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Theda Collection

"Theda: The Frilled Dragon of Australia and the Enigmatic Actress" Theda, a captivating frilled dragon native to Australia



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"Theda: The Frilled Dragon of Australia and the Enigmatic Actress" Theda, a captivating frilled dragon native to Australia, shares her name with an equally mesmerizing figure from the past - Theda Bara. Born Theodosia Goodman in 1885, this American actress left an indelible mark on the silver screen during the early 20th century. On June 24th, 1975, far away from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Theda's story took an unexpected turn as she made her way through Daventry Road shops in Coventry, West Midlands. Though worlds apart from her namesake's era, their connection remains intriguing. In films such as "Heart and Soul" (1917) and "Cleopatra" (1917), Theda Bara showcased her talent for bringing complex characters to life. Her portrayal of Cleopatra was particularly iconic. A French poster promoting "Salome" (1918) featuring Theda Bara adds further allure to her legacy. The frilled dragon named Theda may not have graced movie screens or captivated audiences with dramatic performances like her human counterpart did. However, she possesses a unique charm that is all her own - adorned with vibrant colors and a distinctive frill around her neck. As we delve into history through photographs capturing scenes from films like "The Soul of Buddha" (1918), "Camille" (1917), and "Lure of Ambition" (1919), we are reminded of both actresses' ability to transport viewers into different worlds. While one might wonder about the connection between a reptile in Australia and an actress who once enchanted audiences worldwide, it serves as a reminder that even seemingly unrelated entities can share common threads across time and space. So let us celebrate both Thedas - one representing nature's beauty Down Under while the other symbolizes Hollywood's golden era.