Endorsed by Geraldine Farrar. A peek into 20s culture here, the mix of high- and middlebrow:
Geraldine Farrar (February 28, 1882 – March 11, 1967) was an American soprano opera singer and film actress, noted for her beauty, acting ability, and "the intimate timbre of her voice." She had a large following among young women, who were nicknamed "Gerry-flappers."
A woman of passion:
Farrar had a seven-year love affair with the Italian conductor Arturo Toscanini. Her ultimatum, that he leave his wife and children and marry her, resulted in Toscanini's abrupt resignation as principal conductor of the Metropolitan Opera in 1915.
She retired from opera in 1922, and went into the less-demanding and presumably lucrative business of concert recitals.
In the 90s, there were old ladies in nursing homes who never said they'd been Gerry-flappers, because no one would understand what they meant. |