VERONICA LAKE - AUTOGRAPHED INSCRIBED PHOTOGRAPH - HFSID 19975

VERONICA LAKE
Charming pose of the actress holding a dog.
Photograph inscribed and signed: "To Nat,/The dearest/of my friends/May the Lord/smile on you/always/Love,/Veronica". B/w, 8x10. Photograph by Virgil D. Haynes, Harbor Springs, Michigan (stamped on verso). According to notes on verso (unknown hand) this photograph was received in 1960 and used in "Modern Screen" magazine in January 1961. Screen and television actress Veronica Lake (1919-1973), born Constance Frances Marie Ockelman, was known as "the Peek-a-Boo Girl" for her signature hairstyle, which was swept over the right side of her forehead, sometimes partially covering her right eye. A former beauty queen, Lake made her film debut in 1939, first billed as Constance Keane (she had adopted the last name of her stepfather). She first received notice from the public with her role in the 1941 film, I Wanted Wings, and it was at that time that the actress became Veronica Lake. She had top billing in the 1942 film, This Gun for Hire, and Lake went on to star in several box office smashes, including So Proudly We Hail! (1943). Her other film credits include Star Spangled Rhythm (1942), Duffy's Tavern (1945), Hold That Blonde (1945), The Blue Dahlia (1946), Variety Girl (1947), Slattery's Hurricane (1949), Stronghold (1951), Footsteps in the Snow (1966) and Flesh Feast (1970, her last film). Lake was also seen on the small screen from 1950 (Your Show of Shows) through 1954 (Broadway Television Theatre). The diminutive actress was also an accomplished aviatrix. Writing is light at some words but completely legible, light stain at one word. Lightly creased at blank margins and corners, ink notes and marks (unknown hand) at left and upper margins. Surface creased, touching facial image. 1½x1¼-inch tear at dog's face has been inexpertly repaired on verso with tape (minor show through). Ink notes (unknown hand) and tape stains on verso. Overall, fair condition.