The Merry Monahans "half-sheet"

This is a movie poster known as a half-sheet for it's size, 28 inches wide by 22 inches high.  It's on card stock, and creased, as you can see, where it has been folded.  The array of sizes of posters used in publicity by the huge studio publicity departments, from the huge "one-sheet" to lobby cards is fascinating.  We hear in the news occasionally how a forgotten stash of posters turns up and turns out to be quite valuable to collectors.  That fragile paper and card stock could sometimes endure the decades in good condition is amazing.  Most of these posters were not kept in pristine condition, sealed in plastic the way baseball card collectors guard their treasures.  They're full of thumbtack holes and tape, with tears that range from slight and few to awful and lots. 

This movie is, of course, The Merry Monahans (1944), depicting stars Donald O'Connor, Peggy Ryan, Jack Oakie, and Ann Blyth.  Most posters back in the day were illustrated, as is this one, rather than bearing photographic images.  The illustrated posters tend to be more whimsical, dramatic, and just fun to look at as artwork.

For more on the movie, have a look at this post on The Merry Monahans at my Another Old Movie Blog.

***********************

"Lynch’s book is organized and well-written – and has plenty of amusing observations – but when it comes to describing Blyth’s movies, Lynch’s writing sparkles." - Ruth Kerr, Silver Screenings

"Jacqueline T. Lynch creates a poignant and thoroughly-researched mosaic of memories of a fine, upstanding human being who also happens to be a legendary entertainer." - Deborah Thomas, Java's Journey

"One of the great strengths of Ann Blyth: Actress. Singer. Star. is that Lynch not only gives an excellent overview of Blyth's career -- she offers detailed analyses of each of Blyth's roles -- but she puts them in the context of the larger issues of the day."- Amanda Garrett, Old Hollywood Films

"Jacqueline's book will hopefully cause many more people to take a look at this multitalented woman whose career encompassed just about every possible aspect of 20th Century entertainment." - Laura Grieve, Laura's Miscellaneous Musings

"Jacqueline T. Lynch’s Ann Blyth: Actress. Singer. Star. is an extremely well researched undertaking that is a must for all Blyth fans." - Annette Bochenek, Hometowns to Hollywood

Ann Blyth: Actress. Singer. Star. 

by Jacqueline T. Lynch

The first book on the career of actress Ann Blyth. Multitalented and remarkably versatile, Blyth began on radio as a child, appeared on Broadway at the age of twelve in Lillian Hellman's Watch on the Rhine, and enjoyed a long and diverse career in films, theatre, television, and concerts. A sensitive dramatic actress, the youngest at the time to be nominated for her role in Mildred Pierce (1945), she also displayed a gift for comedy, and was especially endeared to fans for her expressive and exquisite lyric soprano, which was showcased in many film and stage musicals. Still a popular guest at film festivals, lovely Ms. Blyth remains a treasure of the Hollywood's golden age.

The eBook and paperback are available from Amazon and CreateSpace, which is the printer. You can also order it from my Etsy shop. It is also available at the Broadside Bookshop, 247 Main Street, Northampton, Massachusetts.

If you wish a signed copy, then email me at JacquelineTLynch@gmail.com and I'll get back to you with the details.

**************************


My new syndicated column SILVER SCREEN, GOLDEN YEARS, on classic film is up at Go60 or check with your local paper.