Series

FILM FAVOURITES 3rd Series

1939

The card series “FILM FAVOURITES 3rd Series,” printed in 1939 by A. & M. WIX, is a treasure for cinema enthusiasts and collectors. Each card, measuring approximately 3.65 cm x 6.67 cm, features a pair of actors, often co-stars in a film, with the back offering a brief biography of the depicted artists. More accessible than its predecessors from 1937 and 1938, this series remains a rare gem, consisting of 100 cards that include both Hollywood stars and British actor pairs, such as Marie Wilson and Johnny Davis, Virginia Field and Douglas Fairbanks Jr., among others. These cards not only pay homage to the legends of the silver screen but also serve as a window into the history and popular culture of the era. Each card enriches the collection with the title of the film in which the pair of actors starred together, providing additional historical value and broader context. These titles act as reminders of the cinematic productions of the time, offering a cultural reference point for enthusiasts and collectors. Each card thus becomes a keepsake that celebrates not only the icons of cinema but also the films in which they made their mark. The “FILM FAVOURITES 3rd Series” stands out as a fascinating tribute to Hollywood’s golden age and its lasting impact on popular culture, a true bridge between past and present that continues to enchant and inform. With its wealth of details and nostalgic charm, this card series is a splendid example of how such small objects can transform into precious witnesses of history.

CAVALCADE CINEMA

1940

In 1940, during a period of technological and cultural transition, the company A. & M. Wix launched one of the most fascinating collections in the history of memorabilia: Cinema Cavalcade. Distributed in South Africa and England, hidden inside packs of MAX cigarettes, this inaugural album contained 250 cards that told the story of cinema from its very origins to the triumphs of Technicolor in the 1930s. The first album unfolds as a true journey: from the pioneering images of The Arrival of a Train at a Country Station (1896), which capture the wonder of the earliest films, to the great Hollywood classics featuring immortal faces such as Charlie Chaplin, Greta Garbo, Clark Gable, Jean Harlow, Mary Pickford, and Rudolph Valentino. Most of the cards are in black and white, but some shine with vivid colors, highlighting milestone titles such as King of Jazz, Becky Sharp (the first full-length film entirely in Technicolor), A Star is Born, The Garden of Allah, and Dodge City. These color images were not mere aesthetic variations: they represented the prestige of the chosen films and testified to the revolution of cinema as it moved away from monochrome to embrace the light and saturation of Technicolor. The first album of Cinema Cavalcade is not just a collection of cards: it is a narrative archive that intertwines memory and imagination. Each card becomes a fragment of history, a bridge between the everyday act of opening a cigarette pack and the enchantment of the silver screen. The choice of three formats—small, medium, and large—was no accident: it was designed to build an orderly album, a visual mosaic that allowed collectors to leaf through cinema as if it were an illustrated book. This first album is special because it inaugurated a project that would leave a mark on cinematic collecting, gathering titles that range from silent films to sound, from epic to comedy, and preserving color cards that testify to the modernity and prestige of the films selected. To leaf through it today means to cross half a century of cultural history, to relive the thrill of the earliest screenings, and to witness the triumph of color. For collectors and enthusiasts, it remains a narrative treasure, an album of dreams that preserves the very soul of the silver screen.

CINEMA CAVALCADE VOLUME II

1940

After the success of the first album, in 1940 the company A. & M. Wix continued its editorial project with the second volume of Cinema Cavalcade, distributed in South Africa and England inside packs of MAX cigarettes. Once again, the collection comprised 250 cards, printed in three different formats—small, medium, and large—and in both black-and-white and color. The album was not merely a sequel, but a true expansion of the cinematic narrative, weaving together the great names of Hollywood with directors, producers, and European icons. Leafing through the second album, one encounters figures such as Charlie Chaplin, captured in new poses, Greta Garbo in Anna Karenina and Ninotchka, James Stewart in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, and once again Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable in Gone With the Wind. Alongside the actors appear the great producers and directors—from Ernst Lubitsch to Frank Capra, from Alfred Hitchcock to Carol Reed—transforming the collection into a true atlas of cinema. The color cards, dedicated to titles such as The Thief of Bagdad, Sweethearts, Jesse James, The Wizard of Oz, Gulliver’s Travels, and The Adventures of Robin Hood, mark turning points in the history of cinema, when Technicolor brought to the screen fantastical worlds and epic adventures. These vivid images, set among the pages of the album, become milestones that reflect the modernity and prestige of the films selected. The second album of Cinema Cavalcade is special because it broadens the perspective: not only actors and famous scenes, but also producers, directors, and behind-the-scenes figures, giving shape to a more complete account of the cinematic machine. Each card becomes a piece of a mosaic that intertwines Hollywood and European cinema, epic and comedy, black-and-white and color. To leaf through it today means to relive the enchantment of an era when cinema was both spectacle and myth, and when collecting transformed cigarette cards into an archive of cultural memory. For enthusiasts and collectors, the second album remains a narrative treasure: an atlas of faces and stories that preserves the very soul of the silver screen.

