Historic Newspapers: Movies, Film & Theater
The listings below are just a sampling of newspaper reporting regarding film and theater. If you don't find your favorite person or event, use our search engine to search for them by name.
Note: Some newspapers shown are of significant events upon which future movies and/or plays were based.
THE VILLAGE VOICE (weekly), Greenwich Village, New York City, May 12 & 19 , 1981
* The week Madonna Louise Ciccone became "MADONNA"
* Extremely early Madonna events in social media
* Pre-solo & SOLO START performance advertisements
* Her band "Emmy & The Emmys" (guitarist & vocals)
* First "Madonna" printed in a publication ?
* Singer - songwriter - actress & more
* "Emmy" was a nickname given to her in NYC
Page 123 of the May 12th issue has an advertisement for upcoming performances at the Max's…
THE NEW YORK TIMES, May 21, 1954
* Creature from the Black Lagoon - Gill-man
* Opening day (2nd) advertisement for NYC
* 3D monster horror film - movie
Page 18 has an advertisement for the second day day (regular showings) for the film "Creature from the Back Lagoon" in New York City. (see)
Sixty-four pages, a few cutouts on a few unrelated pages, including one on the front page (see image), a little staining, the theater page is fine, generally otherwise.
Background: The mid-May 1954 New York City…
Sunday edition CALENDAR SECTION only of the Los Angeles Times, Dec.16, 1990
* Sinead O'Connor - Irish singer, songwriter & activist
* Cartoonish caricature with editorial - "Nothing Compares 2 U"
Often revered as the undisputed "bible" of Hollywood, the Sunday Calendar section occupied a rare space in journalism where a single publication could simultaneously dictate global entertainment trends and govern the inner workings of show business. Today, physical copies are an absolute rarity, largely…
THE EVENING TRIBUNE, San Diego, Feb. 21, 1898
* re. USS Maine explosion disaster
* Spanish-American War prelude
* Havana Harbor , Cuba
The top of the front page has a one column heading: "THE WRECKED MAINE" with subheads that include: "100 Bodies Missing" and more. (see images) Surprisingly this issue is in good condition being from the "wood pulp" era. Very hard to find issues that are not totally fragile from this era in paper.
Complete with 4 pages, 23 x 19 1/2 inches, small library stamp…
Sunday edition CALENDAR SECTION only of the Los Angeles Times, March 16, 1997
* Stand-up comedian & actor Chris Rock
* Los Angeles performance advertisement
* Jim Carrey's "Liar Liar" comedy movie - film
Often revered as the undisputed "bible" of Hollywood, the Sunday Calendar section occupied a rare space in journalism where a single publication could simultaneously dictate global entertainment trends and govern the inner workings of show business. Today, physical copies are an absolute…
Sunday CALENDAR SECTION only of the Los Angeles Times, Jan. 26, 1992
* Early NIRVANA alternative grunge rock band
* Nevermind's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" music video
* Curt Cobain - Dave Grohl - Krist Novoselic
Often revered as the undisputed "bible" of Hollywood, the Sunday Calendar section occupied a rare space in journalism where a single publication could simultaneously dictate global entertainment trends and govern the inner workings of show business. Today, physical copies are an absolute…
Sunday edition CALENDAR SECTION only of the Los Angeles Times, Dec. 23, 1985
* Best "The Godfather Part III" film advertisement
* Pre-Grand opening day movie premiere review
* Francis Ford Coppola - Al Pacino
Often revered as the undisputed "bible" of Hollywood, the Sunday Calendar section occupied a rare space in journalism where a single publication could simultaneously dictate global entertainment trends and govern the inner workings of show business. Today, physical copies are an absolute…
THE DETROIT FREE PRESS, Wednesday, March 18, 1931
* "Dracula" the movie - opening day
* Vampires - pre-code Bela Lugosi film
* Detroit premiere advertisement (2 days prior)
Page 20 has the opening day advertisement for the premiere of the pre-code vampire film "DRACULA" in Detroit, Michigan ion Friday. (see images) This ad measures 5 x 4 inches and has a image of Bela Lugosi.
Also on the same page is a short article with heading: "Vampire's Victim" with photo.
Complete with all 28 pages, light…
NEW YORK TIMES, July 17, 1865
* Post Abraham Lincoln assassination
* Owner of Ford's Theater letter signed
Page 5 has one-third of a column headed: "Ford's Theatre--Letter from the Proprietor to a Clergyman" which is a letter signed by John T. Ford concerning a minister's opinion on reopening the theater. It is very rare to find in newspapers letters signed by the proprietor of Ford's Theater, particuarly in his defense of attempting to reopen his theater after the assassination.
Page 5 also…
MASONIC MIRROR, Philadelphia & New York, Feb. 17, 1858
* Masonic - free masonry - Masons
* Pre American Civil War era
In the dateline is: "Devoted To The Diffusion Of Masonic Intelligence, Fine Arts, Literature, News, etc." This little newspaper published for the Masons has a very graphic, Masonic-theme engraving in the masthead (see).
Twelve pages, 8 1/2 by 11 1/4 inches, great condition.
Background: The publication of the Masonic Mirror in February 1858 carries profound historical significance…
Sunday edition CALENDAR SECTION only of the Los Angeles Times, Dec. 30, 1990
* West Coast hip-hop gangsta rap music
* M.C. Hammer - Vanilla Ice and more
Often revered as the undisputed "bible" of Hollywood, the Sunday Calendar section occupied a rare space in journalism where a single publication could simultaneously dictate global entertainment trends and govern the inner workings of show business. Today, physical copies are an absolute rarity, largely because they were printed on standard,…
THE KNICKERBOCKER PRESS, March 16, 1933
* Early newspaper advertisement (eve)
* King Kong, the movie for opening day
The back page has a 8 1/2 x 6 inch advertisement for the opening day premiere of "KING KONG" in Albany the very next day. (see images)
Complete with 16 pages, light toning and a little wear at the margins, irregular along the spine, generally good.
Background: The Albany premiere of King Kong on March 17, 1933, arrived at a pivotal cultural and economic crossroads for both the…
SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE, August 31, 1942
* Battle of Milne Bay
* World War II - WWII
* Pacific theater campaign
The front page has a nice headline: "M'ARTHUR TRAPS JAPS IN MILNE BAY AMBUSH" with subheads. (see images)
Complete 1st section only with 8 pages a little light staining, a few small binding holes along the spine, generally in good condition.
Background: The Battle of Milne Bay, culminating in the decisive stand at No. 3 Airstrip on August 31, 1942, was a monumental psychological and…
Sunday CALENDAR SECTION only of the Los Angeles Times, Oct. 26, 1986
* Very early "Guns' N' Roses" & "Red Hot Chili Peppers"
* Hard "Sleaze-Rock & Alternative funk-punk music
* Axl Rose - Slash - Izzy Stradlin - Duff McKagan - Steven Adler
* Pre "Appetite for Destruction" album release (about 8 months prior)
* UCLA - "University of California, Los Angeles" campus
Often revered as the undisputed "bible" of Hollywood, the Sunday Calendar section occupied a rare space in journalism where a single…
Sunday CALENDAR SECTION only of the Los Angeles Times, Feb. 14, 1999
* Detroit rapper EMINEM album release party
* "Slim Shady" hip-hop - horrorcore rap music
* Record label "Aftermath Entertainment" - Dr. Dre
Often revered as the undisputed "bible" of Hollywood, the Sunday Calendar section occupied a rare space in journalism where a single publication could simultaneously dictate global entertainment trends and govern the inner workings of show business. Today, physical copies are an absolute…
CALENDAR SECTION only of the Los Angeles Times, Dec. 17, 2010
* Best "Tron: Legacy" film advertisement
* Grand Opening Day movie premiere
* Walt Disney science fiction action
A terrific issue on the premiere of the motion picture film "Tron: Legacy" and perhaps no better issue could be found than this, the leading newspaper from the home of the entertainment industry - the Hollywood area's prime publication.
Note: Where else might one find authentic, poster-size ads for Opening Day showings, in…
PARADE magazine section only of the Detroit Free Press, Jan. 29, 1956
* Actress Lauren Bacall color cover photo
* Hollywood marriage with Humphrey Bogart
The front page of this section has a nice color photo of a young Elizabeth Montgomery. And pages 14 & 15 has three more photos of the aspiring actress with some text. See below for more details.
