"MICKEY MOUSE AND SILLY SYMPHONIES" EXCEPTIONAL FILM EXHIBITOR'S CATALOGUE.
Item Description
9x12" with 48 pages issued in 1932 with very limited print run of about 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" with additional text "Not Shorts But Single-Reel Features With Definite Proven Box Office Draw - Distributed By United Artists Corp." All contents are bw with great illustrations and photos throughout including specialty art and merchandise ads. Title on first 2 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 Theater Club and include illustration of club button. Two pages have detailed list on licensees and still attached to page is reply postcard used to obtain local dealer names. Among the many great merchandise ads are Mickey Pops by Brandle & 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, doorknob hanger, etc. One page is devoted to Mickey Mouse Club items including 2 different banners, cap, fez, vest with emblem, pennant. Several other pages feature newspaper ads, movie stills, lobby cards, posters, etc. A number of additional pages feature very detailed text promoting Mickey Mouse and these films. Titles for these articles: "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. Two-page spread with 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. .25x4.5" area of fading along right-hand side margin of front cover. .25" tear below this fade. Light handling wear with staple pulls (cover and pages intact) and creases to corners. Cover is VG overall. Catalogue is complete and first few pages have creasing in upper right-hand corner, o/w pages are VF overall. Only the third we've offered in our 41 years.