Mid-20th Century Gala Events

Elegant nighttime social gatherings capturing individuals in sophisticated dresses and tuxedos, set against a backdrop of vintage charm and glamour.

Marlene Dietrich (1901-1992), German actress and singer with Noel Coward (1899-1973) at the Globe Theatre in London to see Coward's play After the Ball Date: 16th June 1954

Beautiful dresses were worn by Mrs. John Broinowski, of Point Piper, and wife of Sydney Symphony Orchestra conductor, Mrs. Eugene Goossens, with Mr. Broinowski. December 15, 1952.

Marlene Dietrich (1901-1992), German actress and singer with Noel Coward (1899-1973) at the Globe Theatre in London to see Coward's play After the Ball Date: 16th June 1954

Margaret Truman & Rossano Brazzi. November 9, 1955.

Ronald and Nancy Reagan attended the movie premiere of 'The High and the Mighty' in 1954 at Hollywood's Egyptian Theatre.

English stage and screen star Jimmy Hanley, from the cast of to Dorothy, A Son, brought leading lady, Babs McKinnon, to the premiere. March 10, 1952.

FRANK SINATRA; RONALD REAGAN; BARBARA RUSH.

Princess Margaret Attends Savoy BallH.R.H. Princess Margaret last night attended the Ball at the Savoy Hotel, held in aid of the Dockland Settlement.One of the Queen's Coronation Maids of Honour, Lady Mary Baillie-Hamilton, seen talking to friends during the ball at the Savoy Hotel last night. May 27, 1953. (Photo by Fox Photos).

The Dana Andrews are said to be quarrelling, but put a good face on it as they greet grand old man of movies, Jean Herscholt, Dana hasn't been seen on the screen recently, has been quoted as saying there are no good stories for "a man of his capabilities." December 1, 1952.

Party At The Savoy -- Prince and Princess Frederick of Prussia (left) areseen at the Savoy party for the Bavarian State Opera Company.The party was given by Germany's Ambassador in London, Dr. Hans Schlange-Schoeningen.Princess Frederick wears an attractive deep red off the shoulder cocktail gown. September 23, 1953. (Photo by Evening Standard).

***** congratulating pianist Richard Farrell after his performance with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, connected by her husband, at the opening of the ABC Celebrity Season at the Town Hall last night. The second in this series of concerts will take place tonight. March 07, 1951.

A visitor from Australia -- Joan Greenwood, the young English film and stage star, chatting with Mr. Eric Cole, a visitor from Australia, at the Lyceum Ball, held in aid of the rebuilding fund of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts Theatre. January 29, 1948. (Photo by Sports & General Press Agency, Limited).

First night of "Relative Values" OPS. Noel Coward kisses Judy Campbell after the show tonight. November 28, 1951. (Photo by Daily Mail Contract)

Danny Kaye (1913-1987) American actor and singer with Bette Davis (1908-1989) American actress

Fistic Royalty. Marcel Cerdan, French Middle weight king, and his lovely wife were ***** those present. January 1, 1948. (Photo by Acme Photo).

Steve Cochran escorted pretty newcomer Marcia Henderson to the Hollywood Foreign Press Association's annual ball and award dinner, which was held at the Del Mar Club, Santa Monica. April 17, 1953.

Ben Arnott & Wife. January 01, 1951.

Arlene Dahl and Fernando Lamas. July 19, 1953.

Noel Coward Looks On - As The Stars Rehearse.Noel Coward smokes an on-stage cigarette as he watched the two stars Graham Payn and Pat Kirkwood rehearse his new musical show "Ace of Clubs". April 18, 1950. (Photo by Keystone).

Susan Zanuck, Cesar Romero. June 19, 1953.

TV comedian George Gobel, who recently signed his first movie contract, was instantly recognized by his fans as he arrived at the Pantages theater. With him is his real-life wife, "Alice," Too. June 3, 1955. (Photo by United Press).

President Kennedy and Mrs Khrushchev at summit in Vienna, Austria 1961

American actress Lucille Ball (Lucille DŽsirŽe Ball) smiling and sitting beside her husband, the Cuban-born American actor Desi Arnaz (Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y de Acha III). 1950s.

Helen Grieve star of "Bush Christmas" with director Ralph Smart at the film's premiere at the embassy theatre on Friday night. December 23, 1947. (Photo by Hall Williamson).

