Gangster Squad: Hunt for Blonde Rosie

This post is not about the upcoming Ryan Gosling movie. Although I am looking forward to seeing Ryan in any movie these days. This is about an obscure 1928 film directed by Raoul Walsh called Me, Gangster. The films’ release coincided with the coming of sound and so a synchronized soundtrack was added to the silent inter titles. Me, Gangster stars June Collyer and Don Terry. Carole is billed twelfth as “Carol Lombard” in the role of Blonde Rosie.

I’ve never seen Me, Gangster. Unless my memory fails me, I’ve never seen a photo of Carole in Me, Gangster. I’ve been unable to track down a print of the film in any major archive. I have however communicated with someone in Europe who has seen the film via an individual with a massive film collection. Unfortunately for us, this individual wishes to remain private and keep their collection to themselves.

A couple of weeks ago I made a great 99 cent purchase:

Cheaper than a pack of gum is this photoplay edition of Me, Gangster. It contains the original story by Charles Francis Coe as well as photographs from the William Fox Studio production. Of course, following the pattern of this post- none of the seven images are of Carole. After a brief reading there isn’t even a mention of a Blonde Rosie.

I’m currently scanner-less so please excuse the quality of the photos.

[Show as slideshow]

Now for the random. The inside cover is signed in pencil: Dorothy Van Winkle.

A quick search shows that Dorothy Van Winkle was a costume designer during the 1930s and 1940s for Broadway and the Zeigfeld Follies. That’s all I’ve got. My brain isn’t making a major connections but give me time.

Aside from the odd course this post has taken, I’ve learned:

• A photoplay edition can help shed some light on “lost films”.
• Even in a tough economy, bargains can be found.
• Europe has lots of films.
• I need to make friends with a certain collector.
• Following up on signatures can yield interesting stories. Or not.

And so the hunt continues. Have any of you seen this film or a even a picture of Carole in it?