LEON AMES - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH - HFSID 315533

LEON AMES
The character actor is shown standing on a street corner wearing a dark suit in this vintage 3½x5¾ candid photograph acquired from the collection of Francis and Violet Zane
Photograph signed: "Leon Ames", in blue ink, B/w 3½x5¾. Actor Leon Ames (1902-1993), born Leon Waycoff, began his film career as a matinee idol but is best known for playing a befuddled patriarch in both films and on television. Ames, who made his film debut in 1931, played in a long list of features through the 1980s, including Murders in the Rue Morgue (1932), Meet Me in St. Louis (1944), Little Women (1949), Peyton Place (1957), From the Terrace (1960), The Absent-Minded Professor (1961), Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970), On a Clear Day You Can See Forever (1970), Testament (1983) and Peggy Sue Got Married (1986, his last film). He debuted on television as the star of Life With Father (1953-1955), and Ames would go on to starring series roles in Father of the Bride (1961-1962) and Mr. Ed (1963-1965, as neighbor Gordon Kirkwood). Ames also made several TV movies and appeared as a guest star on a long list of series, beginning with early TV anthologies. He was also the owner of a successful Los Angeles automobile dealership. 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. Lightly bowed. Corners lightly worn and creased. Slightly soiled on left margin. Otherwise, fine condition.