Before the late 1800s, there were no devices capable of capturing images of significant historical moments. We relied on paintings and illustrations to honor important people and events. While these artworks were impressive, they sometimes lacked accuracy. Luckily, in the 20th century, the first camera, known as the Kodak, was invented. With these optical devices, historical moments were immortalized in print and would never be forgotten. Today, we have the wonderful chance to revisit some of the most iconic black and white moments captured on film.
Houdini, the Master of Handcuffs
It is impossible to discuss magic without mentioning Harry Houdini. Due to his outstanding escape skills, his name is now associated with magic. Houdini was born in Hungary and moved to the United States to pursue a career as a magician. He began without a dime but eventually became arguably the most famous and highest-paid magician of his time.
Houdini’s performances mainly featured escapes from items like handcuffs, straitjackets, ropes, and even a large milk can. On three separate occasions, he astounded thousands by escaping from being buried alive.
The Notorious Luxury Ship
When you hear the word “Titanic,” you probably think of the blockbuster film starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, directed by James Cameron, where the enormous ship strikes a large iceberg, splitting in two and sinking into the ocean.
While older generations are aware, many young people don’t realize that this massive ship was actually a luxurious 5-star hotel that hosted some of the wealthiest individuals in the country. The richest passenger on the ship was John Jacob Astor, who tragically did not survive the disaster. When his body was recovered from the wreckage, $2440 was found in his pocket. This image shows one of the ship’s most luxurious cabins.
Dorothy Counts-Scoggins
This entry features an award-winning photo taken by Douglas Martin in 1957, capturing Dorothy Counts-Scoggin being mocked by students behind her. It vividly illustrates racism at a previously all-white school. Although the Pearsall Plan ended racial segregation in schools, it couldn’t make students more accepting. Dorothy, then 15 years old, enrolled at Harry Harding High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, but left after a few days, unable to endure the intense harassment.
A White Citizens Council official even convinced her classmates to spit on her and throw rocks. Her only two friends were also bullied, having eggs thrown at them. Dorothy transferred and completed her high school education in Philadelphia, later graduating from Johnson C. Smith University. She noted that her faith in God gave her strength during her challenges.
Place, Place, Place
At times, it’s not the individuals, but the setting, that makes a photo truly spectacular. These two men and their daring dives might not be as well-known as others mentioned in this list, but the picture is still worth seeing.
The renown of the body of water in this picture compensates for the divers’ lack of recognition. As you may have deduced from the cityscape in the background, it is the River Thames in London. Westminster Bridge and the Houses of Parliament are visible in the distance. The daring leap of this pair, set against such an iconic backdrop, creates an unforgettable moment. It was undoubtedly a unique opportunity for the spectators as well.
Einstein Moves to the United States
Einstein visited the United States in 1933 as he was considering joining Caltech. During his time there, Adolf Hitler came to power in Germany. Being of Jewish descent, it became unsafe for Einstein to return home, prompting him to permanently emigrate to the U.S. While acting as a tourist, Einstein visited the Hopi House near the Grand Canyon. The native tribe warmly welcomed him and even allowed him to wear a traditional Hopi headdress. This image shows Einstein with his wife, Elsa, and some Hopi tribe members, serving as concrete evidence of the theoretical physicist’s open-mindedness.
A Very Hendrix Christmas
Jimi Hendrix is undoubtedly one of the most renowned musicians and greatest electric guitarists of all time. Despite his career lasting only four years, his impact on music is unmatched. Known for his performance at Woodstock, the era’s most famous music festival, Jimi amazed audiences with his exceptional talent, distinctive psychedelic style, and guitar-smashing acts.
Considering how astonishing his performances always were, it’s no wonder to see a photo of the musician wearing a Santa suit and displaying the psychedelic cover art of his album. This Santa costume was for an advertisement in
Record Mirror
, a magazine that is no longer in circulation. With Jimi’s quirky personality, however, it’s easy to confuse this with a laid-back outfit!
Presley in Private
Today, everyone recognizes Elvis Presley as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll and one of the most influential figures of his era. Presley rose to fame in the 1950s, winning millions of fans with his talent and attractive appearance. Although he faced some criticism for his unconventional hip-swaying and pelvic thrusting moves, this did not prevent him from achieving tremendous success.
What many people do not know is that Elvis joined the army in 1958. Indeed, the King served his country during the Korean-American war. However, his service was shortened by the passing of his mother, who sadly died of a heart attack.
The Most Eerie Pageant in the World
This haunting photo has not been altered in any way. Though it seems eerie, there was once a Miss Lovely Eyes beauty pageant. The contest took place in the 1930s, between World War I and World War II, in Florida.
Unlike traditional beauty pageants, this one focused solely on the contestants’ eyes, which is why bags cover the other parts of these women’s faces. So, no, this is not a group of bank robbers in tight clothing. Instead, they are contestants in this unusual pageant.
Monroe-Inspired Workout
Marilyn Monroe was a captivating figure, and she took care to keep her stunning physique. To achieve this, Marilyn frequently exercised with weights. Here is a rare photo of the charming icon pausing during her workout to tone her arms.
Despite being a global sex symbol who advocated for body positivity, it’s not widely known that Norma-Jeane struggled with low self-esteem. To fulfill the expectations of her fans, she underwent various cosmetic procedures, including correcting her overbite, having a nose job, and getting a chin implant.
Audrey Hepburn’s Unique Pet
Whether you have a small dog peering out of your bag or a large St. Bernard accompanying you as you stroll down the streets, owning a pet dog has become commonplace worldwide. However, for movie star Audrey Hepburn, having a dog simply wasn’t thrilling enough.
Instead, she chose to have a deer as a pet! Yes, this picture of Audrey doing some grocery shopping with a deer is completely real and not Photoshopped. She met this deer while filming the movie.
Green Mansions
The movie’s producers suggested that she spend quality time with the little creature to portray a genuine connection in the film. Audrey affectionately named her new friend Pippin.
Hemingway’s Preferred Place
Ernest Hemingway is undoubtedly one of the most important figures in American literature. His exceptional brilliance is evident in several of his works, including the well-known…
Old Man and the Sea
Despite his death, he still managed to have his work published. He authored seven novels in total and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954.
If you think Hemingway was most creatively inspired while at a desk, you are wrong. It seems many of his best ideas came to him while he was unwinding in his bathtub. I wonder which novel he was conceptualizing when this photo was taken?
Frank Sinatra is Just Like Everyone Else
Frank Sinatra, often seen as a quintessential “man’s man,” nevertheless valued proper grooming. Maintaining a sharp appearance and feeling good were important to him, which is evident in this photo depicting an intense shaving routine. This photograph was captured in 1965 by John Dominis, a photographer from
Life
To capture authentic and personal moments of the renowned musician, Dominis spent a month following Sinatra.
The result is this deeply intimate and unique moment of the singer shaving. When the photo was released, it swiftly became a classic. The relatability of the act endeared him even more to fans. Even Sinatra himself appreciated the photo.
Tenzin Gyatso
Tenzin Gyatso, known to many as the 14th (and current) Dalai Lama, is a globally recognized monk celebrated for his significant efforts in promoting peace. Throughout his tenure as a Tibetan religious leader, he has met with numerous notable world figures, including US Presidents and Hollywood celebrities.
Given his inspiring advocacy and wisdom, it’s hard to picture the Dalai Lama as a young innocent child. Tenzin was born in 1935 to a farming family in Tibet. At the young age of 15, he rose to the status of Holiness and has led Tibet ever since (although much of that time has been spent in exile in India).
Presidential Love Story
Former US President Bill Clinton and former New York Senator Hillary Clinton have experienced more ups and downs in their marriage than most couples. In this photograph, however, we see a young couple happily in love, relishing the early days of their relationship. This image was taken in 1970, long before the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal.
