JANET BLAIR - AUTOGRAPHED INSCRIBED PHOTOGRAPH - HFSID 311940

JANET BLAIR
The actress signs her name in blue ink on this vintage 3½x5½ candid photograph acquired from the collection of Francis and Violet Zane, shown wearing black gloves with a skirt and shirt, smiling softly
Inscribed photograph signed: "To Violet/Good luck/Janet/Blair", in blue ink, B/w 3½x5½. Talented singer and stage, screen and television actress Janet Blair (1921-2007), born Martha Jean Lafferty, was singing with Hal Kemp's band at the Coconut Grove in Los Angeles when she was discovered by a Columbia Pictures talent scout in 1941. She was featured in one film (Three Girls About Town) that year, and Blair appeared in three more films before starring in her "breakout role" - Eileen Sherwood in My Sister Eileen (1942). Going on to appear in films until 1976 (Won Ton Ton, the Dog Who Saved Hollywood), her credits include The Fabulous Dorseys (1947), The Fuller Brush Man (1948), Boys' Night Out (1962) and The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band (1968). Blair, who left Hollywood for Broadway in 1950, is best known for her role as Ensign Nellie Forbush in South Pacific, in which she toured for many years, appearing in the role more times than any other actress. Blair also enjoyed a successful television career, appearing on early TV anthologies from 1948 (The Ford Theatre Hour) and guest starring on a number of TV series and game shows. This photograph is from the collection of Francis and Violet Zane, Hawaii natives who moved to California in the 1920's. Francis Zane had a job at the historic Curran Theater and the San Francisco Opera House, which is where he began his massive collection, with photographs and materials ranging from the 1920's to 1960's. The location and luck of his occupation would land him smack dab in the middle of the celebrity world, allowing him to capture some of the most unique and interesting pieces of Hollywood History. Pencil notem (unknown hand) on verso. Corners slightly worn. Slightly toned. Otherwise, fine condition.