The Retro Review
Norma Talmadge
A silent film star, producer and business woman, Norma Talmadge was an innovator of the film industry in the 1920's. Her sister Constance was also an acclaimed actress, while their youngest sister Natalie stayed behind the scenes and helped run their production companies.
Norma Talmadge
Another beautiful black and white photograph from 1919.
Norma gets dolled up!
In an article called What I think of Constance, from 1926, Norma writes, "From earliest childhood, Constance, Natalie and I have chummed together." Here are Norma and Constance on a pack of cards.
Best chums Norma and Constance.
Another picture of sisters Norma and Constance departing for a voyage in their 1920's finery.
Impeccably dressed in the latest travel fashions.
Soon after getting married in 1916, Joseph Schenck and Norma formed the Norma Talmadge Film Corporation, followed by Constance Talmadge Film Corporation in 1917. Natalie was a secretary for both companies and occasionally made an appearance in her sister's films. She eventually married the great comic, vaudeville and silent film star Buster Keaton. All three sisters were taught to save money and invest by their shrewd mother and were able to retire when the time came in the 1930's, in style and comfort. Unlike many actors who ended up poverty stricken and alone, victims of the Hollywood system, the sisters made their own films and controlled their own money even after moving to California in 1922.
Norma on the cover of Photoplay
Here is an image of Norma Talmadge paper dolls, including her dog Dinky.
Dinky and Norma paper dolls.
Bathing suit close-up!
A fashionable look for the seaside.
The ultimate Talmadge resource is the The Norma Talmadge Website.