Thus we begin the weekend with a nod and a kiss for Atreyu, here’s your daily picture 
. Gary Cooper played a man in love who turned pirate – for Fay Wray. “The First Kiss” was a silent film released in 1928, there is no extant footage, many early prints of this era on nitrate went the way of dust and flame.
Great image, great picture of a great natural actor. My favourite ‘Coop’ story has to do with his first film. The director was beside himself, because as he watched Cooper in front of the camera, he hated what he was doing. Or rather, not doing. “The son-of-a-bitch isn’t doing anything! I’m going to replace him [sic]” Then he watched the days rushes and could not believe he was watching the same actor. Cooper just instinctively knew what worked on camera. One of my fave stories of the man and the actor.
I think that’s an excellent point, he acted for the camera, and you can see it all in his eyes. Here’s an odd parallel – but I think Keanu Reeves has something of the same contained style.
Interesting observation. I have seen quite a few of his films and will now have to watch him a bit more closely!
What a shot. What a subject–he is the stuff writers of romance take and run away with to create dreams for the rest of us.
He was a very interesting man and a really devoted father. Personally, I love that he worked so closely with several architects to build his homes, he really had a pervasive sense of style.
What a beautiful man he was….
Thanks for this, V.
It’s an astonishingly beautiful photograph and it has that soft focus look of the times, it kind of reminds me of the work of Imogen Cunningham… I hope I’m remembering her name correctly.
What a gorgeous image! Those eyes!
I have a friend who was so mesmerized by him she’s named every pet she’s had Coop!
I have a dog named after Gary Cooper. He’s an English Springer Spaniel, who was named by the breeder, but we liked it. He is quite handsome but not the brave guy his namesake was. Our Coops is a confirmed coward!
Love the picture! Thanks for stopping by my place!
Springer Spaniels are so handsome – cowardly – let’s just say he’s cautious! In a debonair way
He’s actually more of a doofus. Debonair doesn’t fit him at all.
I’ve signed up to follow your blog — I love old movies and movie stars. Can’t keep the new ones straight, though.
Ah yes, I know I’m getting old when I see the magazine covers in the check out line at the market and don’t have a clue who anyone is — but they all look adorable and twelve.
They are all adorable and 12. Sigh.
Dearest V
So good to see you!!
And might I say what gentleman wouldn’t turn pirate for Far Wray or indeed your beautiful self!!
The Dandy adores the smudged lens school of photography evident here… today the whole of London, be misted by a tissue of soft rain is in soft focus.
Yours ever
The Perfumed Dandy
“Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness…” Wait, that’s autumn! I have to see if I can find one of my favorite photos by Cunningham: white linens crumpled on an unmade bed with one (or a few?) tortoiseshell hairpins tossed on top. Hope you’re settling in for a cozy evening in your bijou apartment.
xox,
V
Oh my. Just when I’m about to curl in front of the telly, nurse a teapot and do some knitting (or so I’ll have my enemies believe…) you emerge with photographic evidence of the existence of God. Life will never be the same again!
Oh Vickie, my sister from another mister. I do love thee.
xoxo
Ah, a pot of tea may be just the ticket – I am counting the cups of fluid I consume trying to hit the 64 ounce target recommended by the jolly doc – actually he’s kind of a quiet and very thoughtful doc – but 64 ounces is making my eyes swim!
Good night, sister woman, and lots of love,
V
So gorgeous it’s almost painful
You know what just occurred to me? A good actor’s face is kind of like a Rorschach test… Hugs to you, gorgeous, V
I’ve always loved him….who wouldn’t have?
(Just ask Lupe Valez!)
I could stare at that photo all day long.
I found it transfixing, myself — much like your tumblr. Thank you!
Am I right in thinking that nitrate based film is actually explosive?I am sure I heard something like that with regard to transferring old stock into new film.
You are quite right, stock (before it’s transferred) is stored in climate controlled vaults.
A stunning image by the way Vickie.Such a shame that the film no longer exists as if it did its simply amazing what digital technology can do to aid the restoration process.
I wonder if there will be a move back to film? As some are moving back to vinyl for musical recording – you just can’t get that richness out of digital.
I suppose you could be generous and find some pictures to post of Gary Coopers home.I am so damn demanding.
Funny you should mention that, I did come across some listing photos of the A. Quincy Jones house… hold please and I’ll give you the link – oh, and it’s been updated, but sensitively… http://la.curbed.com/archives/2010/05/gary_coopers_a_quincy_jones_home_in_holmby_hills.php#quincy-5