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Pressbooks (Non-Horror)

The Charge at Feather River (1953) Pressbook

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This is the movie that introduced the name for the Wilhelm Scream. Used in countless movies and television shows since Distant Drums (1951), including Star Wars, and Indiana Jones, you’ll recognize it immediately when you hear it. It’s like that solitary wolf-baying you hear in The Munsters and countless other movies and television series, one sound effect used over and over again; though, I’m not sure if that wolf howling has a specific name attached to it. In this movie the Private Wilhelm character gets an arrow in his leg and screams (well, sound effect added, of course) the Wilhelm Scream.

Other interesting things to note about this movie were the use of a View Master display to sell the 3D effect, and the cheesecake (and beefcake) used in promotion. The 3D color-in mat was creative, and the feather headband theater giveaway provided something for the matinee, drop the kids off at the theater, audiences.

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The Lost Weekend (1945) Pressbook

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At 32 pages, this 12.25 x 15 inches pressbook for The Lost Weekend, directed by Billy Wilder, is quite a promotional statement.  This is one of the first movies to use the theremin, which would become a notable musical accompaniment to science fiction movies of the 1950s. Wikipedia notes the movie toned out the homosexual overtones in the book.

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Sangaree (1953) 3D Movie Pressbook

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I picked up this pressbook because it is Paramount's first 3D movie. Unfortunately, someone actually cut out some of the ad mats to use them. Go figure! But it's a hefty pressbook for a period costume romance drama, nonetheless. From a period in movie history when the 3D process was a novelty; now it's just an excuse to charge higher ticket prices. On another note, this pressbook is appropriate for Valentine's Day. So let the kissing begin.

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Witness to Murder (1954) Pressbook

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I’ve not seen this movie on TCM yet, but the pressbook is stylish and, with the use of the black and yellow on the cover, striking. Along with the illustration it hints at criminal activity, romance, and danger. I’m not sure how Hollywood Bread ties into the movie promotion, but of course there are cigarettes, rain coat, and wrist watches, too. And fine dishware and furniture. All for a crime noir. With Gary Merrill, Barbara Stanwyck, and George Sanders, you can’t go wrong.

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The Fighting Redhead (1949) Pressbook

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Red Ryder, appearing in the comic strip running from 1938 to 1965, was a merchandising juggernaut. This pressbook for Eagle-Lion Film’s The Fighting Redhead makes sure exhibitors knew that. On another note, here’s an interesting article on Red Ryder’s movie saddle.

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“99 River Street” (1953) Pressbook

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The New York Times may have not liked “99 River Street” when it first hit the screens, but John Payne goes against type to deliver a taxi driver caught up to his fare box in murder, two-timing marriage, and pugilistic longings. Thanks to TCM for bringing this little indie gem back into the light. Like William Powell, Payne makes a good heavy when the going gets tough. You can’t sing all the time; and, after Miracle on 34th Street, it’s nice seeing Payne not being so nice for a change.

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Sing, Cowboy, Sing (1937) Pressbook

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I'm not sure how singing and cowboys became a thing for movie fans, but here's Tex Ritter's Sing, Cowboy, Sing. Also, it was always important for a cowboy to have a special horse, and here it's White Flash. Of course, Gene Autry's Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer topped the charts in 1949, so there's something to singing cowboys for sure.

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