The Tyrone Powers At Stork Club.Tyrone Power (right), in New York to attend the World Premiere of his latest motion picture, "The Razor's Edge", listens interestedly to an anecdote by Samuel Goldwyn (left) as Power and his wife, Annabella (center) visit the Stork Club, New York, Nov. 16. Power, on Oct. 26, confirmed an announcement that he and his wife had separated, but denied reports that he would wed Gene Tierney, with whom he is co-starred in 'The Razor's Edge." November 17, 1946. (Photo by Associated Press Photo).

The man-of-the-world-look, demonstrated by George Raft with Rosemary Colligan. March 9, 1953.

Greer Garson and Buddy Fogelson. November 29, 1949.

Lady Rendlesham draws photographer Baron's attention to friends on the dance floor at a recent fashion ball in a London hotel. "Top ten" designer like Mattli and Digby **** rubbed shoulders with the wives of the ***** manufacturers of "Off-the-peg" clothes.The ball as held in aid of orphans.The three color pictures of the Duke of Edinburgh (on Page 22) were taken by Baron, the celebrate London Court photographer and a close friend of the Duke. He is wearing those colorful uniforms on his present visit to Canada a visit from which the starch has been thoroughly soaked out The stay is much less formal than the Royal tour of Australia, with more freedom allowed for what he wants to see, rather than catering for the people who want to see him. And this will surely be the pattern when he comes to Australia again for the Olympic Games. November 23, 1953.

Betty Young - They're ***** but once she gave Robert a black *****. November 22, 1954.

Theatre Royal audience at Bell, Book and Candle premiere last night included model Judy Barraclough and husband, Dr. Ian Potts. October 04, 1951.

Actress Valerie Hobson & husband John Profumo MP, Parliamentary Secty. to Ministry of Transport England. January 08, 1955.

Ted Ray, and his "Radio wife", Australian Kitty Bluett, celebrated the broadcast of the 200th edition of their program "Ray's a Laugh", in England last week. April 07, 1954. (Photo by Daily Mail Contract Picture).

Arlene Dahl and Fernando Lamas as "Egyptian" Premiere. January 01, 1955.

Ann Blyth attends a premiere with new fiance Dr. James McNulty. Ann Blyth and her husband Dr. James McNulty, Los Angeles obstetrician and brother of Dennis Day the well-known singer, at a Hollywood premiere. July 19, 1953.

Marion Davies, former ***** star announced today that she would ***** for divorce ***** Captain Horace *****.A Spokesman ***** that Captain Brown had left his wife's mansion last Friday. The petition, to be filed today in Santa Monica, would charge mental cruelty, the spokesman added.The couple married in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1951. Captain Brown is 49, a year older than his wife, who is considered one of the screen's richest women. October 27, 1954.

Marge and Gower Champion went to a premiere before leaving Hollywood on a nightclub tour insist on working together. August 17, 1953.

Lana Turner, Fernando Lamas and Ava Gardner. January 15, 1953.

Off To America.Ralph Bellamy, the American stage and film actor, and his wife, photographed at Waterloo this morning when they left for home. August 07, 1952.

Down from Burren Junction, "Boy" Thompson dined at Romano's with socialite Mrs Philip Gibson, who wore a frock of gold nylon. May 03, 1950.

Olivia De Havilland and Marcus Goodrich.Film actress Olivia de Havilland sobbed today as she said her husband flew into violent rages and threatened to kill her.The testimony won her a divorce from novelist Marcus Goodrich, 54.Miss de Havilland, 36, is an Academy Award winner.Judge Thurmond Clarke awarded her custody of a son of the marriage. August 27, 1952.

Katharine Hepburn. February 14, 1949.

Cole Porter didn't bring any music, but Ethel Merman was there to sing it if he did. November 3, 1952.

Mascot Mr and Mrs. P. Spencer Jr. November 05, 1954. (Photo by Barrie Thomas Burrill Ward/Fairfax Media).

Eden and his Bride -- Foreign Minister Anthony Eden and his smiling bride, Clarissa Spencer-Churchill leaving Caxton Hall after the ceremony.Mr. Anthony Eden, 55-year-old ***** British Foreign Minister, this morning ***** 32-years-old Miss Clarissa Spencer- Churchill, niece of the Prime Minister, at Caxton Hall Register Office, Westminister. August 14, 1952.

Beecham Arrives With Wife And Observations -- Sir Thomas and Lady Beecham pose aboard the liner Queen Mary as the ship arrived here today. The noted British orchestra conductor, here for a tour during which he will conduct orchestras in San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston, brought with him his usual pithy observations on things musical and non-musical. Subjects which Sir Thomas discussed included bebop, Texas, modern classical music, his native England and " the good old days." October 27, 1949. (Photo by AP Wirephoto).

