Signed portrait of the American actress, once a star of Yiddish theater and film.  By Alfredo Valente, New York, for Moss Photo Service, New York.   Inscribed to Paul McMahon, with date "1961."  10.25 x 8.25 inches (25.8 x 20.6 cm).  Three bumps to right margin (from ring binder); else in fine condition.

Molly Picon began her career in Yiddish theatre and film, rising to a star, on stage in New York and on screen to both sides of the Atlantic, before transitioning into character roles in English-language productions in the 1940s.

"Alfredo Valente was an Italian born American photographer known for his prolific career chronicling Broadway theatre.  In 1931, he became the photographer for the newly formed Group Theater, an experimental theater company based in New York co-founded by Lee Strasberg.  By the mid-1930s, Valente was regularly published by magazines and newspapers, most notably Stage, a magazine dedicated to Broadway theater. Valente was lauded as one of the leading theater photographers of the day and his use of artistic camera angles and dramatic lighting became his signature.  He also became known for portraying actors and dancers in costume, but not while performing.  By 1937, he became the choice photographer at the New York Times."  Wikipedia.