The pair met while studying law at Yale University. Bill was captivated by Hillary’s confidence and strength. He had to propose twice before Hillary accepted. On his first proposal, Hillary turned him down, stating that she needed more time. She eventually accepted when he proposed again.
André René Roussimoff
Andre Rene Roussimoff was a French professional wrestler widely recognized as Andre the Giant, due to his impressive height of 7 feet 4 inches. He had a condition known as gigantism, leading to an excess of growth hormones. His enormous stature also earned him the title “the eighth wonder of the world.” He participated in the inaugural
WrestleMania
organized by WWE, where he competed against Hulk Hogan. In 1993, he was honored with induction into the WWF Hall of Fame. He also ventured into acting, playing Fezzik in the movie,
The Princess Bride
This photo was taken while Andre the Giant was at a fashion exhibit in Paris.
The Lady of the Matinee
Actress Carol Wayne became famous for her guest roles on the
Tonight Show
She appeared on Johnny Carson’s show. She became prominent during the peak of late-night television, and her frequent appearances earned her the nickname “Matinee Lady.” She was cherished by many, but her immense popularity ended suddenly when she encountered a tragic fate.
Carol passed away under suspicious circumstances while touring Mexico with her partner, Edward Durston. The details surrounding her death remain unclear and are the subject of various theories. While many suspect foul play on Durston’s part, there wasn’t enough evidence to hold him accountable.
Lucille’s Artificial Nose
Everyone who experienced the 1950s grew familiar with and fond of the ideal duo of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. Their television show,
I Love Lucy
The show was one of the most-watched of its era and was loved for its hilarious duo.
While it may look like Lucille needs urgent help in this image, there’s no cause for concern, as this was a still from an episode. In this scene, Lucy wore a fake nose as a disguise and had just accidentally hit William Holden’s face with a custard pie. Oops.
The Golden-Haired Sensation
Marilyn Monroe is one of the most fascinating and enchanting celebrities of all time. People admired her and enjoyed watching her in films. Throughout her career, she appeared in nearly 30 movies. Although she was visually stunning, it’s said that the “blonde bombshell” didn’t have the complete package. Many people have reported having challenging working relationships with the actress.
Her ADHD and dependence on prescription drugs made it hard for her to remember lines. For example, her short line, “It’s me, Sugar,” required 47 takes to get an acceptable shot. Witnesses say that Marilyn kept mistakenly saying, “Sugar, it’s me.” In this picture, Marilyn is being guided by director Billy Wilder.
The Ultimate Example of Bromance
When people mention Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger, it’s hard to picture them as anything other than two muscular, testosterone-driven men. And who could fault you for that? These men were the stars of some of the most iconic action films of all time, like
Rambo, The Terminator,
and
Rocky
If you examine closely, these two actually bear a resemblance to each other. You could inquire with Danish model and actress Brigitte Nielsen, as it seems she has a preference, having been in a relationship with both of them. Despite having dated the same woman, their friendship was completely unaffected. In fact, they are still very close today. Take a look at this charming photo: a perfect example of brotherly affection.
Growl
Back in the 1920s, there was no CGI or modern technology. So, how did MGM, a production company, manage to capture that iconic clip of a lion roaring? It turns out, the famous opening credit was created with the help of a lion named Leo, who was very much real.
Indeed, there were no special effects used in filming the scene. Instead, a real lion was used. The riskiness came from having to agitate the animal to make it roar loudly. It was a highly dangerous undertaking, but it certainly paid off. Thankfully, no one was harmed during the making of the video!
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then these snapshots of history’s most iconic moments surely express millions. We’ve saved the most astonishing ones for last; take a look and see if you agree.
A man’s closest companion.
