eMoviePoster.com

What are the objects in the corners of some images? Learn More

Joyce Hawley was a chorus girl and lingerie model from the 1920s. In 1926, Earl Carroll, the famous showman who put on scandalous shows with scantily clad women, bought the story of "Lady Vera", an English noblewoman who scandalized Europe by running off to South Africa with a man who wasn't her husband. Not only did he buy the rights to her story, but she was set to star in the play herself. To announce the beginning of production, Earl Carroll held a party in New York City where a gigantic champagne glass was on display, and Joyce Hawley bathed in the champagne, naked! After the party, people wanted Carroll arrested, but no charges were filed. However, Joyce Hawley sued Earl Carroll for $100,000, saying that he had promised her that if she participated in the publicity stunt nude in champagne, he would give her a job as a showgirl in his next show, but that he reneged on the promise. Carroll was put on trial for perjury (because he said that the party had never taken place), but many guests and Joyce Hawley testified that it had. He was convicted and could have spent ten years in jail, but was given a suspended sentence. And the show that caused all the trouble opened and closed in ten days. Many suspect the entire matter was a publicity stunt, and they are likely right!

Important Added Info: Note that this news photo, which measures 6 1/2" x 8 1/2" [17 x 22 cm], is from the trial described above. We don't know what became of Miss Hawley after the trial, or if she succeeded in getting money from Earl Carroll!

Our address for UPS or FedEx only is:
Bruce Hershenson,
306 Washington Avenue, West Plains, MO 65775