Before the end of the 19th century, there were no devices capable of capturing impactful historical moments. We had to depend on paintings and drawings to remember key individuals and occurrences. Despite their beauty, these pieces of art weren’t always accurate. Thankfully, the 20th century saw the invention of the first camera, named the Kodak. With this invention, cherished historical events were able to be immortalized in print, ensuring they would never vanish from memory. In the present day, we have the incredible privilege to look back at some of the most remarkable monochromatic moments ever captured on film.
Harry Handcuff Houdini
When discussing magic, it’s impossible to ignore the mention of Harry Houdini. His extraordinary escapism skills led to his name becoming a byword for magic. Originally from Hungary, Houdini journeyed to the United States to chase his dream of becoming a magician. Despite beginning with absolutely nothing, he ultimately achieved immense fame and possibly became the highest-earning magician of his time.
Houdini’s performances were largely characterized by his ability to liberate himself from diverse items including handcuffs, straitjackets, ropes, and even an enormous milk can. He astounded audiences on three separate instances by managing to break free from live burials.
The Infamous Luxury Liner
Probabaly, the name “Titanic” immediately brings to your mind the iconic movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, directed by James Cameron. It’s the epic film that depicts the enormous vessel colliding with a massive iceberg, leading to its tragic splitting and sinking into the sea.
Though knowledgeable to the elderly, many younger individuals are unaware that this colossal vessel actually functioned as an upscale 5-star resort, accommodating some of the country’s most affluent individuals. Among these was John Jacob Astor, the wealthiest passenger on board the ship, who tragically didn’t survive the calamity. Upon the retrieval of his body from the debris, he was found to have $2440 in his pocket. This picture portrays one of the most extravagant cabins on the ship.
Dorothy Counts-Scoggin
This acclaimed photograph was taken by Douglas Martin in 1957 and showcases Dorothy Counts-Scoggin who is being ridiculed by fellow students. The image powerfully highlights racial discrimination that existed in what was previously an all-white institution. Despite the enactment of the Pearsall Plan, which officially ended school segregation, it did not have the ability to command acceptance from the students. Dorothy, only 15 years old at the time, was admitted to Harry Harding High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, but had to leave after a few days due to the unbearable harassment she experienced.
A representative of the White Citizens Council even convinced classmates to disrespect her by spitting on her and stoning her. The pair of friends she managed to make were also victimised, becoming targets of egg-throwing. Dorothy moved and completed her high schooling in Philadelphia and obtained her degree from Johnson C. Smith University. She expressed that her religious belief in God was the source of her resilience amid her challenging times.
Location, Location, Location
At times, it’s not the individuals, but the setting, that makes a picture truly magnificent. The daring diving endeavors of these two gentlemen may not have gained the same fame as other personalities mentioned in this list, but the photograph definitely deserves attention.
The picture’s renowned body of water compensates for the unknown identity of the divers. From the skyline hinted in the backdrop, you may identify it as London’s River Thames. Westminster Bridge and the House of Parliament are also visible in the scene. The courage shown by the two divers juxtaposed against the majestic location creates an unforgettable moment. It was surely a rare spectacle for those who witnessed it.
Einstein Emigrates to the US
In 1933, Einstein considered affiliating with Caltech and visited the United States. However, during his time there, Hitler ascended to power in Germany. Given that Einstein was of Jewish descent, it became perilous for him to go back to his homeland. This situation compelled him to permanently migrate to the US. At one point during his visit, Einstein made a stop at the Hopi House near the Grand Canyon.
The indigenous tribe warmly greeted him, even permitting him to wear a customary Hopi headdress. This picture includes Einstein and his spouse, Elsa, as well as several Hopi tribe members. The photograph is indisputable proof of the theoretical physicist’s broad-mindedness.
A Very Hendrix christmas
Undeniably, Jimi Hendrix stands as one of the most esteemed artists and remarkable electric guitar virtuosos in history. Although his professional journey was brief, lasting only four years, his impact on music is unmatched. Known for his performance at Woodstock, the era’s most prominent music festival, he stunned audience members with his extraordinary skills, distinctive psychedelic approach, and his penchant for demolishing guitars.
Given how jaw-dropping his antics always were, it comes as no surprise to encounter such a photo of the musician, donning a Santa outfit and showing off the trippy cover art of his album. This Saint Nick get-up was for an advertisement in Record Mirror, a now-defunct magazine. With Jimi’s eccentric character, though, it’s easy to mistake this for a casual outfit!
Private Presley
It is universally acknowledged today that Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, was one of the most impactful figures of his era. Garnering fame in the 1950s, Presley captivated millions of admirers with his skill and allure. While his unconventional hip-swaying and pelvic thrusting moves were subjects of controversy, they did not hinder his meteoric rise to success.
It’s a lesser-known fact that Elvis joined the army in 1958. Indeed, living up to his moniker of ‘the King,’ he served his nation during the Korean-American war. Unfortunately, the demise of his mother due to a heart attack prematurely ended his military service.
The Creepiest Pageant on Earth
Regrettably, the unsettling image you see has not been manipulated in any way. Though it may seem uncanny, there was indeed a period when the Miss Lovely Eyes beauty contest existed. This event was held in the 1930s, during the interval between the first and second World Wars, in the sunshine state, Florida.
This isn’t your typical beauty contest. Here, beauty is gauged solely by the contestants’ eyes, with the rest of their features obscured by bags. Despite the appearance, these women clad in form-fitting attire are not bandits. Instead, they are part of an oddly unusual beauty pageant.
Working Out, Monroe-Style
Marilyn Monroe was an undisputed seductress, assiduously working to preserve her divine figure. She frequently incorporated weightlifting into her fitness routine. Behold a seldom-seen photograph of the enchanting starlet pausing her bicep-enhancing workout.
Were you aware that the globally recognized icon of beauty and body acceptance, our beloved Norma-Jeane, battled issues of self-worth? Striving to fulfill the high expectations of her fanbase, she underwent several cosmetic procedures including correcting her overbite, reshaping her nose, and getting a chin implant.
Audrey Hepburn’s Unusual Pet
Regardless if you have a small dog peering out of your handbag or a massive St. Bernard ambling along with you on the footpath, keeping a pet dog has become a common practice worldwide. However, for the legendary actress Audrey Hepburn, simply having a dog didn’t spark the thrill she sought.
Instead, she decided to have a deer for a pet! Yup, this photo of Audrey doing some grocery shopping with a deer is not at all Photoshopped. She met this deer while shooting the film, Green Mansions. The movie’s producers recommended that she spend some quality time with the tiny creature to reflect a real bond in the movie. Audrey fondly called her newfound friend Pippin.
Hemingway’s Favorite Spot
Ernest Hemingway is truly one of the most significant figures in American literature. He was so brilliant that some of his works, such as the famous Old Man and the Sea, still managed to get published even after his death. He wrote a total of seven novels and received the Nobel Prize in literature in 1954.
If you’re picturing Hemingway conjuring his best works hunched over a desk, you’d be wrong. Surprisingly, majority of his top ideas materialized while he was leisurely soaking in his bathtub. One can’t help but speculate which book he was conceptualizing when this photograph was captured?
Frank Sinatra is Just Like the Rest of Us
Frank Sinatra may have been a “man’s man,” but he did still adhere to proper hygiene. It was important for him to both look and feel good, hence the serious shaving session happening in this photo. The image was taken in 1965 by John Dominis, a photographer from Life. In order to capture genuine and personal moments of the famous musician, Dominis spent an entire month shadowing Sinatra.
The result is this uniquely personal and precious scene of the singer grooming himself. When the image was made public, it rapidly transformed into an iconic piece. The portrayal of him engaged in such a commonplace activity endeared him even more to his followers. Even Sinatra took a liking to the photograph.
Tenzin Gyatso
The 14th Dalai Lama, also known to many as Tenzin Gyatso, is a globally recognized monk due to his significant contributions in advocating peace. In his tenure as a spiritual leader in Tibet, he has held discussions with several high-profile global personalities including Presidents of the United States and Hollywood stars.
It’s difficult to envision the Dalai Lama, known for his profound wisdom and impactful beliefs, as a naive child once. Born into an agricultural family in Tibet in 1935, Tenzin was enthroned to the position of spiritual leadership when he was just 15 years old. He has been leading Tibet ever since, although, a major portion of this time was spent living in exile in India.
Presidential Romance
Ex-US President, Bill Clinton, and ex-New York State Senator, Hillary Clinton, have experienced more highs and lows in their marital journey than the average couple. This picture depicts them as a young couple, deeply in love and relishing the beginning phases of their bond. The photograph was taken in 1970, long before the notorious Clinton-Lewinski affair unfolded.
