This is an 8x10 inch vintage original publicity photograph of Claire James. Her name does not appear in the film credits for Hellzapoppin, though she does appear in other publicity photos with Ole Olsen and Chic Johnson, stars of the film.
Claire James (1920 - 1986) was a beauty queen, "Miss Los Angeles" in 1938, and placed third in the "Queen of Queens" of Southern California that same year. In August 1938, she was crowned "Miss California" and was first runner-up in the Miss America pageant of 1938.
Hired as an movie extra in Hollywood, she had a speaking part in "Gone with the Wind" (1939). In 1941,she was selected as one of the "The Navy Blues Sextet" for US Navy Blues and later toured to create morale during World War II. Signed to 20th Century Fox, she appeared in films to include "Navy Blues" (1941), "Coney Island" (1943), "Mr. Noisy" (1946), "Jack Armstrong" (1947), "The One and Only" (1950), "Women of Twilight" (1953) and "The Revolt of Mamie Stover" (1956). She also appeared in numerous television shows. Most of her roles were uncredited.
She was married briefly to Busby Berkeley in 1942.
Very good condition 8x10 inch vintage original publicity photograph. There is a diagonal storage line impression on her midriff, and one just above her knees, not too noticeable when viewing straight-on. There are a few light creases in the corners.