Alfred Langevin, the Man Who Could Smoke Through His Eye

Here’s Alfred Langevin (1885–1974), French-Canadian, aka the “Eye Smoker,” who could smoke a pipe through his eye. In the 1930s, he resided in Detroit, Michigan but was under the employ of Robert Ripley. Mr. Langevin was featured not only in the Believe-It-Or-Not cartoons of Ripley, but also appeared in Ripley’s renowned Odditorium from 1933 toContinue reading “Alfred Langevin, the Man Who Could Smoke Through His Eye”

Fascinating Black and White Photos of Life in Britain in 1939

Boys release toy balloons bearing appeals for the Doctor Barnardo’s Home at Stepney, London, August 1939 After the German invasion of Poland, The King declared war in September 1939. In preparation for war, Britain undertakes measures including calling up of troops, citizens returning home from abroad, children rehearsing safety drills. The government also thought ofContinue reading “Fascinating Black and White Photos of Life in Britain in 1939”

Yesterday Today: October 17

1938 Phantom Corsair 1938 Phantom Corsair

30 Portrait Photos of Actor Vincent Price in the 1930s and 1940s

Born 1911 in St. Louis, Missouri, American actor Vincent Price had his first film role as leading man in the 1938 comedy Service de Luxe. He became well known as a character actor, appearing in films such as The Song of Bernadette (1943), Laura (1944), The Keys of the Kingdom (1944), Leave Her to HeavenContinue reading “30 Portrait Photos of Actor Vincent Price in the 1930s and 1940s”

Actor Ray Milland in the 1930s and 1940s

Born 1907 as Alfred Reginald Jones in Neath, Glamorgan, Welsh-American actor and film director Ray Milland served in the Household Cavalry of the British Army, becoming a proficient marksman, horseman and aeroplane pilot before becoming an actor. He had his first major role in The Flying Scotsman (1929). This led to a nine-month contract withContinue reading “Actor Ray Milland in the 1930s and 1940s”

Vintage Photos Show the First Class Carriages of the Great Western Railway in the Late 1930s

Drinking in a Great Western Railway buffet bar, September 1938. In 1832 it became clear that Bristol simply had to be connected to London. A group of businessmen got together and turned to one of Britain’s greatest engineers, Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The go-ahead was given in 1835 and the story of the Great Western RailwayContinue reading “Vintage Photos Show the First Class Carriages of the Great Western Railway in the Late 1930s”

40 Incredible Colorized Photos Show What Life in America Looked Like during the 1930s and 1940s

Street kids at play, Georgetown, Washington D.C., Summer 1935 The Great Depression was the worst economic downturn in the history of the industrialized world, lasting from 1929 to 1939. It began after the stock market crash of October 29, 1929, the “Black Tuesday”, which sent Wall Street into a panic and wiped out millions ofContinue reading “40 Incredible Colorized Photos Show What Life in America Looked Like during the 1930s and 1940s”

30 Stunning Vintage Photos of Anna May Wong in the 1930s

Anna May Wong (born Wong Liu Tsong) was an American actress, considered to be the first Chinese American Hollywood movie star, as well as the first Chinese American actress to gain international recognition. Wong became interested in movies at a very young age and decided to pursue a film career. During the silent film era,Continue reading “30 Stunning Vintage Photos of Anna May Wong in the 1930s”

30 Amazing Photos Show Street Scenes of Amsterdam During the 1930s

Amsterdam is the capital and most populous city of the Netherlands. It is colloquially referred to as the “Venice of the North”, attributed by the large number of canals which form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Amsterdam is well known for its nightlife and festival activity; with several of its nightclubs (Melkweg, Paradiso) among theContinue reading “30 Amazing Photos Show Street Scenes of Amsterdam During the 1930s”

20 Fascinating Vintage Photos of a Young Lucille Ball During Her Modeling Days in the 1930s

Although she is a beautiful woman, Lucille Ball never really attempted to have a glamorous look in her television career, so you might be surprised to learn that Lucy earned her living as a model before she ever turned to comedy for her show business career. In fact, she dyed her blonde hair red toContinue reading “20 Fascinating Vintage Photos of a Young Lucille Ball During Her Modeling Days in the 1930s”