Bill and Hillary encountered each other at Yale University during their law studies. Hillary’s assertiveness and fortitude captivated Bill. He proposed to Hillary twice before she eventually agreed. Upon his initial proposal, Hillary declined, stating she needed more deliberation time. However, when Bill made a second attempt, she accepted his marriage proposal.
Andre Rene Roussimoff
Andre Rene Roussimoff, a native of France, was a professional wrestler. He was famously recognized as Andre the Giant due to his towering height of 7 feet 4 inches. Roussimoff was diagnosed with gigantism, a condition that results in an excess production of growth hormones in the body. His enormous stature also got him dubbed as the “eighth wonder of the world”.
He competed in the very first WrestleMania hosted by WWE, where he fought against Hulk Hogan. In 1993, he was inducted into the WWF Hall of Fame. He also tried his hand at acting, starring as Fezzik in the film, The Princess Bride. Andre the Giant was attending a fashion exhibit in Paris when this picture was taken.
The Matinee Lady
Actress Carol Wayne rose to fame in her guest appearances on the Tonight Show, hosted by Johnny Carson. She rose during the golden age of late-night shows, and her consistent guest spots earned her the title of “Matinee Lady.” She was adored and loved by many, but her massive popularity met an abrupt end as she suffered a tragic fate.
Carol tragically lost her life under mysterious conditions during a Mexican tour with her companion, Edward Durston. Her unsolved death has given rise to many speculations. A large group of people suspect Durston to be responsible. However, due to lack of sufficient proof, his involvement in her death couldn’t be established.
Lucille’s Fake Nose
Everyone who lived through the 1950s came to know and love the perfect pairing that was Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. Their sitcom, I Love Lucy, was one of the most-watched shows of their time. The show was so adored because of the hilarious duo.
At first glance, it may appear as if Lucille is in an urgent situation requiring immediate help, as depicted in this image. However, there’s no cause for worry, it’s merely a still from a television show episode. In this specific instance, Lucy was donning a prosthetic nose as part of a ruse. She had inadvertently smacked William Holden’s face with a cream pie. What a mishap.
The Blonde Bombshell
Marilyn Monroe remains one of the most mesmerizing and enthralling stars in history. Audiences were drawn to her charm and enjoyed seeing her in films. Throughout her professional journey, she featured in almost 30 movies. Despite her stunning beauty, the “blonde bombshell” seemingly lacked in other aspects. There have been numerous accounts of people struggling to work with the actress.
Her struggle with ADHD and dependency on prescribed drugs made it difficult for her to remember her lines. Case in point, the simple line, “It’s me, Sugar,” had to be redone 47 times before she got it right. Witness reports suggest Marilyn would often mix up the words and say, “Sugar, it’s me,” by mistake. In the picture provided, Marilyn is seen receiving guidance from director Billy Wilder.
The Epitome of Bromance
When the names Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger are uttered, one cannot imagine anything other than a pair of muscular and testosterone-filled men. And who can blame you? These gentlemen starred in some of the most iconic guy flicks of all time, such as Rambo, The Terminator, and Rocky. And, if you look closely, these two actually look somewhat alike.
As evidence of her specific preference, Danish model and actress Brigitte Nielsen reportedly dated both men. Notwithstanding both being in a relationship with the same woman, their fraternal bond remained unblemished. They continue to maintain a strong friendship up until the present day. This heartwarming picture serves as the perfect illustration of their enduring “bro love”.
Roar
During the 1920s, modern technology and CGI were nonexistent. This brings up the question, how did the production company MGM manage to record the famous scene of a lion’s roar? Interestingly, it was the result of efforts by a lion named Leo, who in reality, was a living, breathing lion. The unforgettable opening credit was actually his work.
Indeed. The scene was shot without the use of any special effects, instead utilizing an actual lion. The threat factor was increased as the lion had to be provoked to elicit a strong roar, making the situation extremely perilous and fraught with danger. Nevertheless, the final result was worth the risk. Thankfully, the production did not result in any fatalities!
If an image is worth a thousand words, then these photos capturing the most significant moments in history must certainly be worth a million each. We’ve reserved the most breathtaking ones for the grand finale; scroll through and let us know if you concur.
