#clara bow

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Bela Lugosi's commissioned painting of Clara Bow by Geza Kende, 1929.

A brief affair between Clara and Bela Lugosi began after she saw the play "Dracula" in 1929. Clara wore only a bathing suit under a fur coat to the theater, and Lugosi later joked of her infamous "love bites" all along his back. The painting remained in his home until his death in 1956.

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Clara Bow's fan letter to Marlon Brando, 1954.

transcript below.

1954

Dear Mr. Brando,

May I at this time, again, congratulate you on your superb performances in "On the Waterfront" and "Desiree". I know how busy you are with your career, but if in the future, you take ten, I'd appreciate a new autographed photo from my favorite artist. The one you autographed and sent me almost two years ago is still framed and on my dressing table, but the writing on it has almost vanished- for what reason I can't understand- thus the above request. You didn't by any chance write with vanishing ink, did you? Although we have never met personally I feel as we did. I know two of your friends, however, and they told me how much you enjoyed playing tricks on them. I adore a good sense of humor, wit and whimsy in people, so I would not mind a past photo written in vanishing ink. -When I was in my teens and even older I did things that most people considered crazy, wild and unconvential [sic]! Paramount raised hell when they found out I was rolling-skating [sic] on the streets of Beverly Hills. I still went on skating, nevertheless, I liked doing it and could not understand the consternation I provoked in the studio- heads hearts [??] I don't need to tell you that the so-called social elite of Hollywood snubbed me, and you know what- I didn't give a hoot! Don't forget that new photo and this time- no ink that disappears into thin air- please Marlon B.

Sincerely, Clara Bow

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Clara Bow and Glenn Hunter in GRIT (1924)

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Clara Bow in GRIT (1924)

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Clara Bow and father Robert Bow, 1924.

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Clara Bow and Alice Joyce in DANCING MOTHERS (1925)

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Clara Bow in MANTRAP (1926)

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Hotel Jefferson 3x5in souvenir booklet, autographed in pencil by Clara Bow.

April 30 1937.