Complete with 24 pages, a little irregular along the top margin, otherwise very nice.
Background: This specific feature captures Lauren Bacall and…
Sunday CALENDAR SECTION only of the Los Angeles Times, June 18, 1989
* First "NIRVANA" performance in L.A.
* Early American "Grunge Rock" band
* Al's Bar performance notice - "Bleach"
* Curt Cobain - Chad Channing - Krist Novoselic
Often revered as the undisputed "bible" of Hollywood, the Sunday Calendar section occupied a rare space in journalism where a single publication could simultaneously dictate global entertainment trends and govern the inner workings of show business. Today, physical…
LOS ANGELES TIMES, April 22, 1985
* Madonna arrives in Southern California for the first time (career)
* Upcoming Los Angeles's Universal Amphitheatre - "The Virgin Tour"
The front page of the "Calendar Section" has a headline: "MADONNA MAKES A HOT TOPIC" with showing Madonna in her iconic lace outfit with hanging crucifixes. (see images)
I suspect this to be an extremely rare item because their was really no reason to save it at the time.
Provenance note: This issue comes from The Los Angeles…
CALENDAR SECTION only of the Los Angeles Times, Feb. 14, 1985
* Early "Metallica" heavy metal band
* Hollywood Palladium advertisement
* Bassist Cliff Burton era - "Ride the Lightning"
This Calendar section of the Times is loaded with entertainment related material throughout. Page 61 has a 4 x 3 3/4 inch advertisement with a few upcoming performances at The Hollywood Palladium including one by Metallica with Armored Saint. (see images)
A very early item for this San Francisco based Heavy Metal…
THE DETROIT FREE PRESS, July 7, 1939
* Very early "The Wizard of Oz" item
* Over a month prior to it's premiere
* Behind the scenes production details
* American Musical fantasy film - movie
* L. Frank Baum- Victory Fleming - Judy Garland
The top of page 10 has a one column heading: "'Wizard of Oz' a Wizard's Job" with subhead: "Film's Production No Snap, Leroy Says" (see images)
Complete with all 28 pages, light toning at the margins, minor spine wear, nice condition.
Background: The historical…
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 9, 1763 Page 3 contains a very lengthy report headed: "Extract from the Journal of an Officer at the Havana, containing some interesting Particulars of the Siege, not hitherto set n a true Light to the Public." This report takes a full page, carrying over to page 4.
The siege of Havana was a successful British siege against Spanish-ruled Havana that lasted from March to August 1762, as part of the Seven Years' War. The American theater of this war was…
Item from our most recent catalog - #368 - released for July, 2026
(Added to the July, 2026 catalog [#368] after its initial release - only available on-line.)
THE NEW YORK TIMES, April 29, 1936
* Jehovah's Witnesses jailed in Orange NJ
* Under Joseph Franklin Rutherford leadership
* Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society leader
The top of page 5 has a very small and discrete one column heading: "15 Jehovah Witnesses Jailed" (see image)
Complete with 44 pages, light toning and a little wear at the margins, generally nice.
Background: The arrests of these fifteen Jehovah’s Witnesses in Orange, New Jersey, represent a crucial flashpoint in the history of…
* Back Nationalist empowerment - Nation of Islam
Beginning on the front page is coverage on the city's funeral for Malcolm X with heading: "Burying Malcolm X" with three related photos. (see images)
background: The March 4, 1965 issue of The Village Voice stands as a rare and profoundly significant artifact of the civil
THE DETROIT FREE PRESS, Feb. 19, 1954
* "The Glenn Miller Story" film advertisement
* American big band leader biographical movie
* Actor James "Jimmy" Stewart & June Allyson
Page 18 has a 14 x 7 1/2 inch advertisement for the opening day for the film "The Glenn Miller Story" in Detroit, Michigan. (see images)
Complete with all 32 pages, light toning at the margins, tiny binding holes along the spine, generally very nice.
