Collecting movie memorabilia
Jul 1, 2015 | by Becky Oeltjenbruns
Historic Athens Theatre in Florida
The Texas sun is rising high as of late, making outdoor activities a little more challenging to schedule. So on a hot and draining day, a great movie is definitely in order. I’m making my way through the AFI Top 100 list, which brings out not only the cinephile in me but also the collector. We’ve already talked about collecting vintage posters, but let’s look into the best way to start collecting movie memorabilia.
The last time you were at the grocery store, who graced the magazine covers? Models? Probably not, the era of the supermodel may be be fading and celebrities are taking over media on all fronts. Whether that be the reality starlets or the hunky actors, a trend is taking shape and it all started with the invention of the motion picture. Once radio programs and television shows began to invade people’s homes, the momentum flared up and it hasn’t faded since. The glamour that women craved in the 1930s and 40s is just as relevant today, making movie memorabilia a great investment for any collector.
When you’re dealing with older, vintage films and icons you are sure to find an established fan base. Typically the most valuable pieces come from films that have made their mark on popular culture, either by plot or by star power (Gone with The Wind takes the number one spot in that respect). Don’t assume that critical acclaim equates to higher values, consider the enduring legacy of the film. Fun fact: top entertainer for the modern collector – Marilyn Monroe. Marilyn’s body of cinematic work touched people all over the world, while the intrigue surrounding her personal life made her star shine even brighter. Collecting rare Marilyn artifacts may be rich for our blood, but we can learn a valuable lesson from the appeal of all things Marilyn Monroe. Movie icons who still can sell magazines to this day make for a worthwhile investment. If they can make publications fly off the shelf decades after their heyday, then you are on to something special. (Stars like Marilyn and, of course, Audrey are some great examples.)
As you start collecting, don’t limit yourself to domestic films/stars nor to a particular era. Do some research, find what speaks to you, and dig in. IMDB has some great lists of legends to get you started and don’t forget about the AFI site – it makes for a great preliminary resource.
Norma Talmadge, from Picture Play magazine
When you find a film that captivates you ask yourself these questions: did this movie make unknowns into stars, was it a blockbuster, did it sweep the awards season, or were there unique qualities to the film’s production (i.e. special effects)? If you answer “yes” to one or more, then congrats – you may have found your movie! Now the fun begins. There are a variety of items you can collect and find when it comes to movie memorabilia (and these account for a range of budgets). Posters are an obvious selection, but you can expand your scope to include costumes, scripts, lobby cards, ticket stubs, figurines/merchandise, commemorative pieces, props, or stills. When it comes to stars, your range of collectibles becomes almost limitless. When it comes to celebrities, value increases the closer the object was to the person. For example, scripts with personal notes, publicity shots (preferably signed), or costume pieces worn in an iconic scene. One of the best items for beginners to collect lets us come full circle: old celebrity magazines. Publications like Movie Story or Life remind us of the history of our cultural love affair with big screen personas.
While each category has unique appraisal characteristics, the best rule is still the oldest: if it seems to good to be true, it is. Follow your gut, have some fun, and look online for fan groups – finding a community of like-minded collectors and enthusiasts will help you refine your skills! When you collect your passion it makes the journey all that more fun!
If you want further information, I recommend Antiques Roadshow’s site and books. There are several appraisals when you search for movie memorabilia, enjoy!