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For Collectors of the Stars

by Charles Snider

appy Oscar Season! These days movie buffs or families can These are the kinds of photographs
watch most of the films nominated for Best Picture from the from the publicists, the agents, and
Hcomfort of their own homes.; however, for collectors of the other industry professionals
Hollywood memorabilia, autographs, pictures of their favorite stars, privileged to be up close to
and Hollywood mementos and souvenirs, it’s always Oscar Season. Hollywood legends. For instance,
Since the beginning of the film industry, and once the first Oscars the estate of one publicist to the
took place in 1929, interest, investment, and the building of a market stars who lived in New York and
for Hollywood collectibles have grown steadily. Today, new and fresh- spent the majority of his/her career
to-the-market Hollywood collectibles command very high prices, along in Los Angeles provided a treasure
with very high interest from enthusiasts. Nearly every category of trove of intimate party pictures of
Hollywood nostalgic memorabilia—from autographs to photographs, TV and film stars from private
props and set pieces, posters, and lobby cards—has increased in value events. With this background and
and popularity. provenance, coming from a publi-
cist’s estate, the dealers and shops Original behind the scenes Snapshots of
What makes Hollywood and celebrity collectibles offering these items were able to Judy Garland & Mickey Rooney
so valuable and highly sought after? bring fresh Hollywood collectibles
to this hot market.
The close proximity to the actors, for one. For example, many Mementos from award shows, the Oscars, the Tonys, and the Emmys
collectors treasure and cherish autographs because they know (or hope) are always sought after because any memento or souvenir was produced
their favorite actor put pen to that piece of paper (although in many in a very limited quantity, for distribution among a very exclusive and
cases it was his/her secretary or an autopen). The idea of a personal limited group of stars, celebrities, and Hollywood insiders. Items
touch is much stronger for a photo signed by the actor than a photo connected to classic films such as Casablanca, The Wizard of Oz, Gone
without a signature. with the Wind, and Star Wars continue to have broad appeal among an
Provenance is another reason. A collector ever-growing group of loyal enthusiasts and collectors.
of all things Hollywood (or a Broadway Another sought-after Hollywood collectible is movie posters. Movie
enthusiast) does not need to wait for the estate posters for big blockbusters command the most interest and value, and
of a famous actor, famous producer, or posters for older films are also sought after because older movie posters
celebrated director to come to market in order tend to be scarcer as, over time, fewer survive and are made available. A
to acquire a fine one-of-a-kind memento or collector of movie posters may even opt for an older title for its rarity,
piece of Hollywood memorabilia. Some of the as opposed to the affinity for the film itself.
finest and rarest pieces of movie memorabilia, Autographs and handwritten messages or letters or documents by or
Hollywood lore, and Tinseltown collectibles even regarding major stars continue to be highly valued and highly
come from the collections of the agents, the sought after. Enthusiasts and collectors
publicists, and the thousands of Hollywood still seek out autographs as rewarding
professionals in Los Angeles and in New York, collectibles to add to their personal collec-
who worked with the stars. When these tions, and also as broadening their finer
storied mementos hit the secondary market— investments portfolio. The timeless movies
sold online by a collectibles dealer or and TV appearances by major stars such as
collectibles shop through an online market- Cary Grant, Elvis Presley, Audrey Hepburn,
place—they have the provenance and history
Bardwell & McAlister required to be prized collectibles. Judy Garland, John Wayne, and Marilyn
1950s Hollywood Movie When making a visit to Los Angeles a year Monroe, just to name a few, are matched
Tripod Studio Light by the timeless value and appreciation for
ago, there was the opportunity to visit one of their autographs, movie mementos,
the estate and collection of a Hollywood film assistant who had taken nostalgia, and photographs.
photos from all the sets where he worked. Dealers were able to offer Even if we are watching shows on
never before seen photographs and film props from several George television and watch as many or more
Lucas films, which are always very collectible and desirable. movies at home rather than in the movie

theaters, we will continue to be impressed,
What kinds of Hollywood collectibles are most delighted, enthralled, and enchanted
desirable and sought after? thanks to the collectibles that remind us of
Candid, never before seen, unpublished photos of big stars from any their careers and the movies we relish.
field of entertainment are always very collectible, and film enthusiasts
and collectors feel like they have discovered a treasure when a candid Movie poster for It’s a Mad
photo of their favorite Hollywood, Broadway, or TV star is offered. Mad Mad Mad World
18 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles