Original press photograph of director Cecil B. DeMille at the Paramount Studio Gymnasium, 1951

Hollywood: Paramount Pictures, 1951. Vintage press photograph of director Cecil B. DeMille standing at the entrance to the Paramount Studio Gymnasium in 1951, likely taken during production of DeMille's 1952 film "The Greatest Show on Earth." With a provenance stamp on the verso.

The gymnasium was created from the old United Studios barn, a result of Paramount's takeover of United in 1926. Four years later, Paramount hired James Davies, a former Canadian boxing champion, to work as the gymnasium's trainer, dietician, and all-around "health man to the stars." The facility was open to actors, directors, and executives alike, and many employees took weekly (and even daily) advantage of Davies' skills as a masseur.

8 x 10 inches. Very Good plus, with light creasing to the corners.

[Book #152365]