CINEMA STARS (32 CARDS)

1934

The CINEMA STARS series, launched by Abdulla & Co. Ltd. in 1934, represents a true treasure for collectors. This set consists of 32 hand-colored cards, a technique that gives each one a touch of uniqueness and artistic value. The dimensions of these small works of art are approximately 3.49 cm x 6.67 cm, ideal sizes for detailed appreciation or preservation as precious keepsakes. Originally inserted into cigarette packages, these cards are now sought after for their beauty and history, telling of an era when even the smallest object could be transformed into a masterpiece of creativity and craftsmanship. These cards depict cinema stars of the time, such as Gary Cooper, Greta Garbo, and Buster Keaton, captured in vibrant colors that seize the essence of their charisma. The series includes 32 cards, each a window into Hollywood’s golden age, offering a taste of history and nostalgia. To view the complete series, click on additional information, or on the symbol immediately below the series year.

SCREEN STARS

1939

The SCREEN STARS series of 1939 is a collection of 40 tobacco cards dedicated to the movie stars of the 1930s. This series is a testimony of the charm and glamour of that era, in which the actresses were the undisputed protagonists of the most popular and appreciated films by the public. The cards, of small format but of great visual impact, show us the faces and clothes of the stars, with a high-quality color photograph (head and shoulders) on a neutral background. On the back of the cards, in addition to the name of the star, her film studio and the number of the card, we also find the inscription ABDULLA & Co. ltd. with the address 173, NEW BOND STREET LONDON, ENGLAND. This reminds us that the series was produced in limited edition by the well-known British cigarette company Abdulla & Co, founded in London in 1902 and specialized in cigarettes of various blends (Egyptian, Virginia and Turkish). The company, which moved to the prestigious location of New Bond Street in 1917 (former location of the Fabergé boutique, and currently of Chanel), was acquired around 1927 by a larger competitor, Godfrey Phillips, who kept the name and brands of the company. The series covers different film genres, from musical comedy to historical drama, and offers us an overview of the main female protagonists of American and British cinema of that period. Among the actresses in the series, we can find both Hollywood legends, such as Myrna Loy, Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford and Bette Davis, and British stars, such as Vivien Leigh, Merle Oberon and Madeleine Carroll. The series is a unique opportunity for cinema and cigarette cards enthusiasts, to discover the culture and fashion of an unforgettable era.

BRITISH BORN FILM STARS

1934

In 1934, the Ardath Tobacco Company created a set of trading cards that have become a classic for movie fans and collectors. Known as BRITISH BORN FILM STARS, this set consists of 50 cards depicting British film stars of the era, capturing the elegance and charm of the early years of sound cinema. These cards, issued in Australia, feature black and white images with a very light hint of grey/green, offering a nostalgic look at iconic faces from the big screen. The cards vary in size, with approximate measurements of 5.24cm x 6.67cm and 3.65cm x 6.67cm, and were inserted into packets of State Express cigarettes. An interesting detail is that the cards only mention the State Express brand, despite being produced by the Ardath Tobacco Company. This detail adds a level of mystery and charm to the story of these trading cards. Printed exclusively in Australia, these cards are now sought after by collectors around the world and represent a tangible and fascinating piece of film and collecting history. They are a reminder of a golden era of British cinema and a unique example of Australian and British cultural history.

