Eleanor Powell Signed Photograph

, . 8" x 10" glossy silver gelatin photograph of dancer/actress Eleanor Powell, whose pyrotechnic footwork earned her the moniker "Queen Of Tap." As a child Powell was forced by her mother to enroll in dance classes as a means of overcoming her shyness, and much to her own surprise excelled to such an extent that by age twelve she was opening dinner shows in Atlantic City and performing at private social events, where she met Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, who became her mentor. Between 1935 and 1945 Powell famously partnered with Fred Astaire, Buddy Ebsen, and George Murphy in such movies as Born To Dance, Rosalie, Broadway Melody of 1936, Honolulu, Broadway Melody of 1938, and Broadway Melody of 1940, which featured the legendary dance routine Begin The Beguine, widely considered the greatest tap number in film history. When once asked about Powell, Fred Astaire commented, "She put ‘em down like a man, no ricky-ticky sissy stuff with Ellie. She really knocked out a tap dance in a class by herself." After marrying actor Glenn Ford in 1943, she left performing to pursue life as a housewife and mother, and not until after a painful divorce ten years later did she return briefly to the screen. Powell was known professionally for her unfailing dedication and ability, and personally for her kindness, generosity, and humility. Like Astaire, her commitment to work was total. She is reported to have once said, "I’d rather dance than eat." Very Good Plus, clean, bright, no chips or tears.