Classic Films Featured in Heritage Auctions’ Vintage Posters Auction

Dallas, TX – A rare title lobby card from the first true sound horror film that had long-lasting significance in the Universal Horror series is expected to be among the top draws in Heritage Auctions’ Movie Posters Auction July 27-28 in Dallas, Texas.

“This auction includes very rare paper, some of which comes from some of the most popular films of all time, like Dracula, Casablanca and Gone with the Wind,” Heritage Auctions Vintage Posters Director Grey Smith said. “This is an auction with appealing options for many collectors, because of the diversity of the lots offered.”

Dracula (Universal, 1931) Title Lobby Card (estimate: $40,000-80,000) captures a dramatic image from Bram Stoker’s gothic thriller that is the definitive vampire film. Despite the financial challenges faced during the Depression, Carl Laemmle, Jr., bought the rights to the novel and the Broadway play in which Bela Lugosi was the star. Lugosi assumed the same role in the film version, solidifying his legacy as the ultimate Count Dracula. A potential centerpiece for any collection, this beautiful lobby card rarely is offered at auction.

Gone with the Wind (MGM, 1939) three sheet (estimate: $20,000-40,000) is a stunning rarity, one of only two copies known to remain in existence, from the film that earned a trove of Oscars that included awards for Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Director, Best Screenplay and Supporting Actress. Arguably the best image created out of all five styles of the three sheets offered by MGM, it is among the rarest and in highest demand among classic collectors. This auction will be the first in which Heritage Auctions has offered this gem from the Theaters of Old Detroit Collection.

The Golem (Paramount, 1920) CGC Graded Title Lobby Card (estimate: $20,000-40,000) spotlights another monumental horror film that is considered a landmark of early German Impressionism. This lobby card is extremely rare, and in exceptional condition. Showing the Golem (clay monster) created by a rabbi to save Prague from the Emperor’s order of expulsion, the card is one of a very small number known to exist and just the second title card from the film offered at auction.

A Foolish Wives (Universal, 1922) One Sheet (estimate: $20,000-40,000) shines a light on a film that was one of Universal’s most successful at the time of its release, but one that was made at a staggering cost of more than $1 million. The only known copy of this stone lithograph, featuring star and director Erich von Stroheim, was sold originally in 1995 and is being offered by Heritage Auctions for the first time.

An insert for The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Universal, 1923) (estimate: $15,000-30,000) is one of only three copies known to exist and is offered by Heritage Auctions for the first time. The insert shows the role that made Lon Chaney a star: Victor Hugo’s hunchback, Quasimodo. The film, which helped set the standard for later horror films, was one of the top grossing silent films of all time, and helped to bring Universal Studios into the spotlight.

A one sheet for The 39 Steps (Gaumont-Fox, 1935) (estimate: $10,000-20,000) highlights one of director Alfred Hitchcock’s first major international successes, and features many of the stylistic and thematic elements that later became integral parts of his later work.
Two lots from one of the most popular movies ever made are featured in the sale. Casablanca (Warner Brothers, 1942) Window Card and Casablanca (Warner Brothers, 1944) Australian One Sheet, each with a pre-auction estimate of $10,000-20,000, were made for the classic on which shooting started before the script was complete. Paper for this film, which won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, is extremely scarce and in high demand among collectors.

Other top lots include, but are not limited to:
Dracula (Universal, 1931) Lobby Card (estimate: $25,000-50,000)
This Gun for Hire (Paramount, 1942). Very Fine- on Linen. One Sheet (estimate: $15,000-30,000)
Mickey Mouse in Alpine Climbers (United Artists, 1936). Fine- on Paper. Silk Screen Poster (estimate: $10,000-20,000)
Mickey Mouse in The Barn Dance (Columbia, 1929). Fine on Linen. Stock One Sheet (estimate: $10,000-20,000)