Another man from Manchester, New Hampshire
What it is:
Carte de visite (CDV) photo measuring approx. 2.5 x 4 inches.
What I know about it:
Photographer is Lyman W. Colby of Manchester, New Hampshire. Otherwise undated and unidentified.
Comments:
I’ve posted mostly women and children this week, so I figured it was time for another man. But what sort? Well, I just watched Washington Square, the 1997 movie based on the Henry James novel, and it put me in the mind to find a Morris Townsend type (Ben Chaplin in that movie, or Montgomery Clift in The Heiress, another adaptation). I’m not sure if this is precisely the right period (the novel is from 1880), but it’s close enough. This guy looks like a handsome cad who could snake through society on his wits and charm, convincing a plain, innocent, awkward girl that he loves her, even though he sees only dollar signs. Even in this photo he looks like he’s scheming! So he’s today’s contribution. Hiss if you must. But as I was scanning this, I thought, “Wait, didn’t I post something from Manchester before?” Sure enough, it was this guy. Another devilish cad! Apparently the same photographer even! Coincidence? You be the judge.
Pics of Then 
I have never seen “Washington Square”, but I do remember thinking that Monty was not very convincing as a charming cad in “The Heiress”! This gentleman is very handsome, though. The other guy from Manchester looks quite sinister compared to this man.
Clift had a wonderful look, but seemed a little out of his depth in his some roles. I thought this Ben Chaplin guy was quite good, as was the film as a whole. Funny, I watched it just a few days after seeing “The Secret Garden”, which I mentioned in a post a few days ago. Turns out they have the same director, a Polish woman named Agnieszka Holland. That must be why I added them at the same time in my Netflix queue, though it was so long ago I don’t remember. 🙂
If you thought Morris Townsend in “Washington Square” was scheming, read James’ short story, “A Light Man”. You can find that story online if you’re not able to find it at the library.
Thanks for the tip!
I am adding “Washington Square” to my queue! i had no idea that Albert Finney is in it. Thanks!
Cool, let me know what you think.
re: Agnieszka Holland
I highly recommend “Europa Europa”. She also has a new movie coming out that’s getting some buzz. I didn’t know she did “Washington Square”–that seems like unusual material for her, but she does do a lot of different things. I just checked her Wikipedia page, and saw she directed some episodes of “The Wire.”
@JF – I shall be reading it, too!
But this guy really reminds me of Timothy Hutton–does anyone else see that? And what’s with his freaky collar? It exposes so much of his neck, yet his tie knot is fantastically wide. I don’t get it at all.
I read a review of her new movie, something about Jews hiding in sewers, and it sounded like a real downer. Not that “Washington Square” was a jolly comedy or anything, but still. Nevertheless, the two films I saw this week have made me interested in seeking out her work.
Yes, I see what you mean about Timothy Hutton. I was thinking this guy looked like somebody, not Timothy Hutton, but I can’t quite put my finger on it. Funny how evocative certain faces can be.
Oh, and yes, I noticed the collar, too. I’m no expert, but it struck me as odd.
I’d give him my estate in a heartbeat.
Heheh, understandable. 😉
Oh yes, he does appear to have some mischief in his eyes. I wonder if he was unpredictable and sneaky by the look in his eyes. Nice photo, though.
By the way, I’m giving you the Kreativ Blogger Award. You can see it here, http://thecozyred.wordpress.com/2012/02/19/kreative-blogger-award/.
I love your blog and seeing these old photos. You deserve the award. 🙂
Jenna, thank you! I’m grateful for your comments and readership, and this extra mention really makes me happy. I’m very glad to know you enjoy my blog. 🙂