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A Theda Bara pair of pantaloons from Salome image 1
A Theda Bara pair of pantaloons from Salome image 2
Lot 1205

A Theda Bara pair of pantaloons from Salome

10 December 2019, 14:00 PST
Los Angeles

US$4,000 - US$6,000

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A Theda Bara pair of pantaloons from Salome

Fox Film Corporation, 1918. Gold lamé knee-length pantaloons trimmed in strands of hanging faux pearls. Like the costumes from Cleopatra (1917), it is a wonder that this garment survived the ages when the film itself did not. Salome again portrayed Bara as a regal entity whose desire for power results in self destruction. In this version, the she-devil Salome exhibits her gritty and sensual nature, unlike the later Rita Hayworth 1953 version which rewrote history to satisfy the censors. Indeed, conservative groups protested Bara's clothing (or lack thereof) as well as the film's historical inaccuracy, giving it a wicked sheen which naturally attracted audiences and made the film a box office success. Bara wouldn't have it any other way. Accompanied by a letter of provenance and a photograph of Bara wearing the pantaloons.
Provenance: originally from the collection of Joan Craig, to whom it was gifted by Theda Bara; Heritage Auctions, Signature Music & Entertainment Auction #696, October 5, 2008, lot 49208.

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