A one sheet movie poster for the 1923 Paramount Pictures release, Hollywood, realized $89,625 in an auction of Vintage Movie Posters at Heritage Auction Galleries, July 23-25. The graphically stunning and downright bizarre poster depicts the head of a large male, with the word “Hollywood” in relief across his forehead, as a daisy chain of females dance toward his open mouth. All prices include Buyer’s Premium.
The decidedly peculiar poster does little to convey the story of Hollywood, one of hapless wannabe actress Angela, who comes to L.A. – grandpa in tow – and fails to find any work in Tinsel Town while seemingly every one of her relatives get snapped up for the movies. Short on story, the movie was more importantly a showcase of virtually every major movie star of the silent era as Angela, in her rounds of every casting office in town, encounters star after star in her own unsuccessful bid for a slice of fame’s pie.
“This is a simply gorgeous movie poster and certainly one of the more desirable pieces in the hobby,” said Grey Smith, Director of Movie Posters at Heritage. “From “Fatty” Arbuckle, to Douglas Fairbanks, Mary Pickford, Zasu Pitts and Gloria Swanson; you name the star and they made a cameo.”
If you are interested in consigning to an upcoming Internet or Signature Vintage Movie Poster Auction, call Grey Smith at (800) 872-6467, ext. 1367, or email [email protected].
Heritage Auction Galleries is the world’s third largest auction house, and by far the largest auctioneer of rare collectibles, with annual sales more than $700 million, and 450,000+ registered online bidder members. For more information about Heritage’s auctions, and to join and gain access to a complete record of prices realized, along with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit www.HA.com