Man’s Bestfriend
Numerous individuals have recounted extraordinary experiences where dogs saved their lives. Therefore, the phrase “a dog is a man’s best friend” does not fully capture the depth of these relationships. In many instances, canines prove to be our heroes, serving us in more ways than we can comprehend. This image encapsulates the deep-seated loyalty dogs can exhibit towards their human companions.
This fluffy creature is gripping the young boy’s shirt with its teeth, preventing him from tumbling into the water while he tries to retrieve his golf ball. If this doesn’t signify intelligence and pure love, I’m unsure what else does. This serves as compelling proof that reciprocating your dog’s love and care rewards you with the same level of treatment.
The Bikini
Becoming a renowned fashion designer is a demanding task, demanding more than just embroidering your name on a clothing item. For example, Louis Réard faced significant struggles when launching a new clothing item globally.
In 1946, the bikini was first introduced by a French designer. Unfortunately, it was not widely accepted due to the conservative mindset of the market at that time. But as time passed and society became more progressive, his persistent efforts finally bore fruit. The fashion community began to acknowledge the bikini as a legitimate piece of clothing. From then on, the trajectory of this iconic swimsuit has always been one of rising popularity.
Marilyn Plays Soccer
If it’s yet not obvious from the abundance of seldom-seen photos included in this compilation, I am an enormous admirer of Marilyn Monroe. Not only was she a successful actress and singer, but she also had a keen interest in soccer. Consequently, when the sparkling blonde was invited to be a guest at a soccer match between the US National Team and the Israeli Hapoel Tel Aviv team, she accepted the invitation with great enthusiasm.
While on the pitch, her energy and love for the game were so infectious that the officials let her toy with the ball before the game officially kicked off. The joyous grin on her face is truly invaluable.
The Meeting Of Two Stars
During the 1960s, the ascension to fame of The Beatles and Muhammad Ali was unparalleled in terms of swiftness and fervor. Despite their renown stemming from disparate talents, their fame was equally wild. The Beatles were well-known for what was referred to as the “British invasion,” in which they brought English pop music to the United States. Conversely, Muhammad Ali gained worldwide notoriety for his unparalleled prowess in the boxing ring.
Ali was not only a great athlete but also an outspoken political figure, notably rejecting his draft into the Vietnam War. This unique and charming photo captures the first encounter between these legendary personalities. The room was filled with so many shining stars that it’s surprising it didn’t burst.
Frida, The Beautiful… Boy?
Can you identify Frida Kahlo in this image? The renowned Mexican artist was notorious for her idiosyncratic personality but did you know these quirks date back to her youth? The photo was captured in 1924 when Frida was merely 17 years old. At her father Guillermo’s request, all the children struck poses for the camera, and that’s just what they did.
On the other hand, Frida was innovative enough to experiment with her attire. If she’s still out of your view, pay keen attention to the character at the center exhibiting a rebellious demeanor. That’s not really a male figure, it’s actually Frida. Her piercing gaze, associated with the austere three-piece suit, certainly gave her a more masculine appearance.
The First Female Boston Marathon Runner
Across the ages, women have consistently championed for gender equality in a traditionally male-dominated society. Pivotal contributors to the feminist movement include Rosa Parks and Emmeline Pankhurst. In athletics, Kathrine Switzer, a German marathon runner, bravely challenged societal norms and became the first ever woman to compete in the Boston Marathon in 1967, a time when women were prohibited from participating.
Despite this setback, Switzer remained undeterred. Even when a race official, Jock Semple, attempted to impede her progress by trying to snatch her race bib, she kept her resolve. Thomas Miller, her boyfriend who was also participating in the race, aided her by knocking down the overstepping official. It wasn’t until five years later, in 1972, that women were formally accepted to participate in the race.
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Long before Mahatma Gandhi spearheaded India’s freedom from British colonial rule, he was just an ordinary man working towards earning his law degree. This photograph was captured in April 1893, during his youth at the age of 23. Gandhi made a decision to settle in South Africa after commencing his career as a legal practitioner.
Over two decades, he cultivated his philosophies on non-aggression, equality, and liberty. This led him to become one of the most notable figures in history advocating for peace. The epithet Mahatma, which translates to “respected,” is often used to denote him. He is recognized as the Father of the Nation in India.
