Artwork Page for Mrs. Van Johnson, Getting One of Van's Fans Out of the Way

Details / Information for Mrs. Van Johnson, Getting One of Van's Fans Out of the Way

Mrs. Van Johnson, Getting One of Van's Fans Out of the Way

1948

Ruth Orkin

(American, 1921–1985)
Culture
America
Medium
gelatin silver print
Measurements
Image: 18.4 x 22.9 cm (7 1/4 x 9 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mary Engel/Ruth Orkin Photo Archive 2023.66
Copyright
Copyright
This artwork is known to be under copyright.
Location
Not on view
Print
?

Did You Know?

Ruth Orkin was there when matinee idol Van Johnson (1916–2008) imprinted his hands and signature into the cement in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Los Angeles.

Description

“I wanted to do a sequence showing the desperation of fans, the pushing and shoving,” said Ruth Orkin. The press of the crowd caused her to push a woman whom she discovered was the actor’s wife, actress Eve Abbott (1914-2004). Orkin immediately struggled to the other side of the crowd to get a shot of Abbott pushing a fan out of the way so she could take home movies of the ceremony.
A horizontally oriented black-and-white photograph depicts a crowded group of people with light skin tones. In the foreground, a boy in a plaid shirt faces our right. Beside him, a woman leans forward, aiming a movie camera while resting her hand on his shoulder. Behind her, a woman wears a hat and glasses. On our far right, a woman with dark, curly hair looks back over her shoulder.

Mrs. Van Johnson, Getting One of Van's Fans Out of the Way

1948

Ruth Orkin

(American, 1921–1985)
America

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork