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, Sept. 8, 1975
- Early KISS - American hard rock band
- "Alive!" tour performance advertisement
- Ace Frehley - Gene Simmons - Paul Stanley
- Memorial Field at Mount Vernon (CANCELLED)
- Jimmy Hoffa's disappearance
- American Labor Union leader - Teamsters
Page 141 has a 1/2 page advertisement for the upcoming "The Summer's End Festival" at Memorial Field with the headliner being KISS. This event was ultimately cancelled though. Still a very early ad for
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NEW YORK WORLD-TELEGRAM April 12, 1938
- Jackie Coogan sues his mother
- Hollywood child actor star
- Uncle Fester - The Addams Family fame
- California Child Actor's Bill prelude
The bottom of the front page has a three column heading: "'Promised Nothing.' Mother of Coogan Says, As Husband Jeers Stepson's $4,000,000 Claim" A related pictorial is on page 8. (see images)
Complete with 34 pages, light toning at the margins, small binding holes along the spine, generally in nice condition.
Background: Jackie
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LOS ANGELES TIMES, Sept. 28, 1986 (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 "DOWN BY LAW" 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
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Sunday CALENDAR SECTION only of the Los Angeles Times, Aug. 13, 1995
- Courtney Love - American singer & guitarist
- Alternative & grunge rock music - Hole (band)
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
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LOS ANGELES TIMES, Aug. 4, 1991 (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 for the 5th week showing of "TERMINATOR 2: JUDGEMENT DAY" in L.A. on 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, May 8, 1983 (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 of "LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS" at the Westwood Playhouse 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
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CALENDAR section only of the Los Angeles Times, June 29, 2001
- Best original "A.I. Artificial Intelligencer" advertisement
- Grand Opening Day movie premiere review
- Science Fiction film by Steven Spielberg
A terrific issue on the premiere of the motion picture hit "A.I. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE" 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,
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Sunday CALENDAR SECTION only of the Los Angeles Times, Oct. 23, 1994
- MADONNA editorial in social media
- Singer - songwriter - actress & more
- "Queen of Pop" solo career future ?
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
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GRAPHIC section of the Detroit Free Press, July 29, 1951
- Hollywood actress & singer Jane Powell
This section contains entertainment related material throughout with a front page color photo of Hollywood actress Jane Powell. (see images)
Complete graphic section only with 16 pages, a little irregular along the top margin, otherwise nice.
Background: Jane Powell’s most enduring cinematic legacy lies in her iconic performance as Milly in the Oscar-winning MGM musical Seven Brides for Seven
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LOS ANGELES TIMES, Aug. 25, 1985 (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 "AMERICAN NINJA" in L.A. on 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, Aug. 25, 1985 (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 "GODZILLA 1985" in L.A. on 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, Aug. 25 (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 re-release of "GREMLINS" in L.A. 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 art, the
LOS ANGELES TIMES, Nov. 3, 1985 (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 "MOTLEY CRUE" (small) at Long Beach Arena on one of the four pages. (see images)
In addition to the feature concert ad, which captures the era's unique promotional graphic design and typography, the surrounding pages provide a
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SUNDAY GRAPHIC section of the Detroit Free Press, April 17, 1949
- Hollywood actress Joanne Dru
- Easter Sunday color photo
This section contains entertainment related material throughout with a front page color photo of Hollywood actress Joanne Dru. (see images)
Complete Sunday graphic section only with 16 pages, a little irregular along the top margin, otherwise nice.
Background: Published on Easter Sunday 1949, this original Detroit Free Press "Sunday Graphic" section caught actress Joanne Dru
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THE NEW YORK TIMES, April 29, 1946
- Tokyo War Crimes military Trial - Tribunal begins
- Prime Minister of Japan, Hideki Tojo & others indicted
- Crimes of aggression against humanity - peace
The front page has a banner heading: "Allies Indict Tojo and Aides for Crimes" with subheads and photo of Tojo. (see images)
Complete with 20 pages, light toning and minor wear at the margins, generally nice.
Background: On April 29, 1946, the International Military Tribunal for the Far East officially convened
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LOS ANGELES TIMES, Oct. 14, 1990 (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 "QUIGLEY DOWN UNDER" starring Tom Selleck on one of the pages. (see images).
