MARY MARTIN : PRETTY STAGE & FILM STAR : "LOVE THY NEIGHBOR" : 1940 PRESS PHOTO

Description: This vintage press photo features pretty American stage, film, and television star, Mary Martin (1913-1990). She was also a singer who sung many songs by Rodgers and Hammerstein. During her stage career, she originated many leading roles in such shows as "South Pacific" (1949), "Peter Pan" (1954), and in "The Sound of Music" (1959). She was the mother of actor Larry Hagman, of "Dallas" and "I Dream of Jeannie" fame. Martin was born in Texas. Her father was an attorney and her mother was a violin teacher. As a child, Martin sang at a bandstand in her town square. She went to finishing school in Tennessee. At about age 17, she married and quickly became pregnant. She did not enjoy being a housewife and became bored with the role. She opened a dance studio and taught, but also learned. She focused on imitating the popular dancers of the time. She also created her own choreography. She also went for dance training in California. Upon returning to Texas, she taught dance but also began singing to audiences. Returning to California, she began her professional singing career. She had left behind her husband and son. Her father helped her obtain a divorce. She auditioned for jobs in California and she was hired to sing on a national radio network. By 1938, Martin was performing on Broadway. She performed the song "My Heart Belongs to Daddy" and that performance catapulted her into stardom. The IBDb reports that she performed in eleven Broadway shows between 1939 and 1978. She won a Tony Award for her performance in "South Pacific" (1949). She also won a Tony for her roles in "Peter Pan" (1954) and in "The Sound of Music" (1959). Martin was in nine films between 1938 and 1943. She preferred the stage over films. She also had frequent television appearances. This press photo was taken for the "Examiner" in 1940. It is unknown which city was the home of the "Examiner". It is a good guess that the photograph was taken for the "Los Angeles Examiner". At the time of the photo shoot, she was filming two movies; "Rhythm of the River" with Bing Crosby, and "Love Thy Neighbor" with Fred Allen and Jack Benny. This press photograph measures about 8 x 10 inches and is in excellent condition (see scans).

Price: 55 USD

Location: Northport, New York

End Time: 2024-12-02T11:57:29.000Z

Shipping Cost: 3.85 USD