Fine painting of 1950s life at Newport Beach and the Rendezvous Ballroom by Hollywood Director and artist, James Whale (1889-1957).

Oil on canvas. Framed.

Signed and dated (1952), lower right.

Michaels, Sunset Blvd, Hollywood art supply store imprint on the top stretcher bar. Artists engraved brass name plaque on the velvet liner.

The painting depicts a sunny day at Balboa, Newport Beach in Southern California. It has lots of drama involving the people in the scene and great architectural renditions of the area at the time, 1952, including the famous Rendezvous Ballroom and a beach restaurant. A dynamic and dramatic composition from this well-known artist - film director and possibly the best painting by James Whale to surface.

PAINTING - 16" x 20"

FRAME - 24" x 28"

NOTES / REFERENCES: James Whale is best remembered as the Director of several horror films: Frankenstein (1931), The Old Dark House (1932), The Invisible Man (1933) and Bride of Frankenstein (1935), all considered classics. Whale also directed films in other genres, including the 1936 film version of the musical Show Boat. He was openly gay throughout his career, something that was very unusual in the 1920s and 1930s. As knowledge of his sexual orientation has become more common, some of his films, Bride of Frankenstein in particular, have been interpreted as having a gay subtext and it has been claimed that his refusal to remain in the closet led to the end of his directing career.

PROVENANCE : Los Angeles, California collection.

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Painting in good condition. Varnish with light discoloration. No prior restoration noted. Frame in good condition with light wear.