McBean, Angus (1904-1990) photographer and designer

‘Lupe Valez in ‘Transatlantic Rhythm’
London, 1936

Unique gelatin silver print photograph, signed and dated on the mount, inscribed by McBean to recto

Valez was know as the ‘Mexican spitfire’, though McBean found her very easy to work with. This image was published in The Sketch, September 30th, 1936, inscribed to verso “Unique Print”.

300 by 240mm (11¾ by 9½ inches).

Lupe Valez was the first American star to come to McBean’s studio. Her first film role was with Laurel and Hardy, followed by ‘The Gaucho ‘ with Douglas Fairbanks Snr. and Mary Pickford. She had an unsuccessful marriage to Johnny Weissmuller who became the first film Tarzan. Valez came to London in 1936 to play in ‘Transatlantic Rhythm ‘ which was a box- office disaster. She committed suicide aged thirty-six.

Provenance Ex Collection David Ball

£1500

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