Background: The choice of downtown Detroit’s historic Madison Theatre for the…
THE VILLAGE VOICE (weekly), Greenwich Village, New York City, Feb. 3, 1975
* The Jackson 5 w/ Blue Magic - 1st World tour
* Michael Jackson as a 16 year old singer
* Radio City Music Hall concerts advertisement
* British singer Rod Stewart w/ Blue Oyster Cult
* Madison Square Garden concert advertisement
Page 115 has a half page advertisement for upcoming "The JACKSON FIVE" performances at Radio City Music Hall.
Background: From February 6 to 12, 1975, the Jackson Five performed a week-long series…
THE VILLAGE VOICE (weekly), Greenwich Village, New York City, March 29, 1976
* Pre singer Ronnie Van Zant airplane crash disaster
* Lynyrd Skynyrd - American Southern rock band
* GENESIS w/ Phil Collins Beacon Theatre advertisement
* Nils Lofgren - American musician concert & album ad
Beginning on page 83 is a editorial on Ronnie Van Zant and his group Lynyrd Skynyrd with photo of Zant. This was the year before the fatal airplane crash that killed Ronnie Van Zant amongst others.
Background: John…
THE VILLAGE VOICE (weekly), Greenwich Village, New York, Jan. 15, 1985
* Iron Maiden - World Slavery Tour w/ Eddie the Head
* "Powerslave" album - English heavy metal group
* Radio City Music Hall concerts advertisement
Page 68 has a 7 x 5 inch advertisement for "IRON MAIDEN w/ Queensryche" performances at Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan. (see image)
Background: The historic multi-night run by Iron Maiden at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall from January 20–23, 1985, served as a crowning…
THE VILLAGE VOICE (weekly), Greenwich Village, New York, July 29, 1971
* Grateful Dead, Black Sabbath, Alice Cooper & more
* Upcoming Gaelic Park concerts advertisement - Bronx
Page 35 has a full page advertisement for upcoming concerts at Gaelic Park with a focus on the Grateful Dead. Other performers include Alice Cooper, Black Sabbath amongst others. (see images)
Background:The Grateful Dead's concert originally scheduled for July 30, 1971, at Gaelic Park in New York City was postponed due to…
LOS ANGELES TIMES, March 24, 1998
* 1998 Academy Awards - Oscars in Los Angeles
* Record breaking film "Titanic" takes 11 awards
* James Cameron - Leonardo DiCaprio - Kate Winslet
The front page has a heading: "'Titanic' Snags 11, Ties for Record" with photo showing James Cameron accepting the "Best Director" Oscar. First report coverage continues inside.
And the "Calendar" section has so much more including a full page advertisement for the film which lasted several months at the theaters.
Comple…
LOS ANGELES TIMES, Feb. 13, 1998
* Best "The Wedding" advertisement
* Grand Opening Day movie premiere review
* American romantic comedy film
* Actor Adam Sandler & Actress Drew Barrymore
* Other nice movie ads including "Titanic"
A terrific issue on the premiere of the motion picture hit "The Wedding Singer" and perhaps no better issue could be found than this, the leading newspaper from the home of the entertainment industry - the Hollywood area's prime publication.
Note: Where else might one find…
LOS ANGELES TIMES, July 2, 1981
* The "Wonderland Murders" & John Holmes ?
* American adult Pornographic film industry
Near the bottom of page 3 is a one column heading: "Four Found Slain in Laurel Canyon Home". (see images)
Great to have from the capital of the adult film industry and the city where this event took place.
I suspect this to be an extremely rare item because their was really no reason to save it at the time.
Complete 1st section only with all 28 pages, nice condition.
Background:…
LOS ANGELES TIMES, July 4, 1985
* Best "Back to the Future" film advertisement
* Grand Opening Day movie premiere review
* Michael J. Fox - Marty McFly - comedy
A nice issue on the 2nd day premiere of the motion picture hit "Back to the Future" and perhaps no better issue could be found than this, the leading newspaper from the home of the entertainment industry - the Hollywood area's prime publication. This iconic film made it's opening day premiere the previous day.
Page 2 of section VI has a 10…
CHICAGO DAILY TRIBUNE, Nov. 8, 1928
* Mount Etna volcano eruption
* Mascali, Sicily, Italy lava disaster
The front page has a one column heading: "Fiery Finger of Etna Wipes Out 2 Towns" (see images)
Complete with 44 pages, rag edition in great condition.
