Vivian Gordon [Gangland Murder Car]

Ford coupe, in which Vivian Gordon possibly was murdered, in garage with police officer on left, circa 1931, New York City, original, vintage press photograph.  

Vivian Gordon, alias of Benita Franklin Bischoff was a reputed prostitute, chorus girl and 'broadway butterfly' suspected of being murdered by Gangland Racketeer Harry Stein for threatening to testify against the NYC Vice squad in a corruption hearing. Several newspapers, including the Post, compared Gordon’s murder with that of Herman Rosenthal, who in 1912 had been slaughtered in cold blood for threatening to expose police corruption. The difference was that Gordon’s murder would lead to a real investigation into police practices. It is thought that her unsolved murder forced Mayor Jimmy Walker to resign.

This vintage, unsigned, glossy press photograph, approximately 8 x 10 inches is in good condition aside for some minor surface marks, dings, creases and chipping to its left hand margin.  Its verso bears a hand written description "Vivian Gordon / Murder Car / 5/31."