FAMOUS FILM STARS

1934

Today I present to you a very interesting series of cigarette cards for cinema enthusiasts and collectors: we are talking about the Famous Film Stars of 1934, issued by Ardath, a British brand of cigarettes. These cards feature 50 film stars from Hollywood, Britain and Germany, with high quality photography by the Ross studio in London, who specialize in celebrity portraiture. Each card has on the back the name of the film studio the artist was associated with, the card number, the series name and the Ardath brand. This name comes from a novel by Marie Corelli, a very popular writer at the time. The cards were sold together with State Express 333 Luxury Cigarettes, a line of high quality cigarettes produced by Ardath Tobacco Co Ltd. These cards are rare and sought after by collectors, and have a particular allure for the dark colors and extreme close-ups of the stars of the cinema. Stars in attendance include Mae West, Marlene Dietrich, Clark Gable, Joan Crawford and Anna May Wong. If you are curious to discover this series, you can click on further information, or on the symbol immediately below the year of the series.

FILM, INTERNSHIP AND RADIO STARS

1935

The Film, Stage and Radio Stars series is a collection of 50 cigarette cards printed by Ardath Tobacco Co., Ltd. in 1935. The cards were distributed with State Express and Ardath cigarettes in England and feature color drawings of famous celebrities of cinema and radio of the time. Each card has a short biography of the celebrity on the back, with information about their life and career. The cards could also be pasted into a pocket album that had been produced specifically for this series (you can admire it in the ALBUM section). Among the celebrities represented are actors and actresses such as George Arliss, Wallace Beery, Elisabeth Bergner, Joan Crawford, Clark Gable, Greta Garbo, Jean Harlow, Katharine Hepburn, Leslie Howard, Myrna Loy, Norma Shearer, Shirley Temple and Loretta Young. There are also singers, musicians and comedians such as Yvonne Arnaud, Eddie Cantor, Elsie Carlisle, Gracie Fields, Henry Hall, Stanley Holloway, Miriam Hopkins, Will Hay, Richard Tauber and The Western Brothers. There are also some famous couples or duos such as Clapham and Dwyer, Clive Brook and Madeleine Carroll, Jack Buchanan and Elsie Randolph, Jack Hulbert and Cicely Courtneidge. This series is a testimony to the culture and entertainment of the 1930s and a collector's item for cigarette card enthusiasts. If you want to see the complete series click on read more, if you want to see the album click on the symbol indicated under the year 1935.

FILM. STAGE & RADIO STARS (EL)

1935

This is a series of 25 collectible cards produced by the Ardath Tobacco Company in 1935; that depict the faces of some of the most famous celebrities of cinema and radio of the time. The collectible cards were small cards that were inserted in cigarette packs as a form of advertising or collecting. This series is considered one of the most beautiful and sought-after by collectors, thanks to the quality of the photographs, the fame of the stars portrayed and in this case also the large format of the cards. The collectible cards measure 98 x 64 mm and are in a sepia-like tone, with very soft colors. On the back, in addition to the descriptions of the actors or actresses, the names of the stars, the progressive numbers of the cards and the logo of Ardath are printed. Among the stars portrayed are Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich, Clark Gable, Katharine Hepburn, Ginger Rogers and many others. To see the complete series click on more information, or on the symbol just below the year of the series.

FROM SCREEN and STAGE

1936

This is a collection of cigarette cards of film and theater actors and actresses from the 1930s and 1940s, produced in England in 1936 by the ARDATH tobacco company. The series is made up of 50 postcards measuring approximately 9.50 x 6.80 cm, showing the protagonists in scenes from their films or shows, with their name and the title of the work on the bottom front. On the back, in addition to repeating the name of the work, there is a description of the scene. Among the stars featured in the series are Marion Davies, Dick Powell, Greta Garbo, Herbert Marshall, Maurice Chevalier, Leslie Henson and many others. These actors and actresses starred in famous works such as Peg o' My Heart, The Gold Diggers of 1935, Anna Karenina, The Dark Angel, The Merry Widow, Nice Goings On and more. This series is a collector's item, highly sought after and of great historical and artistic value. If you want to see the cards click on the symbol just under the year of the series or on the writing below "Further information"

WHO IS THIS?

