Lobby Hobby

Faye, way back in the day.

I haven't bought an American Photo (March/April 2008) since back in the early '90s, when they still had fabulously decadent Madonna covers, but I like their Tribute To Photography & The Movies quite a bit. Aside from the iconic Faye Dunaway image (remember her face?), there's a great piece on movie lobby cards by film critic Dave Kehr. In it, he discusses the origins of the cards, the technicalities of their manufacture and their value these days (some are $10, some, like one Dracula card, are $65,725).

Lobby cards were not always subtle.

I love lobby cards! They rarely make them anymore, though I have some for Desperately Seeking Susan and some foreign ones for Evita (not on heavy board, though). More unique, we own a fun Aventurera card (see this movie if you can) and I have an absolutely pristine set from the Joan Crawford film Untamed that I hope to display effectively one day.

One of our favorite old movies.

Lobby cards and movie posters started out as all about selling the film, acquired a lot of artistry and seem to have reverted to the former over time. It's a shame, because movie posters can be more than just carnival barkers—they can be lasting works of art.

Untamed melody.