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Kiss Me Again: An Invitation to a Group of Noble Dames
"The nobility of these noble dames (included are Alice B Toklas, Fritzi Scheff, Fania Marinoff, Marguerite Young) is in their endless courage."—Donald Windham
"There is such generosity in these elegant and affectionate portraits reflected in the prism of Kellner's cherishing memory."—Mary Elsie Robertson
"There is such generosity in these elegant and affectionate portraits reflected in the prism of Kellner's cherishing memory."—Mary Elsie Robertson
320 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2000
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August 27, 2024
A glimpse into Fania Marinoff (1887-1971), the 2d wife of Carl Van Vechten, who lived with him for 50 years, off and on -- as they both traveled a lot, separately -- and, after 5 or so years of pash (the usual estimate), they became "friends," despite noisy scenes. Fania's presence made CVV seem straight and he presented her with a glamorous life. Sadly, she outlived him for some years and collapsed physically (she went blind and deaf), which is why it's always wise to have a "Get-Out" kit.
CVV was born in Iowa; Fania in Russia. He was an atheist, she a romantic religious Jew. He graduated fr Uni of Chicago, she did not finish 5th grade. As he pursued his journalism and then novels, Fania acted in silent movies and on Broadway in the first US production of "Spring's Awakening" (1917) and other plays. There are vague suggestions that they had a child -- aborted or given up for adoption, and maybe CVV had a tot, quickly adopted by friends, from his first wife, too. Nothing can be verified and it all sounds murky to me.
During WW2, both were busy at the Stage Door Canteen. Fania danced with the boys, CVV made private arrangements. One had to do something for Cause & Country, after all. In their peak years, Fania and CVV knew everyone, gave and went to parties and were at all arts openings. Despite public arguments, Mabel Dodge Luhan wrote that their marriage was "rooted in eternity, odd and everlasting."
Fania's last Bwy show was the Bankhead debacle of "Antony and Cleopatra," (1937). Fania played Charmian. It lasted 5 performances. Still -- to have been there. ~~ Other women under the lens include Fritzi Scheff and Marguerite Young. But this is the only place you can learn about Fania Marinoff.
CVV was born in Iowa; Fania in Russia. He was an atheist, she a romantic religious Jew. He graduated fr Uni of Chicago, she did not finish 5th grade. As he pursued his journalism and then novels, Fania acted in silent movies and on Broadway in the first US production of "Spring's Awakening" (1917) and other plays. There are vague suggestions that they had a child -- aborted or given up for adoption, and maybe CVV had a tot, quickly adopted by friends, from his first wife, too. Nothing can be verified and it all sounds murky to me.
During WW2, both were busy at the Stage Door Canteen. Fania danced with the boys, CVV made private arrangements. One had to do something for Cause & Country, after all. In their peak years, Fania and CVV knew everyone, gave and went to parties and were at all arts openings. Despite public arguments, Mabel Dodge Luhan wrote that their marriage was "rooted in eternity, odd and everlasting."
Fania's last Bwy show was the Bankhead debacle of "Antony and Cleopatra," (1937). Fania played Charmian. It lasted 5 performances. Still -- to have been there. ~~ Other women under the lens include Fritzi Scheff and Marguerite Young. But this is the only place you can learn about Fania Marinoff.
Displaying 1 of 1 review