Jun 24
actress and dancer mabel lee, known as queen of the soundies, on the march 1947 cover of ebony magazine.
source: retrosspection / dance_archivist
seen from United States
seen from Puerto Rico
seen from Malaysia
seen from Malaysia
seen from Ireland
seen from United States
seen from Malaysia
seen from India
seen from United States
seen from Netherlands
seen from United States
seen from China
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Austria
seen from China
seen from United States
seen from France
seen from Malaysia
seen from Austria
actress and dancer mabel lee, known as queen of the soundies, on the march 1947 cover of ebony magazine.
source: retrosspection / dance_archivist
Mabel LEE " The Cat Can't Dance " !!!
Mabel Lee
As the two women talked, Olive and Ember babbled and ate in the background.
“After so many years, Mother. What is it that has you running here? No longer think I am a foolish, selfish daughter?” Mabel recognized her tone was a bit harsh, this was her mother after all. However, the sting of her mother’s opinions had stuck with her all this time, and her last letter hadn’t been that long ago.
“Please, Mabel. You must understand my position, I do love you, but this is not the matter I intended to discuss. It’s your father Mabel,” Her mother’s voice faltered a moment and she began again. “He’s not been well this winter, sick with a fever beginning again and again...I’m here to let you know that he has passed.
Mabel made breakfast for the family, and as the girls awoke, found herself playing games and reading stories as if nothing had happened. She felt the pangs of loss in her heart and wondered if the girls noticed that something was different this morning. Just as she was going to change Olive, she heard a knock at their front door.
A few hours later, after helping Eloise, Mabel decided to make a social call to Mrs. Law. Her home was lovely, and she invited Mabel in to meet the children, of which there were three.
“So nice of you to think of us, Mrs. Lee. My husband, Terrence, is out at the school right now, preparing for the week. Would you like some tea?” Julia’s demeanor was elegant and she spoke with grace, it inspired respect in Mabel.
“Thank you, yes, Julia. Any is fine.”
“Mother? What are you doing here? I was not aware you knew of where we lived.” Mabel had seen through the stained glass the familiar figure of her mother, she couldn’t believe her eyes. After all these years?
“Yes, Mabel, hello. I am sorry to arrive without corresponding first, however, it was urgent. It’s quite cold, Mabel. May I be invited in?” her mother’s voice was strained and Mabel invited her in to speak.