Blockbuster Movie Ads at Their Best – Overview – Part II

August 29, 2022 by · Leave a Comment 

It has been nearly a month since we posted: Blockbuster Movie Ads – Overview – Part 1

We had so much fun creating and sharing the video one of our staff thought it would be nice to offer a sequel. These authentic ads for the premiers of blockbuster movies stir memories of what we now view as simpler days. The fact that they come from a Los Angles newspaper – the home of Hollywood, make them even more desirable. This 2nd installment may be viewed at

Ads for the Premiers of Blockbuster Movies – Part II (view on YouTube or Facebook)

As mentioned previously, we add new listings on nearly a weekly basis. However, if you have a favorite movie for which you would like to see an ad from the week of its release, and cannot find it through the link, just send me a note (guy@rarenewspapers.com).

In the meantime, our active listings are found at:  Blockbuster Movie Ads

 

Blockbuster Movie Ads at Their Best – Overview – Part I

August 1, 2022 by · Leave a Comment 

A few weeks ago we posted “Blockbuster Movie Ads at Their Best – “Top Gun Maverick”. While preparing the post we wondered whether or not it might not be fun to provide a bit of background regarding these issues.

Back in 1994 we had the opportunity (through a third party) to add the personal holdings of The Los Angeles Times to our inventory – issues which had never been in circulation. The thought of taking in a substantial set of newspapers which would serve our West Coast clients seeking regional “birthday newspapers” while providing all collectors with coverage of major events from a “big city” newspaper seemed like a good idea.

So, Tim Hughes, my 12-year-old daughter (Eve), and I packed our bags and headed to Burbank. After 5 days of 90-100 degree heat, thousands of flights of steps, hours upon hours of listening to Toby Mac, and more dust and sweat than any of us had ever experienced, three tractor trailers were finally loaded and enroute to South Williamsport, PA. Tired? Yes. Pleased? As one can be when utterly exhausted. Proud of my daughter’s perseverance? You bet! Yet, the best was yet to come.

As is often the case in the newspaper collecting hobby, unbeknownst to us were gems buried deep within: Calendar Sections containing full-page and/or double-page ads for the premiers of many of the blockbuster movies we adore. We couldn’t believe it. Actual poster-sized ads for premiers of blockbuster films of the past printed in authentic Los Angeles newspapers… When it comes to such ads, it just doesn’t get any better!

Our listings typically include the following: “There is perhaps no better issue to be found for these premier ads, the L.A. Times being the leading newspaper from the home of the entertainment industry – the Hollywood area’s prime publication. Where else might one find authentic, poster-size ads for Opening Day showings, in the most desirable Hollywood-area newspaper? In over 40 years of collecting, we have yet to see such unique & dramatic coverage with truly top-shelf, eye-catching displayability.”

One of our staff recently create a video to highlight a few:

View on YouTube

View of Facebook

We add new listings on nearly a weekly basis, but if you have a favorite movie for which you would like to see and ad from the week of its release, just send me a note (guy@rarenewspapers.com).

In the meantime, our active listings are found at:  Blockbuster Movie Ads

 

Ticktock, ticktock, ticktock, ticktock…

August 14, 2017 by · Leave a Comment 

What do Grace Kelly, Gene Kelly, Lillian Gish, Ruby Keeler, Gergory Peck, Henry Fonda, Stanley Kubrick, Madeline Kahn, DeForest Kelley, Fay Wray, Michael Landon, Dalton Trumbo, Sal Mineo, Robert Mitchum, Anne Baxter, Rock Hudson, Orson Welles, Barbara Stanwyck, Ava Gardner, Greta Garbo, John Candy, Burt Lancaster, Anthony Perkins, Audrey Hepburn, Liberace, Cab Calloway, John Candy, Marlene Dietrich, Dean Martin, Orson Wells, Anne Baxter, Ava Gardner, William Holden, Ginger Rogers, Lana Turner, Gilda Radner, Fred Astaire, Rita Hayworth, Cary Grant, Mary Pickford, Bette Davis, Natalie Wood, Robert Shaw, Alfred Hitchcock, Andy Kaufman, Jackie Gleason, Charlie Chaplin, Joan Crawford, John Belushi, Jimmy Stewart, and Steve McQueen all have in common? Answer: There was a time when they were each on top of the world – adored by millions, and thanks to the silver screen’s ability to capture them in their prime, they seemed as if they would live forever. However, truth be told, the clock strikes midnight for everyone – regardless of their fame.

Over the past few months this reality was brought home to the staff at Rare & Early Newspapers as we discovered the death reports of some of the most famous Hollywood celebrities of all time – nearly all within Los Angeles newspapers. As Mark Twain not-so-subtly revealed through Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, and Frank Capra reinforced through the eyes of George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart – shown above) in It’s A Wonderful Life, sometimes a glimpse at the brevity of life can be a healing, re-purposing salve for the soul. With this in mind, please enjoy(?): Death Reports of the Hollywood Famous

A new experience proves frighteningly realistic…

July 8, 2013 by · Leave a Comment 

In today’s world, being so accustomed to action events on television, movie theaters, and even our computers, it can be difficult to realize that those who first experienced wide screen action in the early years of movie-making might react as these children did in London. This report is found in the “New York Tribune” issue of May 24, 1923. Is there a comparable experience awaiting us?