1936

The trading card series "Who Is This?" it was produced by the Ardath Tobacco Company in 1936. Ardath was a famous British tobacco company that manufactured cigarettes and cigars. The series consisted of 50 cards depicting the partial faces of famous film stars of the time, with a question below suggesting their identity. The cards were inserted into Ardath cigarette packets as a giveaway for smokers. The cards had a rectangular format of 68 x 36 mm and were printed in full color on glossy paper. On the back of the cards was a short biography of the stars, with their personal details and their latest film appearances. The series was very popular with card collectors and movie buffs as it included many famous names such as Fred Astaire, Marlene Dietrich, Greta Garbo, Jean Harlow, Katharine Hepburn, Clark Gable, Gracie Fields, Norma Shearer, Leslie Howard and many others. The series was also an interesting historical record of 1930s culture and entertainment. To see the complete series, click on further information, or on the symbol immediately below the year of the series.

PHOTOCARDS (Large) (J)

1938

The Ardath Photocards Group J series is a collection of photographic cards that depict celebrities and means of transportation in the 1930s. This series was produced by the Ardath Tobacco Company, a famous English cigarette company, which inserted the cards in its Kings cigarette packs. The collectible cards were a way to advertise the cigarettes and to offer customers entertainment and information. Each card had on the back a short biography of the actor or actress portrayed, or an explanation of the means of transportation shown. The Ardath Photocards Group J series consists of 22 cards, without numbering, that depict famous actors and actresses of the time, such as Freddy Bartholomew, Robert Taylor and Mary Brodel, and also some means of transportation, such as airplanes, trains and ships, there is also Howard Marshall, a famous BBC sports commentator, specialized in cricket. There is no indication of the group J on the cards, it is a denomination made by collectors. There are many series of Ardath Photocards made with this system, mixing actors and actresses with famous people and military or transportation means. The only way to know which series a certain card belongs to is to compare the checklists. The Ardath Photocards Group J series is an interesting and rich in history series, that reflect the culture and technology of the 1930s. The cards are testimonies of an era in which cinema, radio and travel were sources of fascination and adventure. The cards are also collectible items, that can have an economic and sentimental value. The series that you can admire here, by clicking on the symbol under the year, is in large format and measures 5.6 cm x 7.9 cm.

PHOTOCARDS (K)

1938

This series is a collection of photographic postcards depicting famous personalities from cinema, sports and music of the 1930s. The series was produced by the Ardath Tobacco Company, an English tobacco company founded in 1895. The postcards were inserted as a gift in the cigarette packs of the State Express 333 brand. The series consists of 22 black and white postcards, without numbering, measuring 2 3/16" x 3 3/16" (about 5.6 x 8.1 cm). Among the characters in the series, we can find some famous names, such as Danielle Darrieux, one of the most famous French actresses, active from 1931 to 2017, with over 100 films to her credit; Jessie Matthews, one of the most popular English actresses and singers of the 1930s, starring in many musical films and comedies; Lilli Palmer, a German actress, who worked in Germany, England and Hollywood, winning a Golden Globe in 1958; Kid Berg, an English Jewish boxer, world champion of the welterweight division in 1930; Leonard Goulden and Bryn Jones, two English and Welsh footballers, who played for their respective national teams; Leah Ray, an American singer and actress, who worked with some of the most famous jazz orchestras of the 1930s. The series is an interesting historical and cultural document, which shows us the faces and stories of some of the most influential and admired personalities of the period between the two world wars. The series is also an example of how tobacco was used as a means of promotion and dissemination of images and information, in an era when radio and cinema were the main media of mass communication. The series is therefore a testimony of an era and a lifestyle that today appear distant and different to us, but that have marked the history and culture of the 20th century.

