Kitty Gordon in Victor Herbert’s The Enchantress

Kitty Gordon (née Constance Minnie Blades,1878–1974), English actress and singer, as she appeared in The Enchantress, a musical comedy written for her by Victor Herbert. The production opened at the New York Theatre, New York, 19 October 1911, later transferring to the Grand Opera House, New York, 1 April 1912, before a United States tour
(photo: White, New York, 1911/12)

The Nixon Theatre, Pittsburgh, 28 October 1912
‘KITTY GORDON TO BRING ”THE ENCHANTRESS.”
‘Beautiful Kitty Gordon who comes to the Nixton theater next week in ”The Enchantress,” is said to wear some of the most wonderful gowns that have ever been seen on the stage. ”The Enchantress” is rated by musical and dramatic critics as Victor Herbert’s masterpiece.
‘The English prima donna has never appeared to better advantage than in this colorful production and she is supported by a cast of stellar quality, including the charming dancer Nellie McCoy.’
(The Pittsburgh Press, Pittsburgh, Sunday, 20 October 1912, Theatrical Section, p. 4c/d)

Cort Theatre, Los Angeles, October 1913
‘KITTY GORDON’S TROUPE ”BROKE”
”’Enchantress” Fails in Los Angeles – Owes Star $6,000
‘LOS ANGELES, Oct. 31 [1912]. – As a result of the collapse of Kitty Gordon, the famous English actress, who has been playing a week’s engagement in ”The Enchantress” here, the company has disbanded and will be returned to New York. Miss Gordon collapsed at the end of the first act.
‘Captain Beresford, her husband, says she has been on the verge of a breakdown for some time, and she insists on her taking a long rest.
‘KITTY MAKES STATEMENT.
”’There are many contradictory reports relative to the unfortunate affair which brought the engagement of ”The Enchantress” to a close in Los Angeles,” said Kitty Gordon. ”Not being able to locate the producer, I am forced to protect myself with the truth.
”’The financial condition of theatricals is not responsible for the closing of ”The Enchantress.” We have been supported well enough to continue, if the funds which have gone to the company had been competently handled in the New York office. The show would have been attached today had we continued our performance, and yet royalty money has been repeatedly sent to New York.
‘The money which was sent to New York for our railroad tickets has not been used for this purpose. I realized these facts nightly, and for the first time in my career as a star three weeks ago I accepted postponement for payment of my salary that the chorus and other members of the company who needed the money more than I might be paid.
‘THREE WEEKS’ SALARY DUE
””I have always received my money before the matinee started on Saturday, but during the last three weeks it has not been paid.
”’I have sacrificed my salary to help out my chorus, and today Gaieties’ theatrical office in New York owes me $6,000.”
‘From her bed Miss Gordon arranged this afternoon for an additional performance of ”The Enchantress” to get money to transport the company to New York.’
(The San Francisco Call, Los Angeles, Friday, 31 October 1913, p. 1b)

* * * * *

In a recording made in 1911, Lucy Isabelle Marsh sings ‘(To The) Land of My Own Romance,’ one of Victor Herbert’s songs from The Enchantress, originally sung by Kitty Gordon. Another version was made in 1938 by Richard Tauber. In 1912, Victor Herbert’s Orchestra made a recording of a selection of music from The Enchantress.

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Kitty Gordon (née Constance Minnie Blades,1878–1974), English actress and singer, as she appeared in The Enchantress, a musical comedy written for her by Victor Herbert. The production opened at the New York Theatre, New York, 19 October 1911, later transferring to the Grand Opera House, New York, 1 April 1912, before a United States tour
(photo: White, New York, 1911/12)

The Nixon Theatre, Pittsburgh, 28 October 1912
‘KITTY GORDON TO BRING ”THE ENCHANTRESS.”
‘Beautiful Kitty Gordon who comes to the Nixton theater next week in ”The Enchantress,” is said to wear some of the most wonderful gowns that have ever been seen on the stage. ”The Enchantress” is rated by musical and dramatic critics as Victor Herbert’s masterpiece.
‘The English prima donna has never appeared to better advantage than in this colorful production and she is supported by a cast of stellar quality, including the charming dancer Nellie McCoy.’
(The Pittsburgh Press, Pittsburgh, Sunday, 20 October 1912, Theatrical Section, p. 4c/d)

