Original photograph of Riza Royce [Wife of Josef von Sternberg], circa 1930

N.p. N.p., Circa 1930. Vintage borderless photograph of actress Riza Royce (then wife of director Josef von Sternberg), circa 1930, with German snipe on verso announcing Royce's lawsuit against Marlene Dietrich for "alienation of her husband" (Josef von Sternberg) and "slanderous allegations." "Agency Trampus" stamp and calligraphic annotation of "Sternberg" in manuscript ink on verso. Photograph housed in glassine envelope with calligraphic annotation of "Sternberg Josef von" in manuscript ink. Laid in is an English translation snipe.

In 1930 Josef von Sternberg directed his masterwork "The Blue Angel," with the then little-known Marlene Dietrich in the female lead, catapulting Dietrich to international stardom (the first of seven films they would make together). Stories of Sternberg's romantic infatuation with Dietrich made it back to his wife Riza von Sternberg (Royce), and when Dietrich arrived in the US in April, 1930, Riza von Sternberg personally presented her with two lawsuits, a $100,000 libel suit (for public remarks made about her marriage), and a $500,000 suit for "alienation of her husband's affections." Two years later, after their divorce was finalized and settlement reached, Royce would drop the charges against Dietrich.

4.5 x 6.5 inches. Light edgewear, else Near Fine.

[Book #150161]