MARY ASTOR | HOLLYWOOD (1923) Photo by Richee

Los Angeles: Paramount Studios, [1923]. Vintage original 8 x 10″ (20 x 25 cm) black-and-white double weight glossy silver gelatin photo. Studio ink stamp, typed blurb and photographer Gene Robert Richee’s ink stamp on verso, near fine.

Though the lead of this tale of a smalltown hopeful coming to Hollywood to fulfil her dreams, Hope Drown, is not remembered, leading lady on the rise Mary Astor is. In just her third year in films (often uncredited or in small roles prior), Astor achieved star status, evidenced by her inclusion as one of the many stars with cameo roles featured in the film. Because of that, unknowns were cast in major roles. Astor was popular enough to be photographed by the esteemed Hollywood photographer Eugene Robert Richee.

Filmed on real Hollywood locations, this silent film is regrettably lost.