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Friday, October 28, 2011

JEAN BROOKS AND THE BLACK LEOPARD DYNAMITE 1943

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY     2011

Not much is known about the actress/model Jean Brooks after she made the RKO film "The Leopard Man" in 1943.  While critics believed that she had the looks and talent to be a star, her career never took off.  "Dynamite" the black leopard's career was more successful. He was one of Birdland's most sought after San Fernando Valley performers.

Jean Brooks - The Leopard Man - RKO Studios 1943 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Jean Putney 2011.  These two photographs, and two more, are archived under the number 4024 and 4026.
Playing the role of Kiki, Jean Brooks portrayed a night club performer with a black leopard companion. Lots terror is loose, when the cat Dynamite gets free and horrible murders follow.  (click on images to enlarge them.) 
Publicity release:  "Pia Ying with Dynamite --- that's what Jean Brooks, RKO Radio starlet, is literally doing in the above photo. The black leopard Dynamite, which she holds on a leash, appears with the actress in the new RKO thriller film, "The Leopard Man," and offstage the big cat and Miss Brooks are the best of pals." 

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