Category Archives: Donna Montran
Donna at Hotel Brenton, Bass Point, Nahant, Mass. August 4, 1915.
In 1915, Donna—famously known as the “aeroplane girl”—performed at a grand carnival at Hotel Brenton in Nahant, MA. With vibrant lights, cabaret acts, and dancing, the event was directed by Thomas Rooney, whom Donna married just months later. A vivid piece of early 20th-century entertainment history. Continue reading
Posted in Donna Montran, Vaudeville
Tagged Thomas Rooney, 1915, Hotel Brenton, Nahant MA, Vintage Carnival
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Donna in the 1949 Documentary “Down Memory Lane” (?)
A newly found photo of Donna among Mack Sennett’s Bathing Beauties connects our family story to the 1949 film Down Memory Lane. Though the complete film seems lost, this image keeps a bit of her Hollywood days alive. I’m still searching for the full version — maybe it will turn up yet! Continue reading
Donna and the Bathing Beauties: Uncovering My Grandmother’s Vaudeville Ties
Discover how a family letter and old vaudeville photos help piece together my grandmother’s days as one of Mack Sennett’s Bathing Beauties — and her possible connections with Helen Kane and Stuart Erwin. Continue reading
Donna at the Indiana Theatre, Marion, IN, Mar 1-4, 1925.
Donna in the News100 Years Agoby Don Taylor “Donna in the News” reports newly found newspaper articles and advertisements regarding my grandmother, Madonna Montran (aka Donna Montran and Donna Darling). I am always excited when I see a new venue … Continue reading
Donna at the Henderson Theater, Coney Island
Henderson’s Theater, Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York – Week of 6 September 1920. Updated 29 Jan 2023 We know that Donna had finished a 5-week showing at B.S. Moss’ Broadway Theater on August 29th. We know she performed in that … Continue reading
Posted in Donna Montran, Vaudeville
Tagged California Bathing Girls, Bathing Girls, Henderson Theater, Coney Island
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