People have repeatedly shared stories of dogs who have saved their lives. Saying that “a dog is a man’s best friend” is an understatement because dogs can be our heroes in various ways. This picture perfectly illustrates a dog’s loyalty to its owner.
The dog is holding onto the boy’s shirt with its teeth to keep him from falling into the river as he reaches for his golf ball. If that isn’t a sign of intelligence and genuine love, I don’t know what is. This demonstrates that if you show your dog love and care, you can expect the same in return.
The Swimsuit
Becoming a successful fashion designer is a difficult task that involves much more than just attaching your name to a garment. For example, Louis Réard faced significant challenges introducing a new item of clothing to the world.
The French designer unveiled the bikini in 1946, but unfortunately, it was initially not well-received. The blame lay on the conservative and traditional market of that era. Nonetheless, a few decades later, his efforts finally bore fruit. The bikini was embraced by a more progressive fashion community as a genuine piece of attire, and it has continued to rise in popularity ever since.
Marilyn is a soccer player.
In case it wasn’t clear from the number of rare photos of the icon in this list, I’m a huge fan of Marilyn Monroe. Beyond being a successful actress and singer, Marilyn also had a keen interest in soccer. So, when she was invited to be a guest at a soccer match between the US National Soccer Team and the Israeli Hapoel Tel Aviv team, she eagerly accepted.
On the field, she displayed such enthusiasm and passion for the sport that the referees allowed her to play with the ball for a bit before the game officially started. Her joyful smile was truly priceless.
The Encounter of Two Stars
In the 1960s, the meteoric rise to super fame of both The Beatles and Muhammad Ali was unmatched in speed and intensity. Even though they were famous for different reasons, their level of fame was equally extraordinary. The Beatles gained fame from the “British Invasion,” where they brought English pop music to the United States. Meanwhile, Muhammad Ali became globally renowned for his exceptional boxing prowess.
Ali was also outspoken about his political views, with a notable moment being his refusal to be drafted for the Vietnam War. In this unique and extremely charming photo, these legendary figures meet for the first time. There was so much star power in that room, it’s surprising it didn’t burst!
Frida, The Handsome… Boy?
Can you identify which one is Frida Kahlo in this picture? We all know the famous Mexican painter had a unique personality, but did you know her eccentricities date back to her childhood? This photo was taken in 1924 when Frida was a 17-year-old. Her father Guillermo asked all the children to pose for the camera, and pose they did.
Frida, however, had the clever idea to dress differently. If you still can’t spot her, take a closer look at the person in the middle with the confident attitude. That’s not actually a guy; that’s Frida. The intense look in her eyes combined with a three-piece suit gave her a rather masculine appearance.
The First Woman to Run the Boston Marathon
Throughout history, women have made progress in advancing equal rights in a male-dominated society. Among those who have greatly contributed to women’s rights are Rosa Parks and Emmeline Pankhurst. In the sports world, German marathon runner Kathrine Switzer defied the odds by becoming the first woman to participate in the Boston Marathon. This took place in 1967, a time when women were not allowed to take part in the race.
Despite this restriction, Switzer was not deterred. Even when race official Jock Semple tried to stop her by grabbing her race number, she stayed resolute. Her boyfriend, Thomas Miller, who was also running in the race, assisted her by pushing the out-of-line official to the ground. Five years later, in 1972, women were at last officially welcomed to the race.
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Long before Mahatma Gandhi led his country to independence from the British Empire’s colonial rule, he began his journey as a humble man pursuing a law degree. This photograph was taken in April 1893, when he was only 23 years old. Gandhi chose to live in South Africa when he began working as a lawyer.
Over the next twenty years, he developed his beliefs in non-violence, civil rights, and freedom. He eventually became one of the most notable historical figures advocating for peace. The term Mahatma, meaning “venerable,” is often used to refer to him. In India, he is known as the Father of the Nation.
The Statue of France
The Statue of Liberty is located on Liberty Island in New York. Although she is an American icon, many people do not realize that she was not made in America. The enormous statue was actually constructed in Paris and then presented as a gift to the United States.
