Propstore - LA's Home for Collectible Posters
- charlie6081
- 20 minutes ago
- 6 min read
The old adage “A picture is worth a thousand words” is certainly true, especially when it comes to talking about movie posters. A well-designed movie poster can effectively convey to the viewer the general essence of what the film is about, thereby telling the story visually, without the need for words. While movie posters are produced strictly as advertisements, they are also pieces of art, history, as well as a time capsule, as they are a reflection of our culture and consciousness at that particular moment in time.
Unlike comic books, baseball cards, and other collectibles that were created for public consumption, movie posters were never meant to be in the hands of the public and were simply disposable advertisements that were valid for a very brief period of time. Now they are prized by private collectors, museums, and academic institutions for their beauty, rarity, and historical significance.
John T. Hillman, Supervisor of Consignments in Propstore’s Collectible Posters division, noted: “I think the primary appeal of collecting movie posters is that you have the opportunity to own an actual piece of the films that we love and admire. Some movies remind us of our childhood and evoke happy memories, while others may have had a powerful impact on our lives. Owning a movie poster is having a tangible piece of that particular film, something that you can actually touch and connect with in different ways. While they can also be seen as good investments, collectors should purchase a movie poster because it evokes an emotional response in them or because they are attracted to the graphics or the stars, or the director of that particular film. The key is to buy what you love and have an attachment to. If the poster goes up in value, then that’s the frosting on the cake.”
John also noted that: “At Propstore’s upcoming Collectible Posters auction to be held on October 10-12, we’re very excited to offer a superb assortment of classic and contemporary movie posters, lobby cards, and other types of collectible posters, many of which feature multiple, authentic signatures from some of Hollywood’s biggest names. We’re proud to offer what we believe is the only known example of the original three-sheet poster from producer Howard Hughes’ “Hell’s Angels,” which features a mind-blowing image of the original “Blonde Bombshell,” Jean Harlow, as rendered by artist “Hap” Hadley in stone lithography. We have an outstanding collection of films from the “Tarzan” series made popular by MGM, as well as several rare lots of vintage original photographs and posters featuring Rudolph Valentino, the Silent Era’s popular heartthrob.” Important directors such as Alfred Hitchcock, John Ford, Quentin Tarantino and Akira Kurosawa are represented in posters and lobby cards, as well as an original production watercolor from “Kagemusha” (1980), painted and signed by Kurosawa himself.
“As a long-time collector and dealer of movie posters, lobby cards, and other Hollywood memorabilia, it is a privilege and a pleasure to work for Propstore as one of their Collectible Posters specialists, and I actually look forward to going to work every day. Having the opportunity to see and handle so much film history from all over the world is a privilege, and I’m proud to be part of the process of bringing these rare and historic pieces of art to the market for collectors to enjoy and treasure. Our Propstore team is truly passionate about the items we get to work with, authenticate, and catalog, and I think this exuberant spirit is conveyed by how we present and publicize the items entrusted to us by our consignors.”
Some of the rare and important classic movie posters prized by collectors that have previously been sold by Propstore include titles such as “Dracula” (1931), “Frankenstein” (1931), “Citizen Kane” (1941), “La Dolce Vita” (1960), “The Wizard of Oz” (1939) and “Gone with the Wind” (1939). Some of the most popular contemporary posters offered by Propstore include franchises such as “Star Wars,” “Back to the Future,” and the James Bond series. Horror and science fiction continue to be the most popular genres. Authentic signed posters have become very popular and are commanding high prices due to the increased demand.
Some of the other rarities in the October 10-12 auction include a multi-signed baseball used in connection with the film, “The Pride of the Yankees” (1942), signed by the legendary Babe Ruth and other Hall of Famers as well as various cast members; a six sheet poster from the classic Universal horror comedy, “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein”; a stunning Austrian stone lithograph from director G.W. Pabst’s classic drama, “Pandora’s Box” (1929), starring Louise Brooks; classic lobby cards from the Marx Brothers’ “Animal Crackers” (1930) and “Monkey Business” (1931) as well as the incredible “Style D” stone lithograph one sheet from “Red Dust,” depicting MGM megastars Jean Harlow and Clark Gable.
Also in the auction are rare scripts from classic Hollywood films, some of which are signed and others that belonged to various cast members or directors, and include titles such director John Ford’s “The Informer” (1935), which is as a leather-bound presentation script featuring multiple signatures; a Revised Fourth Draft script from “Star Wars: A New Hope” (1977); director Leo McCarey’s screwball comedy, “The Awful Truth”(1937); actor Peter Lawford’s script from “Ocean’s Eleven” (1960); “National Lampoon’s Animal House” (1978); director Cecil B. DeMille’s “The Ten Commandments” (1959); and writer/director James Cameron’s “Titanic” (1997).
Commenting on the upcoming auction, John noted: “You can register to bid either online or via phone bidding via our website at propstore.com. Day 1 of the auction, October 10, will be broadcast live on our website with a live auctioneer, while Days 2 & 3, October 11 & 12, will be an online-only timed auction. Please join us on October 10-12 and participate as a bidder so you can own your own piece of Hollywood memorabilia.”
Paul Springer, Consignments Poster Assistant, Collectible Posters
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” I was asked that question countless times as a kid in grade school. My answer? “I want to have a Star Wars museum.” It might have seemed narrow, but even then I knew the magic of movies didn’t come from the screen alone—it came from the artists, craftspeople, and costumers quietly creating worlds behind the scenes. I devoured books and documentaries, mesmerized by the illusions, the costumes, the effects, the craftsmanship that brought these fantastical stories to life.
Years later, I found myself at Propstore, living that childhood fascination every single day. Walking into the warehouse is like stepping into a cinematic time machine: shelves lined with iconic props, costumes, and memorabilia spanning more than a century of film and television history. Being a temporary caretaker for these treasures is a privilege that never loses its thrill.
Within our Collectible Posters division, another passion of mine comes alive—illustration. As an art student, I pored over the work of countless illustrators, particularly film-related legends like Drew Struzan, H.R. Giger, Ralph McQuarrie, Renato Casaro, Robert McGinnis, John Alvin, Tom Jung, and Bob Peak. Each poster we handle offers a window into their brilliance. Using black lights, light tables, and magnifying glasses, we trace every brushstroke and detail, uncovering the stories that lie hidden within the paper.
Some of the most exciting moments come when a poster’s history reveals itself in unexpected ways. Century-old pieces sometimes emerge in astonishing condition—like a relic tucked away as makeshift insulation during a theater restoration.
One discovery that still gives me a thrill was a Dracula (1931) poster starring Bela Lugosi. This rare Style F, sometimes called the “comic book style,” is one of only four known in the world. It had been preserved inside a dense “brick” of posters, layered over time as newer posters were pasted on top. That layering became a protective cocoon, keeping the colors vibrant and the image almost shockingly fresh—like the poster had been waiting patiently for its moment to be rediscovered.
Working with unique treasures like this can make you feel a little spoiled, but more than that, it’s an incredible honor to care for these pieces of history, to connect with the artists’ vision, and to witness the passage of time frozen in paper and ink.
If you’ve ever dreamed of owning your own piece of cinematic history, Propstore’s Fall Collectible Poster Live Auction, running October 10th–12th, is your chance. Step into the story—and happy bidding!
Comments