• Mood: productive

Get with the program

It's been several days since I've examined what Carole Lombard memorabilia is available at eBay -- and I'm glad I stopped by, because I uncovered something new and somewhat interesting.

During the 1930s, movie theaters regularly offered programs to their customers. Most created them on their own...but in some instances, especially for smaller houses, they relied on programs designed by the studios. Here's an example of the latter -- a four-page program from Universal, available to theaters showing Lombard's early 1936 comedy, "Love Before Breakfast" (double-click to see them at large size):




Of course, the cover features the famed Lombard "black eye" (what other glamour gal would have had the guts to have herself pictured like that?). And I love the slogan atop the inside pages -- "From Bridle Path To Bridal Suite In Sixty Sock-Fisticated Minutes!"

As you can see, the back page is blank, allowing the local theater to promote an upcoming show, sell an ad or what have you.

This rare artifact of Lombardiana measures 8" x 9" and is considered in good condition. Bidding starts at $24.99 (as of this writing, no bids have been made), and bidding closes at 9:23 p.m. (Eastern) on Thursday.

Interested? Curious? Then go to http://cgi.ebay.com/CAROLE-LOMBARD-LOVE-BEFORE-BREAKFAST-PROGRAM-PHOTO-Q298-/200484825596?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2eadd3a9fc.