The witch — tall pointed hat, broom in hand — is one of the most recognized images in Western culture. Its roots run deep into European folklore and the era of witch trials, where fear and suspicion shaped how people imagined women who defied social norms. The pointed hat likely borrowed from the tall, conical hats worn by certain tradespeople during the Middle Ages. The broom, an everyday household tool, became linked to witchcraft partly because of its association with domestic life — a stark contrast to the “unnatural” powers witches were accused of wielding.
By the time photography and early film arrived, this shorthand image was already firmly fixed in the public imagination. Hollywood actresses leaned into it — sometimes playfully, sometimes dramatically. Promotional and publicity photographs gave stars a chance to try on the witch persona, broom and all. Silent film star Colleen Moore was among those who posed in the classic witch costume, bringing her signature charm to the role.
Dorothy Dix also took on the witch aesthetic in vintage promotional shots. These photographs weren’t just Halloween novelties — they were carefully crafted images that helped define how the public saw these women and the characters they could play.
Some photos featured pairs of actresses together in costume. Jane Adams and Patricia Alphin posed side by side, doubling the effect of the classic witch look. The shared image added a playful energy that solo portraits often lacked.
Joyce Holden and June Collyer each brought their own screen personalities to the costume. The pointed hat and broom stayed consistent, but the actresses themselves shaped how each portrait felt — playful, glamorous, or theatrical.
June Haver and Leila Hyams both leaned into the witch image with the polished confidence typical of studio-era photography. Each pose was deliberate — props, lighting, and expression all working together to make the familiar image feel fresh.
Lucia Carroll and Nancy Carroll — no relation — both appeared in witch-themed portraits that highlighted the era’s flair for theatrical costume work. The broom and hat remained constant symbols, but each actress made the look her own.
Nancy Gates and Peggy Ryan rounded out the roster of actresses who posed in this beloved costume tradition. These photographs serve as a record of how deeply the witch image was woven into popular entertainment — and how Hollywood stars helped keep it alive.
Virginia Curtis closes out this collection with the same timeless props: the broom, the hat, and the knowing look. Across all twelve portraits, what stands out is how a centuries-old folk image translated so naturally into the language of Hollywood glamour.
