There were no Louise Brooks fan clubs in the 1920s or 1930s. However, if you were a fan of the actress during that time, you could write to her studio, Paramount, or a movie magazine, like Motion Picture Classic, and purchase a “signed” photo. Such photos, available for any number of stars, usually measured 5″ x 7″ and arrived in an envelope which may or may not have also had the star’s name on it. Additionally, the photos available from the studios may be accompanied by a short note which was also “signed” by the actor. Were these photos and notes actually signed? No, typically not, unless one paid extra, as noted in the magazine advertisement shown at the bottom of the page. In fact, most signatures were printed.(As these printed signatures resemble known examples of Brooks’ actual signature, it is likely Louise Brooks supplied an example of her autograph from which the Paramount publicity department made these duplicates.)
Below are four examples of fan photographs, two of which are more common than the others. Today, such ephemera occasionally turns up on eBay and other sites.
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| fan photo, circa 1926 with a printed signature |
fan photo, circa 1927 with a printed signature |
fan photo, circa 1928/1929 with a printed signature & “Paramount Pictures” |
fan photo, circa 1928/1929 with a printed signature & “Paramount Pictures” |
Below to the left is an example of an “autographed” note from Louise Brooks promoting her new frizzled hairstyle and then recent film, Evening Clothes. Such a note would have accompanied one of the 5″ x 7″ photos. (The references likely date the note to early to mid- 1927.) In the middle is an envelope in which one of the 5″ x 7″ photos might have arrived in. This one has Louise Brooks name printed on it, though I have seen other envelopes which had no name printed on them, just a return address for Paramount Famous Players Lasky Studios. To the right is a generic flier thanking the fan who wrote requesting a photo.On the reverse are thumbnail images of Brooks, Clara Bow, Pola Negri, Wallace Beery, Gary Cooper, Esther Ralston, Fay Wray, William Powell, Evelyn Brent, George Bancroft, Mary Brian and others.
The note, “In Appreciation,” reads, “I am indeed happy to send you the photograph you request. I want you to know that I appreciate your interest in me. I am taking advantage of this interest to send you a newsy little folder which tells just what the stars and players in this big Hollywood studio of ours are doing to create entertainment for you. You’ll find this folder interesting, I am sure.”
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| A note from Louise Brooks | A Paramount envelope | A note of Appreciation |
The note from Louise Brooks on the left reads, “Here I am in California for the first time, and I want to tell you how welcome your letter was. Of Course, I’m not homesick or anything like that, but you know how comfortable a feeling it is to get mail when you’re away from home. // After I finished Love ‘Em and Leave ‘Em in New York, Paramount sent me out here to work in Adolphe Menjou’s new picture, Evening Clothes, I’m an entirely different Louise Brooks in it, and I wouldn’t be surprised if you even don’t know me! // I’m enclosing the photograph and I hope you like it. It comes with my very best wishes.”
Along with writing to a studio, fans could also obtain a photo of their favorite star through one of the handful of movie magazines aimed toward fans. Both American and European magazines made such offers, with the French magazines offering to send photographic postcards. Here is an example of an advertisement from a magazine.which offers a (stiff cardboard) framed photograph along with a subscription to either Motion Picture or Motion Picture Classic. Among the stars listed is Louse Brooks — all for only $2.50.
