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.

 

 

 

 

The Iconic Hollywood Photograher: Robert Coburn

Coburn was born June 23, 1900.  For three decades, he was one of the most important portrait photographers in Hollywood from the 1930s to 60s.  He was well known for photographing Joan Crawford, Carole Lombard, Hedy Lamarr, Henry Fonda, Joel McCrea, Lucille Ball, Marlon Brando, Montgomery Clift, Janet Leigh, Orson Welles, Ginger Rogers, Fred Astaire, Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn, and Kim Novak.  Rita Hayworth said he was her own favorite photographer and he took some of her best known photos including those for her most remembered film, "Gilda." 

Beginning in 1940, he started working for Columbia for 20 years and is most associated with that studio for not only his portrait photography but also his set stills for many classic films.  Some of the films he worked on include: "Vertigo", "The Birds," "Our Town", "Algiers", and "Cover Girl."

He died on July 3, 1990 in Canoga Park, California.  He is burried in Los Angeles at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery. 

Here are some examples of his work:

Tippi Hedren and Alfred Hitchcock share a laugh on the set of "The Birds."

The great Carole Lombard.

A unique Halloween one of Dusty Anderson and the back of the photo below:

Hedy Lamarr in one of her most famous settings.

Loretta Young showing off fine fashion.

Cary Grant, need we say more?

From "Cover Girl."

Rita Hayworth as the title character in "Gilda."

Orson Welles with Hayworth in "The Lady From Shanghai."

Photographer Coburn and subject Hayworth.

Coburn with Joan Crawford and her dog.

With Susan Peters.

Some of his later work in the late 50s of Kim Novak below:

From the film "Bell, Book and Candle."

"That Hamilton Woman" gave Coburn a chance to recreate a painting of the real Emma Hamilton by George Romney below:

Below are some examples of the front and back of photos that include various ink stamps used for Coburn:

Frances Farmer

Gia Scala

Starlet Jean Carmen.

And one more of Rita...