Fay Bainter as Ming Toy 1

James Abbe (1883-1973) was an American photographer and journalist, best known for his work in celebrity portraiture in the early 20th century. Born on 17 July 1883 in Alfred, Maine, Abbe became a prominent figure in the world of photography and journalism, particularly in Europe. Abbe gained recognition for his portraits of celebrities, actors and political figures and contributed to various magazines and newspapers. He became famous for his candid and intimate portraits of the notable personalities of his time. His subjects included Charlie Chaplin, Greta Garbo, Josephine Baker and many others. During the 1920s, Abbe worked extensively in Europe, capturing the vibrant cultural and political scene of the time. His documentation of the Russian Civil War and the Soviet Union, as well as his coverage of European theatre and fashion, contributed to his reputation as a skilled photojournalist. In addition to his photographic work, Abbe wrote articles and essays commenting on the social and political climate of the time. He chronicled the turbulent times he lived through, including the effects of the First World War and the inter-war period. James Abbe's career declined in the 1930s and he eventually returned to the United States. He retired from photography in the 1940s and spent his later years in relative obscurity. He died on 11 November 1973 in Clearwater, Florida. Although his later years are less well known, James Abbe's contributions to the art of celebrity portraiture and photojournalism in the early 20th century remain significant.