Early signed doubleweight photograph of the American actress, singer, dancer, and comedienne who originated some of the great female roles of mid-20th century musical theatre.  Channing has inscribed "To Paul, / very best wishes, / Carol Channing."  Moderate ink adhesion issues, else in very fine condition.  8 x 10 inches (20.3 x 25.4 cm.). A notation on the verso by the dedicatee identifies the image as by Earle Forbes, dancer with Ruth St. Denis and Ted Shaw's Denishawn group, who began taking photographs with a box camera in the 1940s and was a self-taught photographer who took pictures of many dancers and athletes. 

From the collection of Paul McMahon, a critic, photographer and artist who worked for more than 13 years touring with Marlene Dietrich as the icon’s stage manager, announcer, dresser, secretary and escort, and later spent 25 years as an arts and entertainment reviewer and photographer with Gay Community News, Esplanade, Tommy’s Connection, The Mirror, Bay Windows and other publications.