Eddie Cantor, born Edward Israel Iskowitz, became a show business legend who excelled on stage, in radio, film, television, and in the nightclubs. He also made records and wrote books. Cantor's big expressionistic eyes, unique dialogue delivery, and energetic singing made him a hit in a series of lavish, escapist movie musicals. His weekly radio show, "The Chase and Sanborn Hour", became a mainstay during the 1930s. He received an honorary Academy Award in 1956 for distinguished service to the film industry. In this portrait, Cantor turns to look straight at the camera in what would otherwise be a classic portrait pose if not for Hixon's manipulation of the photo. White lines sketched across the developing photographic material create a wake off the top of Cantor's hat personalizing the photo and perhaps even suggesting the buzz he created in the radio and film industry.