Saturday 23 February 2013

The original Vamp

"It is vital to be photogenic from head to foot. After that you are allowed to display some measure of talent."

Musidora (Jeanne Roques, 23rd February 1889 – 11th December 1957), French star of the silent films Les Vampires (1915) and Judex (1916).

Facts about Musidora:

  • Her stage name was taken from the protagonist of Théophile Gautier’s novel Fortunio.
  • Her character in Les Vampires is called Irma Vep (an anagram of vampire).
  • After her on-screen career ended she became a prolific writer in a variety of fields including films, plays, children's stories (which she also illustrated), songs, and even a history of the cinema.
  • She directed numerous films, only two of which survive.
  • On stage she often wore male clothing.
  • Obviously a feisty and independent kind of gal, she apparently took to the bullring to prove women were brave enough to be allowed the vote in Spain.

2 comments:

  1. Diva scandaleuse, une photo d'elle nue sur un banc de parc un tenant bebe agneau avait l'eglise catholique dans un tumulte. Elle l'avait fait pour remonter le moral des soldats pendant la Premiere Guerre mondiale. *d'Anjou

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We like anyone who riles the Catholic Church! Jx

      Delete

Please leave a message - I value your comments!

[NB Bear with me if there is a delay - thanks to spammers I might need to approve comments]