World Premiere. David Niven has an interested audience in film star Phyllis Calvert and her husband, Peter Murray Hill, at the World premiere of the London film production of "An Ideal Husband." November 28, 1947.

Farr And Reported Fiancee -- Tommy Farr, the Welsh heavyweight fighter who recently dropped a bout with Max Baer, and Eileen Wenzel, erstwhile Ziegfeld "Glamor Girl," shown above on a recent visit to the Rainbow Room in New York, were reported betrothed March 20 by Nils Thor Granlund, Chicago night club master of ceremonies and brother-in-law of Miss Wenzel. Granlund said the marriage would be "soon." March 20, 1938. (Photo by Associated Press Photo).

Fairbanks with mother and Stepfather Jack Whiting, a comedy star. February 28, 1955.

Gloria Grahame & Cy Howard. June 21, 1955. (Photo by Jay Scott).

Marshall Thompson. January 14, 1953.

Mr. Randolph Churchill, visiting English lecturer (who left by air Perth on Wednesday morning) dined and danced at Prince's on Tuesday night with Mrs. Ernest watt. September 18, 1947.

Ed Wynn - comedian, actor, producer and author - died here today, aged 79. Ed Wynn, Judy Garland. June 22, 1950.

Band-Leader Bob Crosby and his wife, June, plan a second honeymoon.They are reconciled and she had dropped divorce proceedings.Crosby, younger brother of crooner bing, said today a second honeymoon was "in the offing".June filed a divorce petition on August 10, charging him with extreme cruelty.Her action surprised Hollywood.The Cosbys, who have five children, were married in 1938.Friends of the pair said today they met last weekend and decided they still were in love. June 16, 1955. (Photo by Jay Scott, AAP)

Civil reception at Town Hall for Courtneidge, Norman Rydse (***** state theatres) Lord Mayor Ald. Barlly & Cicely Courtneidge. November 28, 1947.(Photo by Norman E Brown/Fairfax Media).

Farewell Party.Mr. George Dawson, cockney financier, chatting with Mrs. Desmond O'Connor, wife of Dr. O'Connor at last night's farewell party for food taster Jeanne Gilbert. The party was given by Pan American airways at Piccadilly, London. May 05, 1954. (Photo by Evening Standard Pictrue)

Ralph Bellamy - Stage & Screen.October 15, 1946. (Photo by Associated Press Photo).

Comic To Comic. Tommy Trinder exchange a joke with Bob Hope (left), who, with Marilyn Maxwell, celebrated with a party attended by 50 guests after their opening show in London. After their opening show last night Bob Hope (left) and Marilyn Maxwell celebrated with a party attended by 50 guests, among them Tommy Trinder, seen exchanged a joke with Bob. April 24, 1951.

FRANK SINATRA; AVA GARDNER. 1953.

A Different View -- Princess Margaret smiles as she watches Denys Rhodes, right, adjust glasses to view three-dimentional movie at the Empire Theatre in London Feb. 22. The Princess in seeing the 3-D film, is the first member of the British Royal Family to see such a motion picture.. At left in Bonham Carter. Rhodes wife is a cousin of the Princess. The formally attired Princess holds gold-rimmed paid of glasses presented to her for viewing the film. February 24, 1954. (Photo by AP Wirephoto).

L-R: Mrs Bemrich, Dr Ian Potts, Mrs Potts (Judy Barraclouch). May 26, 1953.

The 19th Academy Awards / 1947. Jean Hersholt with Olivia de Havilland, winner of the best actress award for "To Each His Own ". Anne Baxter, best actress in a supporting role for "The Razor´s Edge".

The Jose Ferrer's Arrive - American actor, 41 year old Jose Ferrer and his bride of five months, 23 year old singer Rosemary Clooney flew into London Airport today from New York. They are seen here in their London hotel. Miss Clooney is to appear on television in London. After a two week stay in Britain the couple will visit the Continent. January 5, 1954. (Photo by Daily Express).

Mala Powers Aldo Ray. June 10, 1955.

Bruce Humberstone, Helen Walker, Robert Cummings. September 11, 1948.

Darryl Zanuck , wife Virginia. June 19, 1953.

British Actress Marries--British-born actress Virginia Field, 30, and Actor Willard Parker, 38, are married here tonight in a friend's home. It was the second marriage for Parker and the third for the bride, who was attended by her six-year-old daughter. Parker got his final divorce decree yesterday from Stage Actress Marian pierce. October 12, 1951. (Photo by AP Wirephoto).

