Metropolis (Original UK Program for the 1927 film) - 1927

Description

London: Wardour Films / Universum Film [UFA], 1927. Original program for the London premiere of the film on March 21st, 1927 at the Marble Arch Pavilion, preceded in English by the US release earlier that month but with different title cards. Director Lang's expressionist masterpiece, based on the novel and written for the screen by then-wife von Harbou, one of the most enduring and influential films of the silent era. In addition to the normal synopsis, photos, and quotes from the actors, the program presents pieces on the film's groundbreaking special effects and camerawork, and, most interestingly, a side-by-side comparison of a portion of the film script with von Harbou's novel, published the previous year. Any original paper relating to "Metropolis" is scarce, with a 2012 post in Peter Harrington's blog ranking this program among the most difficult items. Very Good plus in stapled wrappers. Owner stamp to the title page. Wrappers lightly creased horizontally and vertically, front wrapper lightly faded and rubbed, light foxing to the rear wrapper with tiny ink initials to the upper corner. Housed in a custom clamshell box. Ebert I. Eureka Masters of Cinema 16. Rosenbaum 1000. Schrader Canon Fodder 5. Godard, Histoires du cinema.