"MICKEY MOUSE AND SILLY SYMPHONIES" EXCEPTIONAL FILM EXHIBITOR'S CATALOGUE.
Item Description
9x12" w/48 pages issued in 1932 w/very limited print run of around 15,000. This exhibitor's book is considered the first merchandise catalogue. Front cover title reads "Exhibitor's Complete Campaign From Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse And Silly Symphonies" w/additional text "Not Shorts But Single-Reel Features With Definite Proven Box Office Draw/Distributed By United Artists Corp." All contents are bw w/great illustrations and photos throughout including specialty art and merchandise ads. Title text on first two pages reads "Mickey Mouse Leads The Box Office Parade/Most Publicized Film Actor In The World." Still attached to first page is reply postcard for theater owner stating their desire to run these single-reel features. Two pages detail the Mickey Mouse Movie Theater Club and include illustration of club button. Two pages have detailed list on licensees and still attached to one page is a reply postcard used to obtain local dealer names. Among the many great merchandise ads are Mickey Pops by Brandle And Smith Co., Borgfeldt & Co. page featuring Mickey Mouse Sparkler and Steiff items, jewelry by Cohn & Rosenberger Inc., china by Schumann, undies by Norwich Knitting Co., David McKay books, children's handbags by Herz and Cory, Saalfield coloring book, costumes by Warnova Mfg. Co., greeting cards by Hall Brothers, etc. Additional items shown that are premiums to be given out by theater owners are flip book, birthday card, animated card, ink blotter, door knob hanger, etc. One page is devoted to Mickey Mouse Club items including two different banners, cap, fez, vest w/emblem (see #2484), pennant. Several other pages feature newspaper ads, movie stills, lobby cards, posters, etc. A number of additional pages feature very detailed text promoting Mickey and these films. Titles for these articles include "Mickey Copied From Chaplin, Creator Says/Disney Genius Inspired Says English Critic/Walt Disney Holds School For Artists/Mickey Only Star To Have Own Studio/Mickey Shown As Rodent Of Many Moods," etc. There is a two-page spread w/title "Daily And Sunday Cartoon Features For Newspapers" and features reprint of Silly Symphony and Mickey Mouse strips. Great back cover design featuring photo montage of Walt Disney-related magazine covers and articles. Comes w/special single sheet insert which is 8x11.5". This bw paper is facsimile of sheet music for "What! No Mickey Mouse!" Top text reads "Get Behind This New Mickey Mouse Song Hit" w/text noting it was available directly from Irving Caesar Inc. Has a pair of staple pulls at spine but cover remains firmly attached. Scattered lt. cover wear, some pinch creases along spine, back cover and last page have a few ft. corner tip creases, couple of .25" margin tears. Cover remains clean and Fine, contents are VF to Exc. An early and historic piece of Disney memorabilia. The only example we've ever offered. From the Hake Collection.