Cort Theatre, Los Angeles, October 1913
‘KITTY GORDON’S TROUPE ”BROKE”
”’Enchantress” Fails in Los Angeles – Owes Star $6,000
‘LOS ANGELES, Oct. 31 [1912]. – As a result of the collapse of Kitty Gordon, the famous English actress, who has been playing a week’s engagement in ”The Enchantress” here, the company has disbanded and will be returned to New York. Miss Gordon collapsed at the end of the first act.
‘Captain Beresford, her husband, says she has been on the verge of a breakdown for some time, and she insists on her taking a long rest.
‘KITTY MAKES STATEMENT.
”’There are many contradictory reports relative to the unfortunate affair which brought the engagement of ”The Enchantress” to a close in Los Angeles,” said Kitty Gordon. ”Not being able to locate the producer, I am forced to protect myself with the truth.
”’The financial condition of theatricals is not responsible for the closing of ”The Enchantress.” We have been supported well enough to continue, if the funds which have gone to the company had been competently handled in the New York office. The show would have been attached today had we continued our performance, and yet royalty money has been repeatedly sent to New York.
‘The money which was sent to New York for our railroad tickets has not been used for this purpose. I realized these facts nightly, and for the first time in my career as a star three weeks ago I accepted postponement for payment of my salary that the chorus and other members of the company who needed the money more than I might be paid.
‘THREE WEEKS’ SALARY DUE
””I have always received my money before the matinee started on Saturday, but during the last three weeks it has not been paid.
”’I have sacrificed my salary to help out my chorus, and today Gaieties’ theatrical office in New York owes me $6,000.”
‘From her bed Miss Gordon arranged this afternoon for an additional performance of ”The Enchantress” to get money to transport the company to New York.’
(The San Francisco Call, Los Angeles, Friday, 31 October 1913, p. 1b)

* * * * *

In a recording made in 1911, Lucy Isabelle Marsh sings ‘(To The) Land of My Own Romance,’ one of Victor Herbert’s songs from The Enchantress, originally sung by Kitty Gordon. Another version was made in 1938 by Richard Tauber. In 1912, Victor Herbert’s Orchestra made a recording of a selection of music from The Enchantress.

Kitty Gordon (née Constance Minnie Blades,1878–1974), English actress and singer, as she appeared in The Enchantress, a musical comedy written for her by Victor Herbert. The production opened at the New York Theatre, New York, 19 October 1911, later transferring to the Grand Opera House, New York, 1 April 1912, before a United States tour
(photo: White, New York, 1911/12)

The Nixon Theatre, Pittsburgh, 28 October 1912
‘KITTY GORDON TO BRING “THE ENCHANTRESS.”
‘Beautiful Kitty Gordon who comes to the Nixton theater next week in “The Enchantress,” is said to wear some of the most wonderful gowns that have ever been seen on the stage. “The Enchantress” is rated by musical and dramatic critics as Victor Herbert’s masterpiece.
‘The English prima donna has never appeared to better advantage than in this colorful production and she is supported by a cast of stellar quality, including the charming dancer Nellie McCoy.’
(The Pittsburgh Press, Pittsburgh, Sunday, 20 October 1912, Theatrical Section, p. 4c/d)

Cort Theatre, Los Angeles, October 1913
‘KITTY GORDON’S TROUPE “BROKE”
“’Enchantress” Fails in Los Angeles – Owes Star $6,000
‘LOS ANGELES, Oct. 31 [1912]. – As a result of the collapse of Kitty Gordon, the famous English actress, who has been playing a week’s engagement in “The Enchantress” here, the company has disbanded and will be returned to New York. Miss Gordon collapsed at the end of the first act.
‘Captain Beresford, her husband, says she has been on the verge of a breakdown for some time, and she insists on her taking a long rest.
‘KITTY MAKES STATEMENT.
“’There are many contradictory reports relative to the unfortunate affair which brought the engagement of ’’The Enchantress” to a close in Los Angeles,“ said Kitty Gordon. ’’Not being able to locate the producer, I am forced to protect myself with the truth.
”’The financial condition of theatricals is not responsible for the closing of “The Enchantress.” We have been supported well enough to continue, if the funds which have gone to the company had been competently handled in the New York office. The show would have been attached today had we continued our performance, and yet royalty money has been repeatedly sent to New York.
‘The money which was sent to New York for our railroad tickets has not been used for this purpose. I realized these facts nightly, and for the first time in my career as a star three weeks ago I accepted postponement for payment of my salary that the chorus and other members of the company who needed the money more than I might be paid.
‘THREE WEEKS’ SALARY DUE
“’’I have always received my money before the matinee started on Saturday, but during the last three weeks it has not been paid.
”’I have sacrificed my salary to help out my chorus, and today Gaieties’ theatrical office in New York owes me $6,000.“
‘From her bed Miss Gordon arranged this afternoon for an additional performance of ’’The Enchantress” to get money to transport the company to New York.’
(The San Francisco Call, Los Angeles, Friday, 31 October 1913, p. 1b)

* * * * *

In a recording made in 1911, Lucy Isabelle Marsh sings ’(To The) Land of My Own Romance,’ one of Victor Herbert’s songs from The Enchantress, originally sung by Kitty Gordon. Another version was made in 1938 by Richard Tauber. In 1912, Victor Herbert’s Orchestra made a recording of a selection of music from The Enchantress.