In addition to the featured movie ad, which captures the era's distinct theatrical
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CALENDAR section only of the Los Angeles Times, Aug. 28, 1987
- Best original "Hamburger Hill" advertisement
- Grand Opening Day movie premiere w/ review
- American Vietnam War film (1969 battle of )
A terrific issue on the premiere of the motion picture hit "HAMBURGER HILL" 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
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LOS ANGELES TIMES, Aug. 28, 1987
- John Huston death (1st report)
- Movie filmmaker - director - actor
- The Maltese Falcon - The African Queen
- Best title to be had ?
The top of the front page has a four column headline: "Hard-Living Film Legend John Huston Dies in Sleep" with subhead and related pictorial. (see images) Nice to have this report in a newspaper from the capital of the entertainment industry.
Complete 1st section only with all 42 pages, very nice condition.
Background: John Huston stands
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CALENDAR SECTION only of the Los Angeles Times, Oct. 23, 1988
- Early "Metallica" heavy metal band
- Editorial on the band gaining popularity
- "And Justice for All" album era
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
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THE KNICKERBOCKER PRESS, Oct. 27, 1933
- "I'm No Angel" opening day premiere
- Actress Mae West & Actor Gary Grant
- The "Palace Theatre" advertisement
Page 6 has a 12 x 6 inch advertisement for the opening day premiere of "I'M NO ANGEL" starring Mae West and Cary Grant in Albany, New York.
Complete with 22 pages, some wear along the spine, otherwise good.
Background: As a towering landmark of pre-Code cinema, I'm No Angel (1933) represents the peak of Mae West’s creative independence as both writer
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LOS ANGELES TIMES, Dec. 4, 1988 (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 upcoming opening day premiere of "MY STEPMOTHER IS AN ALIEN" starring Kim Basinger and Dan Aykroyd on one of the pages. (see images).
In addition to the featured movie ad, which captures the
THE VILLAGE VOICE (weekly), Greenwich Village, New York, Nov. 10, 1975
- Black Sabbath - English heavy metal rock band
- "Sabotage" Madison Square Garden advertisement
- Ozzy Osbourne - Tony Iommi w/ Aerosmith concert tour
- American singer songwriter - Bob Dylan in his prime
Page 92 has a 7 x 5 1/2 inch advertisement for an upcoming "Black Sabbath" concert at Madison Square Garden (Dec. 3)
Background: Black Sabbath’s legendary concert at Madison Square Garden on December 3, 1975, stands out as a
THE VILLAGE VOICE (weekly), Greenwich Village, New York City, March 9, 1967
- Andy Warhol's The Velvet Underground & Nico
- Debut studio album release w/ peeled banana (early version)
- Very early "THE DOORS" NYC nightclub gigs ad
- American rock band from L.A. - Jim Morrison
Page 19 has a 7 x 3 inch advertisement for the debut album "The Velvet Underground With Nico" with Andy's Warhol's peeled banana. This was a early version of this iconic album cover. Probably only found in this Greenwich Village
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LOS ANGELES TIMES, Sept. 19, 1982 (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 upcoming opening day premiere of "THE LAST AMERICAN VIRGIN" on one of the pages. (see images). This film was still a few months away from the release.
In addition to the featured movie ad,
SCREEN & RADIO WEEKLY section of The Knickerbocker Press from Albany, New York, Feb. 9, 1936
- Actress Norma Shearer
- Romeo and Juliet production
- Golden Age of Hollywood
The front cover has a color image of Actress Norma Shearer with pages 4 & 5 dedicated to the production of "Romeo and Juliet" (see images)
Complete section with 16 pages, tabloid size, some spine wear, otherwise nice.
Background: Published at the pinnacle of Hollywood’s Golden Age, this February 9, 1936 edition captures a defining
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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 could
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LOS ANGELES TIMES, Aug. 25, 1985 (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 "WHAM!" with George Michael at Hollywood Park Racetrack 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
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SPRINGFIELD SUNDAY REPUBLICAN, Mass. Aug. 18, 1946
- Operation Fantasia - psychological warfare scheme
- Kitsune - Japanese supernatural folklore - fox spirit
- Pacific theater plan during World War II made public
The front page has a three column heading: "Ghostly Foxes That Ran Upright Nearly Haunted Japan's Forests" with subhead. (see images) This was one the strangest and largely unknown operations during World War II. See below for more details.