Background: The November 1928 eruption of Mount Etna stands as a pivotal moment in volcanology and Italian history, primarily due to the systematic destruction of the town of Mascali, which remains the only entire municipality erased by the…
Item from last month's catalog - #367 - released for June, 2026
THE NEW YORK TIMES, Aug. 31, 1926
* Silent film star Rudolph Valentino
* Latin Lover - "The Sheik" funeral
* Pola Negri fainting over coffin
The top of the front page has a one column heading: "SILENT CROWDS SEE VALENTINO CORTEGE; SCREEN STARS WEEP" with subheads that include: "Pola Negri Chief Mourner" and more (see images)
Complete with all 40 pages, light toning at the margins, irregular along the spine, generally in good condition.
Background: The death and August 30, 1926, funeral of…
LOS ANGELES TIMES, March 14, 1988
* John Holmes death of the AIDS virus
* American adult Pornographic film actor
* "Johnny Wadd" "The King of Pornos"
* Inspiration for "Boogie Nights" & "Wonderland"
* One of the 1st famous men to die of this
The top of page 20 has a five column heading: "John C. Holmes, 'King' of 1,000 Porno Films, Dies at 43" with photo of Holmes. (see images)
Great to have from the capital of the adult film industry and the city where Holmes lived and died.
I suspect this to be…
CHICAGO TRIBUNE, June 18, 1978
* "Whippoorwill" showboat disaster
* Deadliest F1 tornado - 16 deaths
* Pomona Lake in Osage County, Kansas
The front page has a heading that reads: "Twister tips showboat, killing nine" with related map. Coverage continues inside with related photo. (see images)
Complete 1st section only with all 32 pages, minor margin wear, generally nice.
Background: The Whippoorwill Disaster of June 17, 1978, represents a harrowing and statistically unprecedented anomaly in…
THE KNICKERBOCKER PRESS, May 6, 1934
* Bank robber John Dillinger gang
* Hunted in the Chicago area
* Woman friend Beth Green
The top of page 4 has a one column heading: "WOMAN FRIEND HID DILLINGER IN ST. PAUL HOUSE" with subhead. (see images)
Complete with all 40+ pages, light toning at the margins, binding slits along the spine, generally nice.
Background: Beth Green’s 15-month prison sentence for harboring the gang—holds immense historical significance because it perfectly captures the…
THE NEW YORK TIMES, Feb. 12, 1936
* Abraham Lincoln assassination eyewitness
* Mrs. Harriet Van Pelt interview w/ photo
* Was 18 years old at Ford's Theater event
The front page has a one column heading: "A GIRL OF 1865 TELLS OF SEEING LINCOLN SHOT" with subhead and related illustration. More on page 3 and a few related photos on the back page with one showing Harriet Van Pelt, the 88 year old woman who witnessed Lincoln's assassination when she was 18. (see images)
Complete with all 36 pages,…
SUN-TIMES, Chicago, June 11, 1982
* "E.T. the Extra Terrestrial" advertisement
* Grand Opening Day premiere movie review
* Steven Spielberg - science-fiction fantasy
* Also opening day for "Grease 2"
Page 59 has a full page advertisement for the opening day premiere of "E.T. the Extra Terrestrial" in Chicago.
Page 49 has a review of the film by Roger Ebert with heading: "'E.T.' an enchanting triumph" and photo. (see images)
I suspect this to be an extremely rare item because there was really no…
THE LEISURE HOUR, London, Sept. 12, 1861 This 12 page issue measures 9 1/2 x 6 1/2 inches and is "A Family Journal Of Instruction And Recreation" with 2 illustrations.
Nice condition.
Background: The September 12, 1861 issue of The Leisure Hour (No. 507) stands as a vital cultural artifact that highlights the shifting media landscape and socio-political anxieties of Victorian Britain. Published under the direction of the Religious Tract Society, this particular weekly issue embodies the…
THE NEW YORK TIMES, May 22, 1954
* Creature from the Black Lagoon - Gill-man
* Third day premiere advertisement for NYC
* 3D monster horror film - movie
Page 8 has a 3 1/2 x 3 inch advertisement for the third day premiere (regular showings) for a double feature showing of "Phantom of the Rue Morgue" and "Creature from the Back Lagoon" in New York City. (see)
Complete with 30 pages, light toning at the margins, nice condition.
