| A superb studio publicity photograph of Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., costumed for his role as Sergeant Tommy Ballantine in the 1939 RKO Radio pictures classic Gunga Din. This photo graph was composed and taken by on the truly great Hollywood photographers Ernest A. Bachrach who headed up RKO's photography department from its inception in 1929 until his retirement in the late 1950's. Prior to that was works as Gloria Swanson's personal photographer. Photographs such as this are the high water mark of Hollywood studio photography. In addition the acting - a pastime inherited from his namesake father Douglas Fairbanks, Sr., Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., served in the United States Navy during World War II serving on PT boats in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations. For his wartime services he was awarded the Silver Star and the Legion of Merit with the V device for valour in combat. He was also awarded the British Distinguished Service Cross, the French Legion of Honor and Croix de Guerre with Palm. In 1949 he was created an honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. Black and White Publicity Photo 8 inches by 10 inches (28cm x 18cm) Ernest A. Bachrach - Photographer RKO Radio Pictures United States 1939 |