Complete 1st section only with all 16 pages, light
THE VILLAGE VOICE (weekly), Greenwich Village, New York City, July 14, 1987
- The Cure - English rock cult band
- Robert Smith - gothic new wave music
- 1st Madison Square Garden concert advertisement
- "Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me" album - The Kissing Tour
Page 79 has a nice full page advertisement for a upcoming "THE CURE" concert at Madison Square Garden. (see images)
Background:On August 10, 1987, The Cure performed their first headlining concert at New York City’s Madison Square Garden as part of The
THE VILLAGE VOICE (weekly), Greenwich Village, New York City, Dec. 23, 1986
- Beastie Boys editorial with photo
- New School hip hop - rap rock group
- Recent release of their debut album "Licensed to Ill"
- "PLATOON" opening day film advertismeent
- American Vietnam War movie premiere
- Oliver Stone - Tom Berenger - Charlie Sheen
Page 103 has an editorial on the Beastie Boys with the recent release of their debut album "License to Ill" with heading: "White Trash on Dope" and photo.And page 144 has a
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THE VILLAGE VOICE (weekly), Greenwich Village, New York City, May 28, 1979
- "ALIEN" opening day film advertisement
- Science fiction extraterrestrial horror movie
- Actors Sigourney Weaver and Tom Skerritt
- "No Nukes" concert at Madison Square Garden
The back page has a full page advertisement for the opening day of the horror film "ALIEN"
Background: The 1979 release of Alien, directed by Ridley Scott, was significant because it fundamentally redefined science-fiction cinema by fusing it with visceral
THE VILLAGE VOICE (weekly), Greenwich Village, New York City, June 20, 1977
- Lynyrd Skynyrd - American Southern rock band
- Pre Ronnie Van Zant airplane crash disaster
- Upcoming area concerts advertisement
- "Street Survivors Tour" - Nassau Coliseum
Page 55 has a nice full page advertisement for upcoming "LYNYRD SKYNYRD" concerts including one at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York.
Background: On June 16, 1977, Lynyrd Skynyrd delivered a high-energy co-headlining show alongside Ted Nugent at
THE VILLAGE VOICE (weekly), Greenwich Village, New York, Aug. 24, 1972
- New York Dolls - punk rock music band pioneers
- Hotel Diplomat - New York City concert advertisement
- "GREASE" musical play - Broadway theatre ad
Page 42 has a 4 1/2 x 4 inch advertisement for a "New York Dolls" performance at the Hotel Diplomat"
Background:On August 25, 1972, the New York Dolls played a now-iconic but relatively low-key show at the Hotel Diplomat in New York City, a venue far removed from the mainstream rock
THE VILLAGE VOICE (weekly), Greenwich Village, New York, Aug. 8, 1977
- Very early C/DC rock band gig advertisements
- "Let There Be Rock" 1st American tour
- CBGB and Palladium nightclubs in Manhattan
Page 65 has a list of upcoming performances at the CBGB music club with one of acts being a very early AC/DC gig (small).
Page 52 has a 5 x 3 inch advertisement for upcoming performances with one being for the young Australian rock band AC/DC. This ad also has notice for Bob Marley as well. (see
THE VILLAGE VOICE (weekly), Greenwich Village, New York City, Jan. 20, 1987
- Mobster John A. Gotti
- Gambino crime family boss
- Long Island nightclub incident
Starting on page 10 is an editorial headed: "I Don't Gotti Pay" which concludes on page 13 with photo of Gotti.
I suspect this to be an extremely rare item because there was really no reason to save it at the time.
The Village Voice was an American counterculture newspaper known for being the country's first alternative newsweekly. It
THE VILLAGE VOICE (weekly), Greenwich Village, New York, March 7, 1968
- "Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush"
- Opening day premiere in United States
- British comedy film - movie advertisement
- Director Clive Donner - Swinging Sixties
Page 39 has a 7 1/2 x 8 inch advertisement for the America premiere of "Here We Go Round The Mulberry Bush" (see images)
Background: Directed and produced by Clive Donner, Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush is a quintessential 1968 British "Swinging Sixties" sex comedy
THE VILLAGE VOICE (weekly), Greenwich Village, New York City, Jan. 18, 1983
- Moshing - slam dancing - slamming gains popularity
- Neil Young - Canadian American singer songwriter
- Madison Square Garden concert advertisement
- Aerosmith - American hard rock band concert ad
- Steven Tyler - Joe Perry - Tom Hamilton
The front page has a photo showing youth slamming at a music event. Page 29 has a editorial on the new craze with heading: "Night in the Slammer" and another related photo. Lengthy text continues
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CALENDAR section only of the Los Angeles Times, Dec. 27, 1991
- Best original "Fried green Tomatoes" advertisement
- Grand Opening Day movie premiere w/ review
- Southern American Gothic comedy drama film
- Hollywood actresses Kathy Bates and Jessica Tandy
A terrific issue on the premiere of the motion picture hit "Fried Green Tomatoes" 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:
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THE NEW YORK TIMES, July 27, 1932
- Fred Duesenberg death
- Automobile pioneer
- Race car motors
The top of page 17 has a one column heading: "F. S. DUESENBERG DIES OF AUTO INJURY" with subheads and photo. (see images)
Complete with all 36 pages, light toning at the margins, good condition.
