Collection Spotlight: My First Ann Dvorak Photo

Year of Ann Dvorak: Day 331

Match003

As you thumb through your copy of Ann Dvorak: Hollywood’s Forgotten Rebel and come across this photo, some of you may be wondering why I did not select one of the more shocking ones  from Three on a Match showing a disheveled, drug-addicted Ann getting ready to throw herself through a window. Yes, one of the images from later on in the film may have been more visually arresting, but I felt very strongly about including this photo with Warren William because it was the first piece of Ann I ever owned. This photo is what got me started on this crazy journey.

A few months back I detailed how my friend Darin introduced me to the world of memorabilia collecting by giving me a photo of Ann Dvorak he just happened to have at home. This was that photo. At this time I was unaware that a working class kid like myself could own vintage movie memorabilia, so to be handed an original still of one of my favorite actresses in one of my favorite films was a revelation. Sixteen years later I have A LOT of Dvorak memorabilia to show for it and along with a published book about the lady herself.

I think including this photo in the book was a fitting homage to Darin, Ann, and that fateful date in 1997 that changed the course of my life.

2 Comments

  1. Vienna November 27, 2013

    Understandable how that photo means so much to you.
    Aren’t we going to hear about your Sunday talk about Ann? Hope it went well.
    Don’t suppose anyone did a video!

  2. admin November 27, 2013

    The talk went very well! Pepper of the Follies was indeed fabulous, but I think I held my own. We even managed to sell a few books! Yes, the event was recorded and as soon as it goes up on the LAVA website I will post it here (and probably not watch it myself even though my husband says I should in order to improve the presentation).

    Thanks for asking!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *