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, March 14, 1968
* Tiny Tim - Herbert Butros Khaury
* American musician - guitarist - singer
* Debut album release "God Bless Tiny Tim"
* "Tiptoe Through the Tulips" song fame
* Jimi Hendrix Experience at Symphony Hall
* THE DOORS Fillmore East concerts ad
Page 37 has a 10 x 5 inch advertisement for the release of Tiny Tim's debut album "God Bless Tiny Tim" (see images) This album wasn't actually released until the following month of April.
On…
(Added to the August, 2026 catalog [#369] after its initial release - only available on-line.)
LOS ANGELES TIMES, Nov. 14, 1976 (an original vintage newspaper leaf from the Calendar section) This offering consists of four complete pages (two double-sided sheets on one single leaf), serving as a rare piece of cinematic ephemera, highlighted by an original vintage print advertisement announcing the opening day release of "CARRIE" starring sissy Spacek on one of the pages. (see images).
In addition to the featured movie ad, which captures the era's distinct theatrical promotional graphics…
LOS ANGELES TIMES, July 17, 1977 (an original vintage newspaper leaf from the Calendar section) This offering consists of four complete pages (two double-sided sheets on one single leaf) featuring a collectible print advertisement for a upcoming live performance by "THE TEMPTATIONS" at Magic Mountain on one of the four pages.
In addition to the feature concert ad, which captures the era's unique promotional graphic design and typography, the surrounding pages provide a fascinating cultural…
LOS ANGELES TIMES, July 17, 1977 (an original vintage newspaper leaf from the Calendar section) This offering consists of four complete pages (two double-sided sheets on one single leaf) featuring a collectible print advertisement for a upcoming live performances by "LYNYRD SKYNYRD" & "TED NUGENT" at Anaheim Stadium on one of the four pages.
This was Lynyrd Skynyrd's last live, filmed performance prior to the airplane crash.
In addition to the feature concert ad, which captures the era's unique…
LOS ANGELES TIMES, Dec. 3, 1978 (an original vintage newspaper leaf from the Calendar section) This offering consists of four complete pages (two double-sided sheets on one single leaf), serving as a rare piece of cinematic ephemera, highlighted by an original vintage print advertisement announcing the opening day premiere of "THE DEER HUNTER" starring Robert DeNiro on one of the pages. (see images).
In addition to the featured movie ad, which captures the era's distinct theatrical…
LOS ANGELES TIMES, Jan. 27, 1980 (an original vintage newspaper leaf from the Calendar section) This offering consists of four complete pages (two double-sided sheets on one single leaf), serving as a rare piece of cinematic ephemera, highlighted by an original vintage print advertisement announcing the opening day release of "AMERICAN GIGOLO" starring Richard Gere on one of the pages. (see images).
In addition to the featured movie ad, which captures the era's distinct theatrical promotional…
LOS ANGELES TIMES, Jan. 27, 1980 (an original vintage newspaper leaf from the Calendar section) This offering consists of four complete pages (two double-sided sheets on one single leaf), serving as a rare piece of cinematic ephemera, highlighted by an original vintage print advertisement announcing the opening day release of THE FOG by John Carpenter one of the pages. (see images).
In addition to the featured movie ad, which captures the era's distinct theatrical promotional graphics and…
LOS ANGELES TIMES, Jan. 27, 1980 (an original vintage newspaper leaf from the Calendar section) This offering consists of four complete pages (two double-sided sheets on one single leaf), serving as a rare piece of cinematic ephemera, highlighted by an original vintage print advertisement announcing the opening day release of "FATSO" starring Dom Deluise on one of the pages. (see images).
In addition to the featured movie ad, which captures the era's distinct theatrical promotional graphics…
LOS ANGELES TIMES, Feb. 22, 1981 (an original vintage newspaper leaf from the Calendar section) This offering consists of four complete pages (two double-sided sheets on one single leaf), serving as a rare piece of cinematic ephemera, highlighted by an original vintage print advertisement announcing the opening day release of "ROAD GAMES" on one of the pages. (see images).
In addition to the featured movie ad, which captures the era's distinct theatrical promotional graphics and classic key…
LOS ANGELES TIMES, Feb. 22, 1981 (an original vintage newspaper leaf from the Calendar section) This offering consists of four complete pages (two double-sided sheets on one single leaf)—serving as a rare piece of music history ephemera, highlighted by an original vintage print advertisement for a upcoming live stage performance of "THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW" at the Aquarius Theatre.
In addition to the feature performance ad, which captures the era's unique promotional graphic design and…
LOS ANGELES TIMES, Jan. 27, 1980 (an original vintage newspaper leaf from the Calendar section) This offering consists of four complete pages (two double-sided sheets on one single leaf) featuring a collectible print advertisement for a upcoming live performances by "PINK FLOYD" at the L.A. Forum on one of the four pages.
In addition to the feature concert ad, which captures the era's unique promotional graphic design and typography, the surrounding pages provide a fascinating cultural…
LOS ANGELES TIMES, Dec. 9, 1979 (an original vintage newspaper leaf from the Calendar section) This offering consists of four complete pages (two double-sided sheets on one single leaf), serving as a rare piece of cinematic ephemera, highlighted by an original vintage print advertisement announcing the opening day release of "THE BLACK HOLE" on one of the pages. (see images).
In addition to the featured movie ad, which captures the era's distinct theatrical promotional graphics and classic…
LOS ANGELES TIMES, Dec. 9, 1979 (an original vintage newspaper leaf from the Calendar section) This offering consists of four complete pages (two double-sided sheets on one single leaf), serving as a rare piece of cinematic ephemera, highlighted by an original vintage print advertisement announcing the opening day release of "THE JERK" starring Steve Martin on one of the pages. (see images).
In addition to the featured movie ad, which captures the era's distinct theatrical promotional…
LOS ANGELES TIMES, Dec. 9, 1979 (an original vintage newspaper leaf from the Calendar section) This offering consists of four complete pages (two double-sided sheets on one single leaf) featuring a collectible print advertisement for a upcoming live performance by "TOM PETTY" at the L.A. Forum on one of the four pages.
In addition to the feature concert ad, which captures the era's unique promotional graphic design and typography, the surrounding pages provide a fascinating cultural snapshot…
THE DETROIT FREE PRESS, Aug. 19, 1960
* The Time Machine opening day advertisement
* American Science fiction - Sci-fi film
* Australian actor Rod Taylor movie
Page 30 has a 9 by 5 1/4 inch advertisement for the opening day premiere of "The Time Machine" in Detroit, Michigan. (see images)
I suspect this to be an extremely rare item because there was really no reason to save it at the time.
Complete with 48 pages, light toning and a little wear at the margins, generally nice.
Background: The 1960…
Sunday CALENDAR SECTION only of the Los Angeles Times, Aug. 18, 1991
* African American artist David Hammons
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, ephemeral newsprint designed to be devoured and…
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…
Sunday CALENDAR SECTION only of the Los Angeles Times, March 25, 1990
* Hip Hop group "2 Live Crew" rap music
* "As Nasty As They Wanna Be" album
* Luther Campbell & First Amendment
* Obscenity censorship ban question
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…
LOS ANGELES TIMES, Feb. 8, 1995
* Tupac Shakur 2Pac sentenced
* Sexual assault in Manhattan
* American rapper and actor
Page 4 has a somewhat discrete report with one column heading: "Rapper Shakur Gets Prison for Assault" (see image)
Great to have this report in a newspaper from the home of the entertainment industry.
Provenance note: This issue comes from The Los Angeles Times own archives, part of their in-house collection used to create their digital archive.
I suspect this to be an extremely
Sunday edition CALENDAR SECTION only of the Los Angeles Times, Oct. 7, 1990
* Walt Disney's "Fantasia" 50th anniversary
* Animated musical with Mickey Mouse
* Sam Kinison - Stand-up Comedian
* Los Angeles performance advertisement
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…
Sunday CALENDAR SECTION only of the Los Angeles Times, Aug. 11, 1991
* "Metallica" heavy metal band w/ photo
* Eve of the release of "The Black Album"
* Attempt to go mainstream - radio play
* "Enter Sandman" "Nothing Else Matters"
* James Hetfield - Kirk Hammett - Lars Ulrich
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…
Sunday CALENDAR SECTION only of the Los Angeles Times, Oct. 18, 1981
* Very early "Motley Crue" on the Sunset Strip
* American heavy metal - hard rock band
* Roxy Theatre nightclub advertisement
* Future attractions w/ Motley Crue/Dokken
* Birth of the "Hair" bands of the 1980's
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…
NEWARK DAILY ADVERTISER, New Jersey, May 12, 1859
* American Chess player Paul Morphy
* vs. 5 European masters in exhibition games
* At London's St. James Chess Club
This publication served as New Jersey’s premiere daily publication, acting as a crucial media platform and organ of public record during a pivotal period of regional industrialization and mounting national sectional crisis. By 1860, in contrast to other regional newspapers, it began to cautiously promote anti-slavery and free-soil…
Sunday CALENDAR SECTION only of the Los Angeles Times, Feb. 8, 1987
* "GENESIS" English rock band concert advertisement
* "Invisible Touch World Tour" at Dodger Stadium
* Phil Collins - Mike Rutherford - Tony Banks
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…
Sunday CALENDAR SECTION only of the Los Angeles Times, Nov. 22 1987
* Early "Guns' N' Roses" concert advertisement
* Hard "Sleaze-Rock music - "Appetite for Destruction"
* Axl Rose - Slash - Izzy Stradlin - Duff McKagan - Steven Adler
* Opening day premiere of "Planes, Trains And Automobiles" ad
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…
Sunday CALENDAR SECTION only of the Los Angeles Times, Oct. 4, 1987
* Best "Near Dark" advertisement
* Opening day film - movie premiere
* American neo-Western horror - vampires
* Motley Crue w/ Whitesnake concerts ad
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…
LOS ANGELES TIMES, July 18, 1980
* Donald "Red" Barry suicide death
* Hollywood Western B-movie actor
* "Adventures of Red Ryder" fame
The front page has a heading: "Red Barry Kills Himself" with photo. (see images) Nice to have from the home of the entertainment industry.
Complete 1st section only with 24 pages, nice condition.
Background: On July 17, 1980, former Western icon Donald "Red" Barry—celebrated for originating the title role in the 1940 film serial Adventures of Red Ryder and for…
LOS ANGELES TIMES, July 21, 1980
* 1980 actors strike begins
* Screen Actors Guild
* American film industry
The front page has a banner headline: "60,000 Actors on Strike" with lead-in: "TV-FILM STUDIOS SHUT DOWN" with subhead. (see images) Nice for display. Great to have from the home of the entertainment industry. Rare as such.
Complete 1st section only with all 22 pages, nice condition.
Background: The July 21, 1980 joint strike by the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and AFTRA marked a critical…
Sunday CALENDAR SECTION only of the Los Angeles Times, June 7, 1987
* Early MADONNA concert advertisement
* Singer - songwriter - actress - model
* "Who's That Girl World Tour" "True Blue"
* Madonna's first major world stadium tour
* Best "Predator" film advertisement
* Grand Opening Day movie premiere
* Science-fiction action horror
* Arnold Schwarzenegger
Often revered as the undisputed "bible" of Hollywood, the Sunday Calendar section occupied a rare space in journalism where a single publication…
Sunday CALENDAR section only of the Los Angeles Times, June 29, 1997
* Best "Men in Back" advertisement
* Grand pre-opening day movie premiere
* American science fiction action comedy film
* Actors Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones
A terrific issue on the premiere of the motion picture hit "MEN IN BLACK" 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.
Page 11 of this section has a nice…
Here is a 4 page insert from the June 29th, 1997 issue of the Los Angeles Times promoting the premiere of the musical Ragtime at the Shubert Theatre.
* Ragtime (musical) advertisement
* United States premiere (L.A.)
The front page has has a heading: "RAGTIME IS GREAT THEATER! AN IMPRESSIVE ACHIEVEMENT" and more. Pages 2 & 3 is a nice displayable centerfold promting the new musical. And the back page has the history of events. (see images)
Set in the early 20th century, Ragtime tells the story of…
LOS ANGELES TIMES, Nov. 2, 1993
* Tupac Shakur 2Pac arrested
* Aggravated assault against police
* American rapper and actor
Page F2 of the "Calendar Section" has a report with heading: "Rappers Arrested in Shootings" with small photo of Tupac Shakur.
Great to have this report in a newspaper from the home of the entertainment industry.
Provenance note: This issue comes from The Los Angeles Times own archives, part of their in-house collection used to create their digital archive.
I suspect this to
Sunday CALENDAR SECTION only of the Los Angeles Times, June 6, 1993
* Best "Jurassic Park" film advertisement
* Pre opening movie premiere review
* Steven Spielberg science-fiction adventure
* Actor Sam Neill & Actress Laura Dern
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…
Sunday edition CALENDAR SECTION only of the Los Angeles Times, Jan. 7, 1990
* "Motley Crue" L.A. concert advertisement
* "Dr. Feelgood World Tour" hometown welcome
* w/ "Faster Pussycat" at Long Beach Arena
* American heavy metal - hard rock bands
* Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III
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…
SECTION 6 only of the Chicago Sunday Tribune, Feb. 7, 1943
* Hollywood actress Greer Garson
* Golden & World War II era
This section contains entertainment related material throughout with a front page color photo of Hollywood actress Greer Garson. (see images)
Complete section 6 only with 16 pages, minor margin wear, light toning and a few small binding holes along the spine, generally in nice condition.
Background: This February 7, 1943 issue of the Chicago Sunday Tribune’s "Section 6" holds…
ALBANY EVENING NEWS, March 1, 1934
* Puyi - Henry Pu Yi - Manchu Aisin Gioro
* Last Emperor of China - Qing dynasty
* Becomes Emperor of Manchukuo (1st report)
The top of the front page has a one column heading: "GUNS BRISTLE AS JAPANESE CROWN PU-YI" with subheads. (see images)
Complete 28 pages, light toning and some wear at the margins, generally good.
Background: The enthronement of Puyi as the Emperor of Manchukuo on March 1, 1934, stands as a critical geopolitical flashpoint that signaled the…
THE VILLAGE VOICE (weekly), Greenwich Village, New York, July 16, 1964
* Newport Folk Festival - music concert
* Year before Bob Dylan's electric controversy
Page 9 has a early advertisement for the "Newport Folk Festival" in Rhode Island. This ad measures 3 1/4 x 3 1/4 inches. (see image) This was a 4 day event and has a list of all the performers including Bob Dylan and Joan Baez.
Background: The 1964 Newport Folk Festival (July 23–26) stands as a watershed moment in American music history,…
Sunday CALENDAR SECTION only of the Los Angeles Times, March 4, 1990
* Janet Jackson's "Rhythm Nation World Tour"
* American singer, songwriter, actress & dancer
* Great Los Angeles concert performances advertisement
* "Hollywood Walk of Fame" star dedication
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…
SHOW pullout section only of the Chicago Sun-Times, July 22, 1984
* Prince - singer, songwriter, musician, actor, filmmaker
* The week "Purple Rain" made it's opening day premiere
The front page of this section has a nice color photo of with heading: "PRINCE: Sexy rock star in hot new film". And page 5 has a piece written by Don McLeese headed: "PRINCE REIGNS"; "'Purple Rain' movie and LP herald next king of rock and funk" with four related photos.
