi's; 1920s Black Tuxedo, Navy Mink Scarf and Vintage Military Hat from Tahir Boutique; Black Leather Driving Gloves, La Crasia.
Bartender - Fendi Brown Silk Suspenders, Dior Silk Tie, and Pierre Cardin White and Purple Striped Button-down from Tahir Boutique.
Theda - Black Lace and Sheer Dress with Beaded Shoulders from Screaming Mimi's; Purple and Turquoise Peacock-feather Headband, Plumashop.com; Long Black Pearl Necklace, Black Lace Gloves and Diamond-shaped Crystal Ring from Girlprops; Black Multi-strand Chain Necklace, Astridland; Black Beaded Evening Bag from Tahir Boutique; Onyx and Diamond Zebra Ring from Vintage!; Black and White Bakelite Earrings, Stylist's Own.
Molly - Burberry Vintage Gold Clip-on Earrings, Bruce Snell Collection; Teal, Blue and Pink Printed Silk Dress with Fringe from Tahir Boutique; Opal and Gold Antique Ring, Gold and Pearl Bracelet, and Gold Sequined Clutch from Vintage!; Antique Gold Cameo and Long Pearls, Stylist's Own.
Fanny - Rouge Knot Pendant Necklace, Subversive; White Dolman-sleeved Wrap Dress with Crystal Beading from Screaming Mimi's; Cold Star Of David Necklace, Gold "F" Ring and Rhinestone Necklace from Girlprops; Gold Lucite and Rhinestone Clutch from Tahir Boutique; White Leather Belt, Stylist's Own.
This excerpt is from an article originally published in HEEB #16, Spring 2008.
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The Rabbit Hole
- “I played Fanny Brice on Broadway. Here’s what she taught me about being an actor”The Forward, 2023 >
- “Cincinnati’s First Hollywood Star Has Attracted a Whole New Generation of Fans”Cincinnati Magazine, 2020 >
- “Remembering Molly Picon, Yiddish Cinderella”The Forward, 2014 >
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