Kitty Gordon

Kitty Gordon (1878–1974), English actress and singer
(photo: unknown, probably USA, circa 1916)

Kitty Gordon in The Divine Sacrifice, 1918
‘The women of this city will all want to see the many new gowns which Kitty Gordon, the international famous beauty, wears in The Divine Sacrifice, her new World-Picture Brady-Made in which she will be seen tonight at the Show Shop theatre.
‘Miss Gordon wears a number of the newest and smartest frocks in this production and it is interesting to know that a number of New York modists make a point of copying the designs which are originated by Miss Gordon. In other words, this famous actress sets the styles for a great many people as they were duplicates of the gowns which she first wears in World-Picutres.
‘All the women of this city will also be vitally interested in The Divine Sacrifice, as it is a story of mother love. Miss Gordon is seen in the role of Madeline Spencer, a particularly forceful role. Her own daughter, Vera Beresford – Kitty Gordon’s real name is the Honorable Lady Beresford – appears in the role of June, Madeline Spencer’s daughter. Added interest is given to the picture by this appearance of mother and daughter in the role of mother and daughter on the screen.
‘The Divine Sacrifice is a particularly fast-moving production. The action is swift and interesting from the first unusual scene with which the picture [begins] to the very conclusion.’
(Middletown Daily Times-Press, Middletown, USA, Thursday, 4 April 1918, p.9e)

Kitty Gordon (1878–1974), English actress and singer
(photo: unknown, probably USA, circa 1916)

Kitty Gordon in The Divine Sacrifice, 1918
‘The women of this city will all want to see the many new gowns which Kitty Gordon, the international famous beauty, wears in The Divine Sacrifice, her new World-Picture Brady-Made in which she will be seen tonight at the Show Shop theatre.
‘Miss Gordon wears a number of the newest and smartest frocks in this production and it is interesting to know that a number of New York modists make a point of copying the designs which are originated by Miss Gordon. In other words, this famous actress sets the styles for a great many people as they were duplicates of the gowns which she first wears in World-Picutres.
‘All the women of this city will also be vitally interested in The Divine Sacrifice, as it is a story of mother love. Miss Gordon is seen in the role of Madeline Spencer, a particularly forceful role. Her own daughter, Vera Beresford – Kitty Gordon’s real name is the Honorable Lady Beresford – appears in the role of June, Madeline Spencer’s daughter. Added interest is given to the picture by this appearance of mother and daughter in the role of mother and daughter on the screen.
’The Divine Sacrifice is a particularly fast-moving production. The action is swift and interesting from the first unusual scene with which the picture [begins] to the very conclusion.’
(Middletown Daily Times-Press, Middletown, USA, Thursday, 4 April 1918, p.9e)

Kitty Gordon

a Press photograph of Kitty Gordon (1878-1974), English singer, and stage and screen actress
(photo: unknown, probably USA, circa 1917)

Kitty Gordon (1878-1974), English singer, and stage and screen actress
(photo: unknown, probably London, 1908; this advertisement
appeared during 1908 in various London theatre programmes)

Maudie Thornton (fl. early 20^th Century), English actress and singer (left) as Peter, with Kitty Gordon as Speranza in the short-lived musical comedy, The Antelope, produced at the Waldorf Theatre, London, on 28 November 1908, for a run of only 22 performances (photo: Daily Mirror Studios, London, 1908)

Kitty Gordon (1878-1974), English vocalist and stage and screen actress (photo: Campbell Studios, New York, circa 1916)

‘INSURED HER SNOWY BACK

‘KITTY GORDON HAS A $50,000 POLICY ON HER CHARM.

‘Kitty Gordon, she of the effulgent back and brilliant shoulders, not to mention her general pulchritude of face and form, is a young woman who believes in safety first, judging from the unique form of insurance policy which has just been issued to her at her behest.

‘Pianists have insured their ”pedal feet,” violinists [have] obtained policies protecting their delicate fingers in case of accident, and opera singers have had insurance written on the golden notes, but Mrs. [sic] Gordon has gone all one better.

‘She has insured her back!

‘You see, somebody told Miss Gordon that the fierce glaring lights of the immense batteries of the motion picture studios were injurious to the texture of the skin.

‘At once there was trepidation registered on Miss Gordon’s mobile features which glow with the true pink and white of English roses. Visits to several insurance companies followed, but one after another they refused to dally with such a delicate form of underwriting as Miss Gordon’s celebrated back. However, finally an English concern wrote a policy against Miss Gordon’s back, protecting it in case of injury to the snowy hue and satiny texture from the studio lights in the sum of $50,000.

‘Naturally the premium paid is abnormally high. But Miss Gordon thinks it is worth it, as she declares she could not give the best of her acting to the screen if she was always to be worried about what the lights would do to her skin. By the way, the policy was not written till exhaustive tests of the effect of high power lights on the human cuticle had been made by experts retained by the insurance firm.’ (Moberly Weekly Monitor, Friday, 21 January 1916, p.4f, reprinted from The Boston Post)