Also a page 12 advertisement for the upcoming…
CALENDAR section only of the Los Angeles Times, Aug. 9, 1991
* Best "Double Impact" advertisement
* Grand Opening Day movie premiere
* Actor & Martial artist Jean-Claude Van Damme
A terrific issue on the premiere of the motion picture hit "Double Impact" 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,…
Sunday CALENDAR SECTION only of the Los Angeles Times, Feb. 25, 1990
* "Public Enemy" hip hop group
* West Coast "gangsta rap" fame
* Rappers Chuck D and Flavor Flav
"Sonic Temple" & "The Cult" rock bands
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, Feb. 18, 1990
* "A Clockwork Orange: 2004" stage adaption
* U2 - Bono - "Achtung Baby" - Anthony Burgess
* Featured article by journalist David Gritten
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, July 27, 1986
* American singer Whitney Houston "The Voice"
* "The Greatest Love World Tour"
* Southern California concerts advertisement
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…
CALENDAR SECTION only of the Los Angeles Times, March 27, 1995
* The Notorious B.I.G. - Biggie Smalls
* East Coast hip-hop - gangsta rapper
* Just after debut album "Ready to Die"
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…
THE VILLAGE VOICE, Greenwich Village, New York, Jan. 27, 1960 Page 8, and continuing on to pg. 10 of this significant issue features Jonas Mekas’s famous "Movie Journal" column, containing a blistering, historic review and manifesto attacking visionary director John Cassavetes for his controversial decision to radically re-edit his debut film, Shadows.
Also present is an article on Samuel Beckett's "Act Without Words II - A Mime Play", "C for Colored, J for Jew", by Ed McLean, and a satirical
METRO SECTION (Sec. II) only of the Los Angeles Times, Dec. 10, 1984
* Early "Motley Crue" deals with a tragedy
* Vince Neil's DUI accident that killed his passenger
* American heavy metal - hard rock band
The front page of this section has a one column heading: "Rock Singer Arrested in Fatal car Crash" (see images)
I suspect this to be an extremely rare item because there was really no reason to save it at the time.
Complete Metro section only with 8 pages, very nice condition.
Background: The…
THE VILLAGE VOICE (weekly), Greenwich Village, New York City, July 11, 1968
* The Doors - The Who - Jimi Hendrix Experience
* New York Rock Festival - Singer Bowl in Queens
* Rock bands concert performances advertisement
Page 24 has a 6 x 4 inch advertisement for "The New York Rock Festival" which featured "The Doors", The Who" and "Jimi Henrix". (see image)
Background: The "New York Rock Festival" at the Singer Bowl in August 1968 stands as a watershed moment in rock history, capturing the…
THE VILLAGE VOICE (weekly), Greenwich Village, New York City, April 9, 1964
* Lenny Bruce - stand-up comedian - satirist ad
* Conviction for obscenity comedy performance
* Cafe Au Go Go nightclub - Bleecker Street
The top of page 3 has a heading: "Bruce Tagged on Obscenity, Run Extended at Cafe Here" Article continues on page 6.
Page 6 has another heading: "He Will Run Out of Fare To The Supreme Court" with photo of Bruce.
And page 17 has a advertisement for the very performance he was arrested at.…
THE VILLAGE VOICE (weekly), Greenwich Village, New York City, Dec. 23-29, 1981
* Joan Jett & the Blackhearts - Woman rocker
* The Ritz nightclub concert advertisement
Page 2 has a nice full page advertisement for a New Years Eve performance by a young Joan Jett at The Ritz in Manhattan. (see images)
Background: On December 31, 1981, Joan Jett performed a high-energy New Year’s Eve show at The Ritz in New York City. Riding the rising success of her debut album Bad Reputation and the just-released…
THE VILLAGE VOICE (weekly), Greenwich Village, New York, Oct. 19, 1982
* DEVO - American new wave punk rock band
* Palladium Theatre concert advertisement
* "Whip It" - synth-pop song fame
Page 71 has a nice advertisement for a upcoming "DEVO" performance at the Palladium Theatre. (see images)
Background: The November 19, 1982 Palladium performance stands as a definitive moment in the evolution of live music technology, perfectly capturing the exact cultural apex where pioneering post-punk…
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