Elsa Lanchester (1902 to 1986) was a very successful character actress, having appeared in films from the 1920s to the 1970s. Films varied from horror to comedy. She was very slim in her earlier years, but her distinctive facial attributes seemed to go better with her later full-figured roundedness.

This portrait shows her appearance in the 1949 film "The Inspector General" starring Danny Kaye. It was one of the very few occasions when she had an opportunity to show off her beauty and bubbly charm. She wore some impressive gowns by Travilla, even though she was not the main romantic interest in the film.