New York City Ballet, Reception at the Plaza Athenee. Photographs of Marshall Plan Programs, Exhibits, and Personnel

The 'Mirror' Goes To A Spinsters Party - "Hello, gorgaous" - said the bachelor, meeting Gina Martin.It was a wow of a party. Forty young spinsters were invited to meet forty gay bachelors, with the bachelors paying for the night out and the proceeds going to charity. The men wore labels marked "Bachelor" and/or "Wolf" - all except Mr. Leslie Romain, of the Mayfair club, London, who organised the party.Mr. Romain, a married man, had a special notice pinned on his back. It said: "Not now the missus is around." November 16, 1955. (Photo by Daily Mirror)

Royal Command Film Performance -- Princess Margaret chat to Loretta Young (Star Lead of the film after the performance tonight at the Odeon, Leicester Square, London.There was huge crowds outside the Odeon, Leicester-square, to-night to see Their Majesties The King and Queen H.R.H. Princess Margaret, and a host of American and British screen stars arrive for the Royal Command Film Performance. Besides "The Bishops Wife" - the film selected for this year's show - the royal visitors saw the colour film of the royal wedding and a stage show featuring Phyllis Calvert, Carolo Landis, Margaret Lockwood, Vivien Leigh, Anna Neagle, Lilli Pulmer, Patricia Roc, Alexis Smith, Loretta Young, Ann Todd, Stewart Granger, Rex Harrison, Bob Hope, Rober Montgomery November 25, 1947.

Kitty Bluett Weds Spanish Trapez Artist -- The Bride and Bridegroom after today's Ceremony.Kitty Bluett, the Popular Radio and stage singer and comedian, was married at Marylbone register office today.The bridegroom was the Spanish Trapeze artist, Julian Jover. The couple first met when they were both appearing in Brimingham.Kitty Bluett, 33, has spent after her life in Australia, although she was born in London. December 17, 1955. (Photo by Paul Popper, Paul Popper Ltd.).

Party To View Portrait -- From left: Mr. Bernard Powell who painted the portrait, Mrs. John Ward, the Duke of Primo De Rivera. A former Spanish Ambassador to London, Duke Miguel Primo De Rivera (right), died in Madrid today after a long illness, aged 60. December 13, 1955.

Photograph showing Pierre Balmain presenting a pink and white petticoat, with gueppieres that helped to achieve a 48 centimetre waist, 1948. The design was influenced by Christian Dior's 'New Look' collection of 1947, when Dior used a small, slender waist to accentuate bust and hips. Date: 1948

I Greet You, Sir -- Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. (facing camera), chief United States delegate to the United Nations, smiles and shakes hands with Andrei Y. Vishinsky, top Soviet U.N. delegate, at dinner here tonight for U.N. personnel given by Vishinsky in his capacity as chairman of the Security Council. Earlier this year Lodge, after taking over as chief U.S. delegate, refused to shake hands with his Russian counterpart. At right is Mrs. Lodge. April 29, 1953. (Photo by AP Wirephoto).

Dan Daley escorts the boss daughter, Susan Zanuck to a nightclub. Susan's father is Daryl F. Zanuck, 20th Century-Fox Producer. February 01, 1953.

At the reception held prior to the premier of "The Final Test" at the London Pavilion, glamorous Kay Kendall and film's director Anthony Asquith talk with the famous Bedser twins. May 19, 1953.

Royal Variety Show At The Palladium - In the foyer after the show, Princess Margaret talks with Dinah Shore while Allan Jones and Gracie Fields look on.November 13, 1950. (Photo by Daily Mail Contract Picture).

Reception Before "Premiere" Of Balllet -- During the reception he was offering to all his friends before the "Premiere" of his new ballet "Romeo and Juliette", Marquis De Cuevas(left) has a chat with two of his guests Princess Fawzia (sister of Farouk) and Ex-King Farouk. June 24, 1955. (Photo by United Press Photos).

01/31/1958. Elizabeth Taylor and her husband Michael Todd, While passing through Madrid, Moments before leaving for the United States.

'You Lucky Girl...' -- Tommy Trinder the comedian who tells his audience 'You Lucky people:' when he indulges in professional joke-making, leans forward to kiss the bridge of his brother Freddy Trinder, as this pictured is taken at Caxton Hall, scene of the wedding in London today (Saturday). The bridge is Miss Elsie Brougham of Greenforce, Essex, and she is 29-year-old Freddy's partner in a song-and-dance team that has toured the country for the last year. Her stage name: Dorothy Durall. Tommy's present to the couple is a caravan, which is to be their home on tour from now on. The bridge's lucky-piece is a horse-shoe, seen as she is pictured here. October 13, 1951. (Photo by Reuterphoto).