The statue was designed by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, a French sculptor. Gustave Eiffel, the same engineer responsible for building the Eiffel Tower, constructed the statue’s metal framework. This photo shows the final stages of the statue’s creation. It was taken in 1884, around the time when the cornerstone was being set.
Bob Sr. and Bob Jr.
When you think of Robert DeNiro, you probably picture a serious individual with a tough attitude. This isn’t surprising, considering he has portrayed many masculine characters in several classic films like
Raging Bull, Taxi Driving,
naturally
,
Who could forget him in
The Godfather
Although it’s difficult to think of him as an adorable and innocent baby, he was once a small child, just like all of us. In this photo, the toddler, who already appears somewhat like a gangster, is spending time with his loving father, the internationally renowned painter Robert DeNiro Sr. In the past, Bob Jr. shared a close bond with his dad. When he accepted his numerous acting awards, he ensured to dedicate one of them to his beloved father.
Elizabeth General
If you saw the historical drama,
The Crown
If you’ve watched Netflix, then you’d know that the United Kingdom’s reigning queen, Elizabeth II, was a member of the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), a women’s branch of the army. This shows there’s much more to her than it seems.
During World War II, the queen didn’t just sit idle on her throne; she contributed by working as an auto mechanic. Contrary to what people might assume about royalty, she wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. Applause for this amazing woman who is both a queen and a skilled mechanic!
A Challenging History
Did I mention I’m a huge Marilyn Monroe fan? This is the last entry about her, I promise. Norma Jeane may have been one of the most beautiful women alive, but behind all that success was a pretty rough and toxic childhood. At a very young age, both her parents passed away, leaving her little choice but to live in an orphanage.
At 16, she married her neighbor just to escape her terrible life. While her husband went off to fight in World War II, she started working in a factory for Van Nuys. The photo we have here is said to be the very image that made her famous.
Albert and Charlie: The Beginnings of a Bromance
I never thought of connecting these two individuals in any way, but apparently, the iconic figures were actually very close friends. Theoretical physicist Albert Einstein and silent film actor Charlie Chaplin might not seem to have anything in common; after all, they came from such different fields.
However, both men were of European origin (Chaplin from England and Einstein from Germany), and both chose to move to the United States. They clicked immediately when they met during Chaplin’s tour of the country. They enjoyed each other’s company so much that Chaplin invited Albert for dinner, starting one of the first true friendships of the 19th century.
Revenge of Jayne Mansfield
That intense look speaks volumes. Jayne Mansfield and Sophia Loren were both actresses in the 1950s competing for the same roles. Naturally, this led to a fierce rivalry between them. Sophia was a sultry brunette, while Jayne was a blonde bombshell, but since Hollywood at the time had limited roles available for women, conflict was unavoidable. The animosity towards Jayne is evident in Sophia’s eyes in this photograph.
It turns out that this was all a publicity stunt by Jayne Mansfield. The photo was taken at an event meant to welcome the Italian actress Loren to Hollywood. Mansfield hadn’t been invited but decided to crash the party wearing a low-cut dress without a bra. As this iconic photo was being captured, she deliberately hunched her shoulders and leaned forward to expose her cleavage.
Lunch at Walt Disney’s
Over the years, the Disney brand has become a byword for entertainment. With legendary movies such as
Snow White
and
Bambi
to timeless classics such as
The Lion King
and
Aladdin
Disney is often considered the benchmark for entertainment, largely due to its popular Disneyland theme parks.
Given the company’s tremendous success, it’s easy to forget that Disney initially started with black-and-white cartoons featuring characters like Mickey Mouse. The magic all began with the humble vision of Walt Disney, the company’s founder. Take a look at this photograph of Walt, the cartoonist, enjoying a piece of fried chicken for lunch. He has truly made remarkable progress over the years.
