Lobby Cards, Title Cards and Window Cards Collection | MPA
This collection groups all Lobby Cards, Title Cards and Window Cards together for easy search, sort, and filtering, offering a gripping archive of cinematic suspense. This dedicated space provides a fascinating glimpse into the history of cinema advertising, focusing on these unique forms of promotional material. Unlike larger movie posters, lobby cards, title cards, and window cards offer a distinct perspective on film marketing, showcasing different artistic approaches and serving specific exhibition purposes, particularly popular in cinemas across Australia for decades.
Lobby Cards are perhaps the most well-known of this trio, typically produced in sets of eight, sized at 11x14 inches (28x36 cm). Each card in a set features a different scene from the film, offering tantalising glimpses into the plot without giving away too much. One card, known as the 'Title Card' or 'Main Title Card', prominently displays the film's title, credits, and sometimes key actors, similar to a miniature poster. The remaining seven cards in the set present specific scenes, often highlighting dramatic moments, key characters, or exciting action sequences. These cards were designed to be displayed in the lobby or foyer of a cinema, hence their name, giving patrons a visual taste of what to expect from the movie playing, or what was coming soon.
The artwork on Lobby Cards often combines photographic stills from the film with artistic elements like hand-drawn borders, stylised fonts, and sometimes even painted overlays to enhance their visual appeal. This blend of photography and illustration makes them unique in the realm of movie posters. For instance, a set from a classic like Gone with the Wind (1939) would transport you back to the golden age of Hollywood, showcasing vibrant depictions of Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler, while a set from a sci-fi blockbuster like Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977) would capture iconic scenes such as Luke Skywalker facing off against Darth Vader. These cards provided a visual narrative that intrigued audiences and built excitement before they even stepped into the theatre.
Title Cards, while often part of a lobby card set, can also exist as standalone promotional items. As their name suggests, their primary purpose is to clearly display the film's title, key artwork, and often the main stars and production credits. They function as a concise, eye-catching introduction to the film, designed for immediate recognition. A title card for a classic horror flick like Psycho (1960) might feature the film's unsettling typography and a chilling image of the Bates Motel, instantly setting the mood. Similarly, a vibrant title card for a musical like Singin' in the Rain (1952) would use lively colours and imagery to convey the film's joyous spirit. Their compact size made them versatile for display in various cinema areas where larger movie posters might not fit.
Window Cards, typically larger than lobby cards, usually measuring around 14x22 inches (36x56 cm), were designed specifically for display in shop windows, local businesses, or at the ticket booth itself. They generally feature a bold, condensed version of the main movie poster artwork at the top, with a blank white space at the bottom. This blank space was left for local cinemas to fill in their specific screening times, dates, and ticket prices with a grease pencil or marker. This practical design made them an invaluable tool for local theatre owners to advertise their showings directly to the public in a highly customisable way.
The artwork on Window Cards needed to be immediately impactful, as they were often viewed from a distance by passers-by. They typically featured striking key art and bold typography that could quickly convey the film's genre and appeal. Imagine a window card for an action-packed film like Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), featuring Indiana Jones in a dynamic pose that grabs attention instantly, or a chilling design for a thriller like Jaws (1975), with its iconic shark imagery. Their utilitarian design, combining high-quality studio artwork with a space for local customisation, makes them fascinating pieces of ephemeral history, illustrating the grassroots efforts of film promotion in local communities.
Collecting lobby cards, title cards, and window cards offers a unique dimension to movie posters collecting. Their smaller size makes them easier to store and display compared to bulky one-sheets, while their specific functions provide a different perspective on film marketing. Each piece tells a story, not just about the film itself, but about the era in which it was promoted and the strategies used to entice audiences. They are tangible links to the golden age of cinema, offering a nostalgic trip for anyone who remembers seeing these eye-catching displays in their local picture theatre. This collection allows enthusiasts to explore the intricate art and design that went into every facet of film advertising, from the grand theatrical release to the local corner shop.
Movie Posters Australia has a large collection of original movie posters and movie ephemera available for you to add to your collection or display and enjoy.
If Movie Posters Australia doesn't have what you're looking feel free to contact us with some information about what you are searching for (tile name, year, size, and any other relevant information eg. style, advance, condition) and we'll be happy to see if we can find it in our stored items, or through our extensive network of dealers, collectors and contacts.
Movie Posters Australia have been avid collectors, and more recently dealers, of original vintage movie posters for 40 years. Our passion for movie posters comes from our love of movies and the poster art created for these movies that captures and evokes the same feelings and memories created from watching the films. Sometimes, the posters themselves can be more enjoyable than the movies. And with a framed movie poster on your wall you can continue to appreciate the movie, and the memories it created, every single day. Movie Posters Australia allows us to work with something we love.