Philadelphia Orchestra, Opera, Premiere and Reception. Photographs of Marshall Plan Programs, Exhibits, and Personnel

A group at the engagement party of socialite Miss Margaret Whigham and American golfer, Charles Sweeny at the Embassy Club in London. From left, Mr Robert Sweeny (Charles's father), Lady Ashley inspecting her reflection in a compact mirror (Lady Ashley would become Mrs Sylvia Fairbanks when she became the third wife of Douglas Fairbanks Senior) and Mr George Hay Whigham, father of Margaret. Date: 1932

The 25th Annual Academy Awards / 1953. Cecile B. De Mille receives the best motion picture award for "the Greatest Show on Earth". Bob Hope winner of the honorary award for his contribution to the laughter of the world, his service to the motion picture industry, and his devotion to the American premise.

At Romano's with one of New York's 400... Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney, Mrs. Gregory Blaxland and Mr. Randolph Kidder. February 09, 1941.

Dinah Shore, Edgar Bergen & wife Bergen. November 20, 1947.

She Sang To Dinners - Italy fascinated Rae most of all. Rome is breathtaking, she says. Every Roman woman is amazingly beautiful and nearly every person laughing and happy. Here she is with movie star, Anthony Quinn, at the Golden Gate restaurant. Later she sang to guests. The restaurants are wonderful, she said. Miss Rae Cocking at the Open Gate Club dinner party. With Rae is ***** Prize winner Anthony Quinn (Vine & apts). July 17, 1953. (Photo by News Blitz).

BETTE DAVIS.

The 18th Academy Awards / 1946. Ray Milland, best actor for "The Lost Weekend". James Dunn, best actor in a supporting role for "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn". Anne Revere, best actress in a supporting role for "National Velvet ". Peggy Ann Garner winner of the special award (outstanding child actress) for "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn".

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Academy Award For The Movie Who'S Afraid Of Virginia Woolf, 1966.

Edward Arnold, Billie Burke. January 01, 1948.

Frank Sinatra today put British-born actor, Peter Lawford, to a stiff loyalty test - he asked him to be best man at his wedding.The result was to make Lawford the man between” his brother-in-law President and his leader.If Lawford says yes,” he will embarrass President Kennedy.Kennedy and Sinatra are friends, but it is considered unwise to have the friendship widely publicised.Sinatra’s pre-election campaigning for Kennedy did more good than bad, the President’s advisers admit. November 21, 1951.

Larry Parks, the 60-year-old actor who became famous playing the role of singer Al Jolson, has died at his home in Los Angeles of an apparent- heart attack.Parks was one of the main victims of the anti-communist purge of the 1950s in Hollywood, led by Senator Joseph McCarthy.He abandoned his acting career almost entirely after telling a 1951 hearing of the Congress Un-American Activities Committee that he belonged to the Communist Party from 1941 to 1945. June 16, 1955.

Sun Aria - Lyric Soprano, of Chatswood and John Germain, Baritone, of Dulwich Hill, at the start of the Sun aria at the Con last night. October 14, 1954.

Betty Garrett, Larry Parks. June 21, 1955.

ORSON WELLES; RITA HAYWORTH.

Ed Wynn & Wife. March 07, 1953.

Henry Fonda and Afdera Franchetti, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, 1960.

Coronation Ball At the Savoy - Ballerina Margot Fonteyn wore a fancy dress hat with her satin and tulle gown at the ball last night. She has star shaped earrings and a matching necklace, with a leaf pattern brooch on her dress. June 03, 1953. (Photo by Evening Standard Picture).

Abbe Lane & Xavier Cugat. December 3, 1954.

Elsevier photo collection. Queen Juliana Premiere film "The Disted Feek" cinema du Midi Amsterdam. Queen Lodge G. Krayenhoff (Chairman Red Cross). September 27, 1967. Amsterdam, Noord-Holland

Tom Drake and Beverly Tyler appear at "Green Years" premiere, but are hardly a twosome as yet, although this may be an and ***** of studio concocted romance.Cast for Romance - Jay Scott took this picture of Tom Drake and Beverly Tyler at the premier of their film "The Green Years." November 24, 1946. (Photo by J.B. Scott).

ROBERT TAYLOR; ELEANOR PARKER.

of 3