Thursday, March 28, 2013

The Classics and "Ginger Rogers" photographer John Miehle

John Miehle was born on August 7, 1902 in Los Angeles, California.   Being born so close to Hollywood Miehle went to work as an assistant camera man on the 1931 movie "Delicious" starring Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell. 

He then worked exclusively in the Camera and Electrical Department doing uncredited still photography on some of the best known films, such as "What Price Hollywood?," "Rain," "Little Women," "Top Hat," "Kitty Foyle," "Rope" and "Portrait of Jennie."

He photographed many of the greats as well including Constance Bennett, Joan Crawford, Irene Dunne, Ginger Rogers, Ann Harding, William Powell, Joel McCrea, Katherine Hepburn, Joan Bennett, Delores Del Rio, Randolph Scott, James Stewart, Cary Grant, Jean Arthur, Ruth Hussey, Jennifer Jones, Joseph Cotten, Ethel Barrymoore, Laraine Day, Franchot Tone, Ann Blyth, Farley Granger, and Dana Andrews.

He did many films with the great Ginger Rogers including many with Fred Astaire, and he worked on two Hitchcock films, "Rope" and "The Paradine Case."

The film "Portrait of Jennie" was a flop at the time but has become a famous classic in the fantasy romance genre.  He did many fine photos for the film.

In addition, he did many publicity shots of such stars as Carole Lombard, Marilyn Monroe, and Lucille Ball.

He died at the young age of 49 on February 19, 1952 in Los Angeles, California.

As usual, when I find more on any of the photographer's listed, I will add the new information on each one. 

Here are some examples of his work:

Barbara Stanwyck



Carole Lombard







Many great images of Joan Crawford for "Rain."
 















 
The many faces of Ginger Rogers.
 
 




 
Dancing alone and with Fred Astaire above.
 
Shirley Temple and her newborn.
 



Jean Arthur
 
Jennifer Jones

Lucille Ball

Marilyn Monroe

Gloria Swanson
 
Alida Valli
 
Hitch directing "The Paradine Case."


 
Two copies of his stamp.
 
 
 
 

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Edward Cronenweth: Candid, Still and Cheesecake Photographer

Not much could be found on this photography artist but, as usual, I'll keep digging and add things as I find them.

Cronenweth was born on March 20th 1903 in Pennsylvania.

He worked as uncredited still photographer on such films as,  "The Gorgeous Hussy,"  "The Lady From Shanghai," and "Ensign Pulver."

He took photographs of Rita Hayworth, Joan Crawford, Glenn Ford, Lucille Ball, William Holden, Robert Stack, Gia Scala, and Cliff Robertson.

Corbis mentions this as being on the back of one of Cronenweth's photos:

Original caption:4/14/1941-Hollywood, CA: The "still photographer" comes to his own in Hollywood. He is the unsung cameraman who makes the pictures that are used for display and publicity purposes. In the still photo show of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Ed Cronenweth came out with first prize for his action still of Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney.  (Seen Below).

He is well-known for his photograhs taken during the filming of "The Lady From Shanghai" including the photos of Hayworth and Orson Welles against a backdrop of mirrors.  His photos were also used for publicity for the movie poster and other items for the film as well.

Died June 26, 1990 at age 87 in Los Angeles, California. 

Here is an example of his work:

Cliff Robertson

Joan Crawford
 
Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland
 
Ann Miller

Cleo Moore

Jinx Falkenberg
 

Lucille Ball
 

Myrna Loy



Candids of Marilyn Monroe
 
The many photos of Hayworth taken during the making of "The Lady From Shanghai."
 


 






This one shows the Cronenworth taking a shot of Rita.
 
The famous 'mirror' pix.
 



 
Other pix of Hayworth with the fabulous dress:
 







 
The posters that the photos prompted:
 




 
 
Two examples of his stamps.