Collecting original movie stills, lobby cards, and publicity photos is a fascinating way to step back in time and experience Hollywood’s golden years through its most iconic images. Each photo tells a story — not only of the film it represents but of the artistry, marketing, and culture of its era.
What Are Movie Stills and Lobby Cards?
Movie stills were photographs taken on set during production or staged for publicity. Studios distributed them to newspapers, magazines, and theaters to promote upcoming releases. Most are printed on glossy, single-weight paper and often bear studio stamps or typed captions on the reverse.
Lobby cards were small posters (usually 8x10 or 11x14 inches) displayed in theater lobbies to advertise a film. A complete set often included eight cards — one title card and seven scene cards. Many collectors enjoy finding complete sets or cards featuring their favorite stars or key scenes.
Publicity photos are posed studio shots, often of actors in character or portrait sessions taken to promote both the film and the performer. Many of these were used in fan magazines, studio press kits, and newspaper features — and they beautifully showcase the glamour lighting and portrait artistry of Hollywood’s studio era.
Candid or behind-the-scenes photos capture the filmmaking process itself — directors at work, actors between takes, crew members adjusting lights, or memorable on-set moments. These offer a more human, spontaneous glimpse into movie-making history.
Production photos document elements of film design and planning, such as costume fittings, set constructions, and makeup or effects tests. They are rarer but highly valued by collectors and film historians for the insight they provide into a film’s creation.
Why Collect Them?
Each photograph is an authentic piece of film history — tangible evidence of how movies were promoted long before digital media. They capture candid moments, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and beautiful studio portraiture that simply can’t be recreated. Collectors often focus on particular decades, genres, studios, or stars — from 1930s musicals to 1960s British thrillers.
Caring for Your Collection
Handle photos by the edges, and store them in acid-free sleeves or archival binders. Avoid direct sunlight, humidity, and plastic materials that aren’t photo-safe. With proper care, these photos will remain vivid for decades to come.
Getting Started
Start with what you love — a favorite actor, film, or era. Whether it’s a striking Hitchcock still or a Technicolor musical lobby card, the best collections grow from genuine enthusiasm. The joy of collecting lies not just in ownership but in discovery — unearthing an image that brings back a memory or reveals something new about the movies we love.