Found this photo today at Velveteen Rabbit. The links went back to a Tumblr blog called Old Hollywood which seems to have great images, but I can't seem to find it there.
The photo looks like a studio glossy publicity shot. I assume the upbending of the lateral canthus of the eye is meant to evoke the "Mr. Moto" movies of the 1930s or other oriental films, but what is the gesture he's making with his right hand? It's not the "shocker," and probably not Churchill's victory sign, but it does look vaguely like the "gang" gestures of more modern times. It presumably had some other significance two generations ago. Any ideas?
I found the post and there's a quote about John Wayne. That's not much help, I'm afraid.
ReplyDeleteNot exactly, but the post you found does say 1934, which is interesting, because if it's true, it's a year before Stewart was in any movies. The photo could have come from his screen test for MGM...
ReplyDelete(1934 would also make the eye gesture more likely to be Charlie Chan than Mr. Moto).
Looks like charades... 2nd word, or two words...
ReplyDeleteDan, that's not a bad guess.
ReplyDeleteCharades... that's a good idea.
ReplyDeleteI am digging that outfit, especially the shirt with the cool buttons.
ReplyDeletehttp://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OpivKPV0Pa8/T7yqtHXjclI/AAAAAAAAAKw/QNQ7m35nM_Q/s1600/PIC+3.jpg
ReplyDeleteThis is a link to another photo from that same shoot. It supports the charades theory.
I think you're right. Thanks, Anonymous.
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