James Renie and Dorothy in their apartment in New York with a pet parrot.
James Rennie and Dorothy posed for an “official” portrait for the news media, this was published in Motion Picture Magazine in 1921.
James Rennie in 1927
James Malachi Rennie married Dorothy Gish On December 26, 1920 in Greenwich, CT. They divorced in 1935.
How’s that for a short and sweet post!?
The photographer is not identified (might be in the original magazine in the contents), this is from an issue of Photoplay in 1915.
I suspect the photographer is Hoover Art Co. LA, whoever the photographer, Dorothy looks stunning, here at age 17.
Dorothy Gish, 1915 in Hollywood
Just because Dorothy started her career with D.W. Griffith does not make her an automatic pioneer. She did not invent a lens or the close up.
Dorothy did pen at least one scenario that was adapted by Dell Henderson and made into a film, the 1913 The Suffragete Minstrals. Dorothy appeared as an extra in the film.
Where Dorothy really was a pioneer was that she left Hollywood to make films in Great Britain. Hollywood, particularly postwar was the center of the universe when it came to filmaking. Dorothy stepped out of the box and left for Europe.
The later part of her silent career she made several films for Herbert Wilcox. Most notable of which was the 1926 film Nell Gwyn. Nell Gwyn was distributed in the United States by Paramount Pictures. Nell was a great success. The follow up, Madame Pompadour, even according to Dorothy herself, was not.
1926 Paramount Campaign book preview for Nell Gywn
The anniversary of Dorothy’s birthday was on March 11, 2012. 114th years young. I only managed to get a brief post noting the day on Facebook.
Happily, my telephone interview went well. E was a delight to speak with and shared some wonderful stories. What happened, of course, was once I hung up the phone, I found myself mentally asking even more questions. I’m hoping I will be able to follow up with more and I hope that we will be able to meet in person later this year.
The interview gave me a real shot in the arm and helped me get more of a handle on exactly who Dorothy was and what she was like. Makes me lament, once again, how I wish I could turn back time and meet her in person. Also, wish I’d made more of my opportunity way back when I sent sister Lillian a fan letter (which she did answer) to write and ask her about Dorothy. Oh well, not all 17 year olds can be wise and so forward thinking, I certainly was not. Oh well, must continue to look forward while searching for the past.
Portrait of Dorothy by White Studios, NY
Forgive me for a moment while I shout with delight. I received a response to a letter written a long time back, one I despaired that I’d never receive a reply. I despaired for naught for today I received an answer. A positive, I want to talk to you about my best friend, Doatsie. Hashing out a time for a phone call since we’re not close enough for an in-person interview. To say I’m beyond excited at this prospect is an understatement.
Glass Coming Attraction Slide for Remodeling Her Husband (Matt Vogel Collection)
A NYC researcher has been engaged! How much of the material I want to see and will be accessible is anyone’s guess. In any case, this is a HUGE step forward in the hunting and gathering research department.
While I’ve not been really on the hunt for photos, at least not yet, a few interesting things. One thing I have noticed, it’s not always easy to find a candid shot of Dorothy, all by her lonesome.
Here’s one of Dorothy making up for “By Your Leave” in New York and who is sitting there next to her, ever devoted Lillian striking an odd pose.
Dorothy and Lillian in 1934
I sent out some letters last week to follow up on leads for people still alive who worked with Dorothy. I just got a response back and it was a positive one. It’s not a lot of information, but, darn it, so nice to hear from someone who knew Dorothy.
I’ve also had another response, not much in the way of information, but there was plenty of encouragement, that’s something!
Thanks to a Sherlock Holmes that is a friend of mine. An amazing Sherlock Holmes! I’ve written to someone else that I hope will provide some wonderful stories and memories of Dorothy. Fingers crossed!!!
Color me hanging out by the mailbox holding my breath and waiting. Like those who come to Casablanca, they wait, and wait, and WAIT.
In other news, I’ve begun drafting the book proposal. Probably one of the hardest things to write, ever.
Here’s an unusual video clip I found while searching the web. It features Dorothy during the Fourth Liberty Bond Drive in 1918. Gotta love it, she was a cutie!
Dorothy Gish signing autographs and posing with a rifle
Here’s another clip that shows Dorothy getting into a car.
