Julian Eltinge in drag wearing crinoline. Process print, ca. 1916.

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<p>Julian Eltinge poses in crinoline on a printed publicity card for 'The crinoline girl' ('A farcical melodramatic comedy with songs'), ca. 1916. Julian Eltinge (born William Dalton, 1881?-1941), was perhaps the most successful American female impersonator of the twentieth century. By 1904 he was already appearing on Broadway, and by 1910 he was starring in a series of shows designed to display his acting and singing skills, which had long runs on Broadway, and which toured Europe. He appeared on film (notably with Rudolph Valentino) and continued a successful career in clubs and cabarets into the 1930s.</p>

Julian Eltinge in drag wearing crinoline. Process print, ca. 1916.

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