The French Statue
The iconic Statue of Liberty, situated on Liberty Island in New York, is not as American-made as many people believe. This colossal monument was, in reality, constructed in Paris before being presented as a gift to the United States.
The design of the statue was conceived by a French sculptor named Frederic Auguste Bartholdi. Gustave Eiffel, the individual responsible for the Eiffel Tower’s construction, was then in charge of building the statue’s metallic frame. The photograph depicts the final phases of the iconic lady’s construction. It was snapped in 1884, around the period when the foundation stone was being set in place.
Bob Senior and Junior
When you hear the name Robert DeNiro, you most likely immediately imagine a serious guy with a tough demeanor. This comes as no surprise as he did play many manly roles in various classic movies such as Raging Bull, Taxi Driving, and of course, who could forget him in The Godfather? While it’s hard to imagine him as a cute and innocent baby, he was indeed once a tiny little kid, like we all were.
This image depicts a somewhat tough-looking toddler, who happens to be in the company of his affectionate father, renowned artist Robert DeNiro Sr. In his early days, young Bob Jr. maintained a solid relationship with his father. Upon the reception of his numerous accolades for his acting prowess, he specifically dedicated one to his cherished dad.
General Elizabeth
If you watched the historical drama, The Crown on Netflix, then you would know that the United Kingdom’s reigning queen, Elizabeth II was part of the Auxiliary Territorial Service or ATS, an army branch for women. See, there is so much more to her than meets the eye.
Throughout the course of World War II, the queen was far from idle, serving her people as an automotive technician. She boldly defied preconceived notions about royalty by not hesitating to get her hands grimy. A salute to this majestic woman who embodies both regal status and skilled workmanship!
A Difficult Past
Have I ever expressed my deep admiration for Marilyn Monroe? I promise, this is my final topic about her. Despite being perhaps one of the most beautiful women ever known as Norma-Jeane, she had a rather tumultuous and harmful upbringing. She was orphaned at a tender age due to the premature death of her parents, forcing her into life in an orphanage.
She wedded her next-door neighbor at the tender age of 16, a desperate act to escape her turbulent life. As her newlywed husband volunteered to defend their nation in WWII, she found employment in a factory for Van Nuys. We possess an image believed to be the very portrait that catapulted her into fame.
Albert and Charlie: An Early Bromance
It may seem surprising, but the celebrated figures, theoretical physicist Albert Einstein and silent film star Charlie Chaplin, enjoyed a close friendship. Despite hailing from completely different domains, their friendship went beyond the evident divergence in their respective fields. One wouldn’t typically correlate the two individuals, considering their contrasting areas of expertise.
Nonetheless, both individuals hailed from Europe (Chaplin from the UK and Einstein from Germany) and chose to relocate to America. Upon their first encounter during Chaplin’s nationwide tour, the duo quickly formed a bond. They enjoyed each other’s company to such an extent that Chaplin extended a dinner invitation to Albert, marking the beginning of one of the 19th century’s earliest strong friendships between men.
Jayne Mansfield’s Revenge
The animosity in the picture clearly speaks volumes. Both Jayne Mansfield and Sophia Loren were actresses during the 1950s, vying for identical roles. This obviously led to a fierce competition between them. Sophia was an attractive brunette, while Jayne was a striking blonde; but as the Hollywood industry at that time had a limited number of female roles, tension was unavoidable. The photograph captures Sophia’s eyes radiating disdain for Jayne.
It appears that the entire event was a publicity ploy orchestrated by Jayne Mansfield. The snapshot was captured at a welcoming event for the Italian movie star Loren’s Hollywood induction. Mansfield was not on the guest list, yet she gate-crashed the party, donned in a plunging neckline dress without a bra. She intentionally stooped her shoulders and inclined forward to flaunt her cleavage just as this legendary picture was being clicked.
Walt Disney’s Lunch
Over the years, the Disney name has become synonymous with entertainment. From iconic films such as Snow White and Bambi to classics like The Lion King and Aladdin, and of course the well-loved Disneyland theme parks, Disney is pretty much the gold standard of entertainment.
It’s easy to forget that Disney, given its remarkable accomplishments, initially kicked off with simple black and white cartoon characters, with Mickey Mouse being one of them. The credit for all this magic goes to its down-to-earth founder, Walt Disney. Take a look at this image of Walt, a cartoonist enjoying a fried chicken lunch. What an impressive journey this man has made.