PHOTOCARDS (L)

1938

The series of PHOTOCARDS produced by the Ardath Tobacco Company and identified by collectors as Group L represents a precious visual document of the pivotal year of 1938. Consisting of 44 unnumbered black-and-white cards, this collection was distributed individually in cigarette packs, offering smokers of the time a diverse mosaic of what was making headlines or warming hearts in movie theaters. Although the design is identical to that of subsequent series, Group L stands out for a selection of subjects that almost seems to presage the great historical changes that were about to take place, effortlessly blending the fleeting allure of movie stars with the gravitas of world political leaders. The world of entertainment dominates much of the collection, celebrating beauty in all its forms. We find highly attractive actresses such as French actress Danielle Darrieux and British actress Nova Pilbeam, alongside figures who embodied the aesthetic ideal of the period, such as Rosemary Andree, the celebrated model and actress known as "the English Venus." The variety of protagonists is astonishing: from Hollywood divas like Carole Landis and Dorothea Kent, to theater and early television variety show stars like Jessie Matthews and Frances Day. There's also no shortage of models and showgirls, like Moina Gillespie and Esme Bankhead, who, alongside promising young talents like Linda Winters and Mary Brodel, complete a gallery of faces that filled illustrated magazines at the time. Unlike other series more focused on entertainment, Group L devotes significant space to protagonists of the geopolitical scene. It's fascinating to find, among the actresses and models, the faces of Neville Chamberlain, the British Prime Minister who in 1938 was trying to negotiate peace in Europe, Viscount Halifax, and even US President Roosevelt. Alongside them, F.W. Ogilvie, then Director General of the BBC, also appears, underscoring how central radio and the first experiments with television were becoming to everyday life. Sports also find their place with boxer Eddie Phillips, a name boxing fans of the time followed with great interest. Britain's technological and military pride occupies the final cards of the series, offering a glimpse into the naval and air power of the time. Giants of the sea include the majestic battleships HMS Nelson and HMS Rodney, the cruiser HMS Southampton, and the aircraft carrier HMS Furious, as well as the famous Queen Elizabeth, the ocean liner that represented the pinnacle of luxury and civil engineering. The sky is represented by the Mercury seaplane, with an insert dedicated to Captain Donald Bennett, and by ominous defense signals such as the Balloon Barrage and anti-aircraft artillery units, symbols of a nation that, while hoping for peace, was beginning to look upward with concern. Ultimately, this 1938 series is a perfect snapshot of a world suspended between the glitter of the catwalks and the steely shadow of battleships.

PHOTOCARDS (M)

1939

PHOTOCARDS is one of the many series produced by Ardath with this name, to distinguish it from the others for us collectors this belongs to the (group M). In particular, this series consists of 45 collectible cards that show images of actors, actresses, airplanes and famous personalities of the time, there is even a giant Chinese panda. The cards are in black and white and are not numbered. The cards were inserted individually as a gift in the Ardath cigarette packs. The subtitle of the series is “a continuous series of general interest”, which indicates the variety and topicality of the subjects represented. The cards were designed to capture the interest and curiosity of collectors, offering them a glimpse of the life and culture of the time. Among the cards dedicated to cinema, the actresses present in the series are many: Marie Wilson; Dorothy Comingore; Rosemary Andree, the British actress and singer who was one of the first stars of the BBC; Joan Blondell; Mary Carlisle; Gloria Dickson; Dorothea Kent; Priscilla Lane and her sister Rosemary Lane, two of the Lane Sisters, a trio of sisters who performed in theater, radio and cinema in the 30s and 40s; Janet Shaw, the actress who starred in over 70 films between 1933 and 1951, often in secondary or uncredited roles; Ann Sheridan, the actress who established herself as one of the most glamorous and versatile divas of Hollywood in the 40s; and Rosella Towne. The only actor present in the series is Robert Donat, who won the Oscar for best actor in 1939 for the film Goodbye, Mr. Chips!, then there are models, dancers but also a singular star, a giant panda named Ming, who was a symbol of London Zoo. Ming was born in 1937 in China and arrived in Britain in 1938 as a diplomatic gift. He attracted media and public attention, so much so that even Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret had the pleasure of playing with him. The BBC often filmed him to include him in its newsreels. Ming was evacuated to Whipsnade Zoo during the war and died in 1944 after months of decline. Two of the cards depict two boxers who faced each other in an epic clash for the British lightweight title: Eric Boon and Arthur Danahar. Their match took place on February 23, 1939 at Harringay Arena in London and was also the first boxing match broadcast by BBC on television and live in several cinemas with paying spectators. Boon won by technical KO and defended his title in an epic match. The last five cards in the series describe some means of particular interest that year, both for military and civilian purposes. There are: a defense aircraft, the Boulton Paul Defiant, a British fighter equipped with a dorsal turret with four machine guns; a bomber aircraft, the Bristol Blenheim, the first monoplane bomber of the RAF; a transport aircraft, the Cunliffe-Owen OA-1, a British civil aircraft derived from the American Burnelli UB-14, which had a lifting fuselage; a warship, HMS Repulse (1916), one of two fast battleships of Renown class, which participated in World War II; a racing aircraft, Percival Mew Gull, the aircraft with which famous pilot Alex Henshaw set speed record in King’s Cup of 1938 and round-trip record from London to Cape Town in 1939. As you can see, this series of cigarette cards is a real visual encyclopedia of 1939, which offers you a look at some of the most important and significant characters and events of that year.

