Hollywood studio photography has always fascinated me. A select few -- and really remarkable -- photographers were tasked with immortalizing film stars. The light, the shadow, and the subject's expression are all key elements in what makes these images so great. What is also amazing is that when you expand the image, many of them ares so sharp you can even see the pores of their skin.
This was all accomplished decades before digital photography, when the 35mm camera reigned supreme in the hands (and eyes) of studio photographers. One such expert was Roman Freulich, who worked with his older brother Jack at Universal Studios for a number of years. Together they produced some of the most iconic images of the classic film era.
Shown below are portraits of Claude Rains by Roman Freulich. The first three are from THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD (1935). Rains was 45-years-old when he starred in the film. A number of other familiar Universal horror film actors appeared in it as well: David Manners, Valerie Hobson, E.E. Clive and bit parts by Harry Cording, Anne Darling and Carla Laemmle, just a few years after her appearance in the opening coach scene in DRACULA.
The last photo is believed to be Rains in THE MAN WHO RECLAIMED HIS HEAD (1934).
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