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Property from the Estate of CLAUDETTE COLBERT
In 1930s Hollywood, few stars made a mark that would last a lifetime. Claudette Colbert (1905-1996) is most certainly synonymous with those who did. Born in Paris, she moved with her family to New York in 1910, and made her stage debut in 1923 in "The Wild Wescotts." Heading to Hollywood in the starlet stampede of the 1920s, she starred in the Frank Capra directed For The Love Of Mike in 1927. Little did she know that this association would help her make Hollywood history seven years later.
In 1934, Harry Cohn of Columbia Pictures purchased the short story "Night Bus" after Frank Capra expressed interest in the piece. From the outset the studio chief had little faith in the project, and this was perhaps one of the reasons several leading actors and actresses turned down the lead roles. However, after much urging and negotiating, Columbia managed to secure the talents of Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable for the roles of "Ellie" and "Peter." No one could have anticipated the explosive chemistry between Colbert and Gable that electrified the screen, and made It Happened One Night one of the first classic screwball comedies of the 1930s. Their efforts were rewarded with a pair of Best Actress and Best Actor Academy Awards for their performances; it would be the only time in her seventy year career that Claudette Colbert would win an Oscar. A veteran of over sixty films, the actress was nominated two more times for an Academy Award: Private Worlds in 1937 and Since You Went Away in 1944. Her unusual range and versatility allowed her to experiment and take on roles with diverse characters such as the Queen of the Nile in Cleopatra 1934, the businesswoman in Imitation Of Life 1934, and the victim in The Secret Fury 1950.
As the medium of entertainment changed, so did Claudette Colbert. In 1982 she played the elder Mrs. Grenville in the NBC miniseries "The Two Mrs. Grenvilles" for which she won a Golden Globe Award. A stage actress first, in 1985 she appeared in London's West End, and on Broadway with Rex Harrison in a revival of "Aren't We All?" She was feted in 1974 with a Lincoln Center Tribute, and in 1989 she was bestowed with the coveted Kennedy Center Honor. An accomplished athlete and artist, Ms. Colbert enjoyed her personal time, sharing her beautiful Caribbean home Bellerive with close friends and family.
Ms. Colbert defined an age in Hollywood that is sadly long gone. Cherished as a time of pure romance, whispered thoughts and tinkling laughter, the Golden Era is a hazy but joyous dream. Remembered for her dazzling style, sparkling demeanor, Claudette Colbert's star continues to shine as fans, old and new, fall in love with her all over again.
CLAUDETTE COLBERT
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CLAUDETTE COLBERT
A group of decorative objects belonging to the actress. Includes a pair of two brass dogs on black wooden bases, both in the image of Ms. Colbert's favorite pet, the poodle. Together with a sculpture of a poodle set on a brown wooden base, including fabric carrying case. Accompanied by a pair of gold painted fancy wooden boxes, a Ginoti of Italy hand painted porcelain box, a blue and white circular Wedgwood box and a lemon yellow rose needlepoint pillow.
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A group of decorative objects belonging to the actress. Includes a pair of two brass dogs on black wooden bases, both in the image of Ms. Colbert's favorite pet, the poodle. Together with a sculpture of a poodle set on a brown wooden base, including fabric carrying case. Accompanied by a pair of gold painted fancy wooden boxes, a Ginoti of Italy hand painted porcelain box, a blue and white circular Wedgwood box and a lemon yellow rose needlepoint pillow.
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