Hand-painted and collaged film poster circa 1929, signed "O. M. Wise" at lower right, framed.

Accompanying this poster is a personal letter to the consignor from Bruce Davis - former Executive Director of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences - thanking him for his help compiling works and information for Anthony Slide's book Now Playing: Hand-Painted Poster Art from the 1910s through the 1950s. A copy of this book is included in this lot.

DOA 47 1/2 x 31 1/2 in.

From the Estate of the late Owen Russel Best Jr., of Charlottesville, Virginia An electrical engineer by profession, Owen Best's long-time passion for and knowledge of horses, horse drawn carriages, and antiques led to his position of Curatorial Services and as Director of the Carriage Museum at Morven Estate, Charlottesvile, Virginia. John Kluge, the owner of the museum and estate, expressed indebtedness to Owen’s expertise, his commitment to the development of the Carriage Museum and his attention to the many details associated with it.

In addition to the printed lithographic posters that were made to showcase films in the early 20th century, local theaters hired artists to create one-of-a-kind, hand-painted advertisements such as this example to attract audiences.

Good estate condition; some nicks/tears near edges; few minor surface scuffs; not examined out of frame.