1954 · Hollywood
Hollywood, 1954. Very Good. Lovely inscription by Liberace with a small vignette drawing of a grand piano beside his appropriately flamboyant signature. The inscription was to a Norma, and it reads: "To Lovely Norma, I think this is a most memorable Day for many reasons." The photo, framed by light card on the facing page, shows the young but easily recognizable Liberace smiling at Norma to his right, while Norma is looking straight at the camera, as is Andre Philippe, to Liberace's left. The photo is black and white and was surely taken by a roving photographer who worked the nightclub. Liberace in 1954 was at the height of his fame and popularity, which isn't to suggest that his star waned shortly thereafter, because it didn't. He had also played the Club Mocambo many times prior to 1954. We don't know, though, that he had a gig at the club the night of this photo. Andre Philippe, born in the Bronx as Everett Cooper (1927 to 2007), was an actor best known for his work on television, with a featured role in the series "Mr. Novak" in the early 1960s, guest roles on countless other television series, and smaller parts in many movies, some still well-known such as "Harry and Tonto". In the photo Andre Philippe looks like a young Desi Arnaz, and almost unrecognizable from his look during the core of his acting career. But from the signature there can be no doubt that he is one and the same. We do not know who Norma was. The photo and inscriptions are on the inside of a folded sheet photo sleeve from the club, with its name, location, and what was probably its logo on the front cover. Closed, the photo sleeve measures 17 by 21.5 cm. The photo, visible under its framing, is 11.5 by 16 cm. Light wear. Typical deterioration of the photo.
(Inventory #: 20093)
(802) 291-4113