Background: The presence of the legendary RKO Palace Theatre on a May 22,…
THE NEW YORK TIMES, March 30, 1974
* Iconic director Steven Spielberg's 1st major film premiere
* Opening Day (Eve) for the movie "The Sugarland Express"
* American crime drama in Texas - Actress Goldie Hawn
Page 16 has a 9 x 5 inch advertisement for the opening day premiere of "The Sugarland Express" the following day. (see images) This was Steven Spielberg's very first major theatrical film.
I suspect this to be an extremely rare item because there was really no reason to save it at the…
LOS ANGELES EXAMINER, VE, May 7, 1945
* Germany Surrenders
* V-E day - Nazis quit
The masthead has a patriotic theme with blue and red ink. The terrific banner headline announces: "NAZIS SURRENDER" with: "EUROPE WAR COMES TO END" with large photo of Eisenhower. Great for display. More on the following pages. Two full page pictorials at the back.
First section only with 16 pages, some wear at the margins, minor central fold wear, partially loose along the spine, generally in good condition.
Backgrou…
CALENDAR section only of the Los Angeles Times, June 27, 1990
* Best original "Days of Thunder" advertisement
* Grand Opening Day movie premiere review
* American sports action drama film - Tom Cruise
A terrific issue on the premiere of the motion picture hit "Days of Thunder" and perhaps no better issue could be found than this, the leading newspaper from the home of the entertainment industry - the Hollywood area's prime publication.
Note: Where else might one find authentic, poster-size ads for…
LOS ANGELES TIMES, May 24, 1989
* Best "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" film advertisement
* Grand Opening Day movie premiere review
* Steven Spielberg - Harrison Ford
A terrific issue on the premiere of the motion picture hit "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" and perhaps no better issue could be found than this, the leading newspaper from the home of the entertainment industry - the Hollywood area's prime publication.
Note: Where else might one find authentic, poster-size ads for Opening…
THE DETROIT FREE PRESS, March 28, 1955
* "Revenge of the Creature" - Gill-man
* "Creature from the Black Lagoon" sequel
* Opening day (midnight) premiere advertisement
* 3D monster horror film - movie
Page 36 has 10 x 5 1/2 inch advertisement for the opening day (midnight showing" for the monster film "Revenge of the Creature" in Detroit. (see images)
Complete with 44 pages, light toning and a little wear at the margins, small binding holes along the spine, otherwise nice.
background: The midnight…
LOS ANGELES TIMES, Jan. 26, 1990
* Ava Gardner death (1st report)
* Movie - film actress & singer
* Best title to be had ?
The bottom of the ftpg. has an article headed: "Ava Gardner, Sultry Film Star, Dies at 67 in London." and includes a photo of her. The article carries over to page 22 where there are 2 more photos of her, with husbands Mickey Rooney and Frank Sinatra.
Great to have this report in a newspaper from the capital of the entertainment industry.
The complete first section with pages…
Item from last month's catalog - #367 - released for June, 2026
THE VILLAGE VOICE, New York, April 13, 1961
* Bob Dylan - Robert Allen Zimmerman
* Very 1st public performance advertisement
* Gerde's Folk City music venue in Greenwich Village
An exceedingly significant newspaper which offers witness to the birth of the music career of the legendary Bob Dylan. And perhaps no better title exists for this content. Indeed, this notice may only have appeared in the Village Voice.
First, it is worth noting that "The Village Voice" was an American news and culture…
Item from last month's catalog - #367 - released for June, 2026
THE SPRINGFIELD UNION, Mass., June 29, 1934
* Gangster John Dillinger
* On the run in Chicago ?
* Sighted at baseball game ?
* Less than a month of killing
Near the bottom of the front page is a two column heading: "Says He Saw Dillinger at Baseball Game Tuesday" with subhead. (see images) He would be assassinated less than a month later in Chicago.
Complete with all 30 pages, light toning and a little wear at the margins, generally good.
Background: On June 28, 1934, a sensational nationwide…
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