Auction Item Details
Lot 813
LOADING IMAGES
Lot Number: 813
Description: Important "Play Ball" movie poster featuring Babe Ruth c.1932. The years following World War I brought great social and technological change to America. Automobiles and trucks were in mass production and the population was on the move like never before. Suburban life was booming. As livable geographical area spread updated radio networks allowed for city dwellers and rural farmers alike to keep abreast of the goings on. An advertising executive in Manhattan could listen to the same broadcast as a coal miner in Pittsburgh and a farmer's son in Ohio. Although television would not be widely available on a commercial basis until the late 1920s, the staple of nearly every small town in American was their theater. The populous turned out in droves, most attending at least once a week, to watch live performances, view newsreels, and see the latest movies. It is said that although most Americans could not name their politicians, nearly all knew leading actors and actresses. Noted at the time as the "largest and most magnificent theater between New York and Buffalo", Keeney's Theater in Elmira, NY opened on December 21, 1925. Ownership spared no expense appointing the venue in grand period decor with large murals and gold leaf accents. A capacity crowd of 2,500 could settle in to enjoy vaudeville acts, silent films, and later "talkies." So noble were the accommodations that the building stands to this day. Babe Ruth burst onto the baseball scene in the early 1920s displaying a prowess at the plate which had never been seen. A larger than life figure both on and off the field, in short order Ruth was an idol to millions. Following the 1919 World Series the game had been rocked by scandal leaving a good many fans disillusioned and Ruth alone gave them reason to come back. A new stadium was built in the Bronx to house those who ventured out to see him play and when on the road he filled stadiums to capacity. In an era when -fame+ was a relatively new concept, his new found notoriety was seized upon; Ruth+s name and likeness was lent to countless products and promotions. In a shrinking America now better connected by radio and film, The Babe was a star with national radio shows and silent films under his belt. In 1932 he made his "talkie" debut in a series of shorts entitled, "Play Ball." "Play Ball" starred Ruth as himself directed by Carl Laemmle and was put out by Universal Pictures as part of the Christy Walsh All American Sport Reels. Customary at the time was promotion through posters which would be put on display to announce new releases and current showings. In an era before television commercials, these were the driving force behind gate receipts and ultimately the success of any given film. Some of the most talented artists of the period created visual appeal through bold and well conceived graphics. Fragile by nature and intended only for short term use there are many films for which posters have been lost to time. In other cases there are noted rarities and some which are sought after purely for their visual appeal. In the case of "Play Ball" these factors combine to produce one of the most desirable movie posters of both the sports and Hollywood collecting fields. We have handled many items which are appropriately labeled rare and fewer still which count known examples on one hand. We are proud to offer this newly discovered "Play Ball" poster which represents only the second to have come to auction and it is quite likely that it will remain a singular opportunity. Extraordinary one-sheet poster done in classic period style features a large illustrated likeness of Ruth in pinstripes set over a small visage of fans and players in a stadium. Vibrant orange coloration serves as an eye catching background with "Play Ball" and "Babe Ruth" displayed prominently in block lettering. Additional credits include mention of Director Carl Laemmle, Universal Studios, and the Christy Walsh All American Sports Reels series. Measuring a standard 27"x41", the poster was mounted to board in the period for on-site display (29"x47.5" overall) retaining desirable "at The Keeney" hand painted titling at bottom. Additionally, the backing to the board retains period chalk graphics of a scoreboard style display listing various Major League teams likely used as a gambling piece in a bar or restaurant of the era. The offered specimen was recently discovered within the Elmira, NY area and has never been previously documented nor offered. When found there was soiling throughout, the result of decades of improper storage which had in actuality aided in its survival. For presentation purposes only some minor professional conservation work of a cosmetic nature was performed, however in the interest of maintaining the charm and originality of the piece this was essentially limited to a light surface cleaning. If so desired, the poster could certainly benefit from a more extensive restoration which would visually eliminate any mentionable condition flaws. Light even toning throughout with several other areas of slightly more pronounced discoloration almost all falling in, or within a few inches of, the borders. Scattered wear includes some bubbling to surface, a few small chips and scuffs (most notably two scuffs near Ruth's leg and what appears to an "E" scratched into surface at lower right), pair of small holes at lower right side, and a split/tear which runs approximately 3" in from left edge and horizontal center line. Board itself has wear at corner/edges. Noted condition issues having been mentioned for technical accuracy, the poster retains striking visual appeal and remains one of the most incredible player endorsed display pieces ever created. Framed for display to the highest standards of quality: EXEstimated Price Range: ($100,000-$200,000)
Sold for Price: Login or Register