Showmanship Collection

Backyard carnival, 1800s
Children putting on a circus in the backyarrd, 1800s. Hand-colored halftone reproduction of a 19th-century illustration

A page from the campaign book
for the UK release of Carry On Sergeant in 1958

Harry Houdini c. 1898 (litho)
1194746 Harry Houdini c. 1898 (litho) by American School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Return of the greatest of all magicians, the Houdinis, Harry)

The cover of the campaign book
for the UK release of Carry On Sergeant in 1958

A colour lobby card for Carry On Sergeant (1958) with a blank space for the exhibitors at the time to stamp in
with a blank space for the exhibitors at the time to stamp in the cinemas details

A lobby card for Carry On Sergeant (1958)
released in the UK by Anglo-Amalgamated

Two riders on horseback perform the correr abracats (galloping embrace) through the crowd. The event is one of the medieval games held during the Menorcan festival of Sant Joan in Ciutadella

Father Matthew, Temperance and Religion, 19th Century (engraving)
XJF872739 Father Matthew, Temperance and Religion, 19th Century (engraving) by German School, (19th century); Private Collection; German, out of copyright

Mr Ducrow the Equestrian Performer at Astleys Amphitheatre, circa 1840 (engraving)
XJF869853 Mr Ducrow the Equestrian Performer at Astleys Amphitheatre, circa 1840 (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

The Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth - The realistic jungle menagerie... Poster showing animals on display and performers beneath palm trees. Date c1897

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"Unveiling the Art of Showmanship: A Journey through Time" Step back in time to the 1800s, where showmanship took center stage at backyard carnivals. Witness the spectacle unfold as performers captivate audiences with their mesmerizing acts. Flip open a page from the campaign book and delve into the world of showmanship. Discover how legendary escape artist Harry Houdini wowed crowds with his death-defying stunts, leaving spectators on edge and craving more. Turn another page to find yourself transported to a vibrant era, as you gaze upon the colorful lobby card for "Carry On Sergeant" (1958). Notice the blank space eagerly awaiting exhibitors' stamps, showcasing cinemas that once hosted this classic film. Immerse yourself further into this captivating realm by exploring lobby cards that bring movies to life. Each card tells its own story, enticing moviegoers with glimpses of action-packed scenes and unforgettable characters. As you continue flipping through pages from the campaign book, witness how showmanship evolved over time. From grandiose displays in backyard carnivals to meticulously planned marketing strategies for films like "Carry On Sergeant, " every detail was carefully crafted to enthrall audiences. Feel your excitement grow as you uncover more secrets within these pages - each one revealing a new facet of showmanship's rich history. Marvel at vintage advertisements and promotional materials that aimed to lure patrons into theaters across generations. Intriguing anecdotes await on every page; tales of daring feats performed by fearless entertainers who pushed boundaries and left indelible marks on our collective imagination. These stories remind us why showmanship continues to inspire awe even today. So step right up. Embark on an extraordinary journey through time as we celebrate the artistry behind showmanship – an enduring testament to human creativity and our insatiable thirst for wonderment.