Pola Negri
Toronto Daily Star, February 19 1931
Pola Negri (1897-1987) was a Polish stage and film actress who had a successful career during the silent film era. She was considered a sex symbol and reportedly had affairs with Charlie Chaplin and Rudolph Valentino, among others. She also started some notable fashion trends, including red painted toenails and fur boots.
After the silent era ended, she moved back to Europe and continued her career there until the Nazis drove her back to the United States. She retired from the film business in 1945 except for the occasional role, and she became a U. S. citizen in 1951.
The Lady Fripp cup mentioned in this caption is almost certainly a reference to Margaret, Lady Fripp (1880-1965). She was the wife of Alfred Downing Fripp, who was the surgeon for both King Edward VII and King George V.
Created September 16, 2025.