Background: Frederick Samuel "Fred" Duesenberg (1876–1932) was a visionary German-American automotive engineer who, alongside his brother August, transformed early 20th-century motor racing and luxury manufacturing
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LOS ANGELES TIMES, March 22, 1994
- Best "Schindler's List" at the Oscar's publication
- Director Steven Spielberg - Actor Liam Neeson
- Wins 7 Academy Awards including Best Picture
The front page has a heading that reads: "'Schindler's List' Brings Triumph for Spielberg" with subhead and related photo. (see images) Lengthy coverage in the "calendar section" as well. And this section has a full page advertisement for the film.
I suspect this to be an extremely rare item because there was really no
LOS ANGELES TIMES, Aug. 9, 1987 (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 "NO WAY OUT" starring Kevin Costner & Gene Hackman on one of the pages. (see images).
In addition to the featured movie ad, which captures the era's distinct theatrical
LOS ANGELES TIMES, Aug. 18, 1985 (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 "TEEN WOLF" starring Michael J. Fox on one of the pages. (see images).
In addition to the featured movie ad, which captures the era's distinct theatrical promotional
CHICAGO SUNDAY TRIBUNE, September 29, 1935
- re. John Dillinger's assassination
- Anna Sage - Ana Cumpănaș
- "Woman in Red" deportation
The front page has a one column heading: "U.S. to Deport Dillinger Case Woman in Red"with subheads. A photo of her with her son is on the back page with heading. (see images)
When it comes to gangsters, organized crime, and the nefarious activities born out of the Prohibition and Great Depression eras, no city is more in the forefront of our minds than Chicago - and
LOS ANGELES TIMES, Oct. 17, 1986
- "The Color of Money" film advertisement
- Grand Opening Day movie premiere in L.A.
- American sports drama (billiards - pool)
- Tom Cruise - Paul Newman - Martin Scorsese*
- Measures a whooping 27 x 22 inches
A terrific issue on the motion picture hit " THE COLOR OF MONEY" 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
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THE NEW YORK TIMES (The Warren Commission's Report) supplement, Sept. 28, 1964
- The Warren Commission's Report
- John F. Kennedy JFK assassination
- Lee Harvey Oswald & Jack Ruby
The front page has a banner heading: "THE WARREN COMMISSION'S REPORT" with photo of JFK. This entire supplement has text, photos and illustrations regarding the findings the prior day. See images for small portion.
Complete supplement with all 48 pages, light toning and a little wear at the margins, generally nice.
THE VILLAGE VOICE (weekly), Greenwich Village, New York, Nov. 29, 1976
- Grand Opening movie premiere review
- "CARRIE" supernatural Horror film
- Actress Sissy Spacek as Carrie White
The top of page 53 has a photo of Carrie White covered blood during the stage scene with heading "Never Torture a Wallflower" (see images) This was a review of the film shortly after it's opening by Andrew Sarris.
Background: This November 29, 1976 issue of The Village Voice holds significant cultural and collector value,
LOS ANGELES TIMES, Sept. 7, 1986 (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 upcoming live performances by "RODNEY DANGERFIELD" at the Greek Theatre on one of the four pages. This ad includes his famous catch phrase.
In addition to the feature stand-up comedian ad, which captures the era's unique promotional graphic design and
LOS ANGELES TIMES, Feb. 17, 1989 (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 poster-sized (21 x 13 inches) illustrated advertisement for the opening day premiere of "THE 'BURBS" starring Tom Hanks on one of the pages. (see images).
In addition to the featured movie ad, which captures the era's distinct
LOS ANGELES TIMES (Calendar section only), May 10, 2002
- Terrific "Spider-Man" film advertisement
- Grand Opening week movie premiere
- Superhero - Toby Maguire - James Franco
- Measures a whopping 23 1/2 x 21 1/2 inches
A terrific issue on the motion picture hit "SPIDER-MAN" 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
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LOS ANGELES TIMES, Oct. 6, 1996 (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 "MICHAEL" starring John Travolta on one of the pages. (see images).
In addition to the featured movie ad, which captures the era's distinct theatrical promotional
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