This is the amazing “electricity” dance sequence from Cecil B. DeMille’s early talkie Madam Satan (1930). A socialite costume ball is taking place — where else? — in a moored zeppelin. The floor show, pictured above, features the fearsome dancing of Theodore Kosloff, a former Ballets Russes star who lived in Los Angeles and acted in many DeMille silent films. That’s Kosloff reigning on high with electrical bolts for fingernails.
After a long day researching Kosloff and his artistic circle, I sought a quiet dinner at a cute patio-restaurant on Melrose Ave. Tucking into my pasta, I spied actor James Cromwell (L.A. Confidential, The Queen, Babe) entering the restaurant. As he walked near to my table, I burst forth: “I just watched your mother’s movie five times this weekend.”
It was true. James Cromwell’s mom, stage actress Kay Johnson, plays the masquerading 
Madam Satan in DeMille’s film. Costume designer Adrian famously clothed Johnson in a slinky black cut-out gown for the zeppelin sequence. It’s a really famous film costume.
That’s Kay Johnson standing on the right, bedecked in a cowl. (click photo for better view)
A video clip from Madam Satan displays this fetching costume well, while showcasing Mitchell Leisen‘s art deco set design.
Adrian, the designer of this bewitching ensemble was born Adolph Greenberg. He began his career with DeMille in 1925, and was part of the production unit DeMille moved to the MGM lot in late 1928. At MGM, Adrian flourished.
A youtube search led me to Italian dancer, PierPaolo Koss, who replicates Kosloff’s “Electricity” character in a 2008 Moscow performance piece. In email correspondance, PierPaolo explained that the “Electricity” figure stems from Italian futurism, with its great gusto for industrial technology. Watch PierPaolo Koss channel Theodore Kosloff here.
We are celebrating the centenary of the February 1909 publishing of the Futurist Manifesto on the front page of Le Figaro. Italian futurism had its greatest offshoot in Russian futurism. That’s why I’m convinced that Kosloff imported something very arty and European if not distinctly Russian into a Cecil B. DeMille film.
Meanwhile, back in Los Angeles, I enjoyed the chat with James Cromwell. A really good actor and a great guy.
Debra, I’ve become a fascinated fan! Love your work, your enthusiasm and
the depth of your research.
You continue to amaze me!!
Is “zelig” the term for someone who turns up in memorable places, times and with celebrities? Woody Allen’s movie played with that phenomenon, but you are the current queen!
Your post is also very up-to-the moment with all the enlargements and links. Bravo/a!!
That was an entertaining article and I enjoyed the video link. Beautiful photography. Wild look for the actor; not one I’m going to attempt.
What are the odds of you watching that film and James Cromwell walks in? If that was in a movie script, it would be dismissed as implausible.
How interesting! You really explore the subject in depth with all the links. Fascinating clips.