Helen Menken

Helen Menken (December 12, 1901 – March 27, 1966), American actress, vintage, 8 x 10, satin finish photograph. Credited to notable photographers the Pach Brothers, New York.

Originally a teenage actress who made her Broadway theatre debut in 'Parlor, Bedroom and Bath' in 1917. Her greatest stage triumphs were 'Seventh Heaven' in 1922–1924 (Janet Gaynor played her role of Diane in the 1927 classic film); 'Mary of Scotland' in 1933–1934 as Elizabeth I opposite Helen Hayes in the title role (Katharine Hepburn played Mary in the 1936 film version); and 'The Old Maid,' the Pulitzer Prize-winning play that starred Menken and Judith Anderson in 1935. Bette Davis would recreate Menken's role as the spinster with a secret in the 1939 film version.

The Pach Brothers photography studio is one of the oldest photographic firms in business in New York City, having begun operations in 1867. Patrons included famous and ordinary Americans involved in business, politics, government, medicine, law, education, and the arts, as well as thousands of students, families and children who sat for Pach cameras from 1866 onward.

Features original Pach Brothers 'blind' credit stamping. Front bears original artist touch up and cropping markings. Verso bears original handwritten notations in pencil. In very good condition.