Some shots were taken for Fans. A few exist today that might have an original signature, but most were signed and mailed out by Studio clerks.
Jack Freulich emigrated to the U.S. with his family, including his brother Roman. He was Chief Portraitist for Underwood & Underwood, N.Y. when Universal Studios lured him away in 1919 to head their cinematic still photography department. Almost all still portraits you see of Universal Studios Silent Screen Stars were taken by Jack.
He committed suicide in 1936, shortly after being replaced by his former still man, Ray Jones.
His work was excellent, he just fell victim to a studio purge following Universal Studio Head Carl Laemmle's selling the Studio.
Many of the European Jewish Emigres related to Laemmle or his staff were replaced with gentiles by the new owners.
Some publicity shots were taken of stars in their costumes and were sent to local newspapers and magazines to help advertise the upcoming release of a new film.
