As head portrait and still photographer at 20th Century-Fox, and a predecessor company, from 1923 to 1966, American photographer Frank Powolny captured thousands of stars in photos that ended up in newspapers, magazines and theater lobbies around the world. His subjects included Janet Gaynor, Tom Mix, Shirley Temple, Lana Turner, Gene Tierney, Humphrey Bogart, Bing Crosby, Jennifer Jones, Joan Collins and Ann-Margret.
In 1962, Powolny took the last known still photographs of Marilyn Monroe on the set of Something’s Got to Give, a week before her death. But he was best known for the pin-up of Betty Grable that many G.I.’s carried during World War II. The photo showed the actress in swimsuit and pumps, peeking coyly over her shoulder.
These glamorous photos are part of his work that Frank Powolny took portraits of classic beauties from between the 1920s and 1950s.
Portrait of Elissa Landi by Frank Powolny, circa 1920s
Portrait of Elissa Landi by Frank Powolny, circa 1920s
Portrait of Janet Gaynor by Frank Powolny, circa 1920s
Portrait of Minna Gombell by Frank Powolny, circa 1920s
Portrait of Fifi D’Orsay by Frank Powolny, circa 1930s
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