PHOTOCARDS (N)

1939

At the heart of historical memorabilia collecting, the Ardath Photocards Group "N" offers a fascinating glimpse into the entertainment world of the 1930s. These cards were issued by the Ardath Tobacco Company in England in 1939 as promotional inserts in cigarette packages. Although they did not bear an official "Group N" designation, collectors later classified them to organize the series. With a set of 45 cards, this collection is a true celebration of actors, actresses, models, and dancers who made their mark on the theatrical and cinematic scene of the era. The distinctive design of the Ardath Photocards featured black-and-white images, accompanied by a brief description of the subject, highlighting their artistic and personal qualities. The list of artists in this collection spans a wide range of talents, from Hollywood stars such as Joan Crawford, Olivia De Havilland, Vivien Leigh, and Merle Oberon, to notable British theater performers like Lupino Lane & Sally Gray, Gordon Harker, and Arthur Askey. Alongside them are fascinating models and dancers who shone on the main London theater stages and cabaret shows, such as Diana Glover, Joan Jay, Helena Garvin, and "Valerie," a young showgirl from the Windmill Theatre. Some of these figures played significant roles in the theatrical revues of the era, including the acclaimed "Black and Blue" at the London Hippodrome and the iconic Revudeville productions. This series of cards is more than just a collection of striking faces—it is a window into a golden age of entertainment. It reflects the connection between cinema, theater, and advertising, showing how major entertainment figures were used to promote consumer products. For collectors and enthusiasts of vintage memorabilia, owning a set of these Ardath Photocards means preserving a piece of history, celebrating the glamour and talent of a captivating era.

STUDY ROOM

1939

This is a collection of cigarette cards of film actresses from the 1930s, produced in England in 1939 by the ARDATH tobacco company. The series is made up of 36 postcards measuring 4.45 x 6.99 cm, showing the actresses in glamorous poses, with their name and film studio on the back; among the stars featured in the series, there are Ida Lupino, Una Merkel, Genevieve Tobin and Jean Rogers, just to name a few. These actresses have starred in famous films such as High Sierra, Destry Rides Again, The Petrified Forest and Flash Gordon, and some of them have had long and distinguished careers. This series is a collector's item, highly sought after and of great historical and artistic value. Also in the same year, a larger version was printed measuring approximately 5.7 cm x 7.9 cm but with nine additional cards, thus bringing it to a set of 45 cards. Actresses not featured in this smaller series are: Ann Harding, Hope Jackman, Diana Lewis, Jessie Matthews, Movita, Josephine Reilly, Bernice Stone, Lana Turner and Marie Wilson.

ACTRESSES (PURPLE-BROWN)

1910

This series of trading cards is simply called Actresses (Plain Back) and was issued in 1910 by the British American Tobacco Company (BAT). The series consists of 30 black and white cards depicting some of the most famous and beautiful actresses of the theater and cinema of the early twentieth century. The actresses are portrayed in half-length portraits, many of them with accessories or splendid headdresses. The cards have a completely white back, without any writing or logo. The name of the actress is shown at the bottom of the photo, in black capital letters on a white background. The cards are not numbered and have a size of approximately 6.2 x 3.5 cm. This series was printed identical to that of Ogden's of 1908, the difference is that in the Ogden's series the back had depicted the open pack of 10 which showed the "Polo" cigarettes, one of its most famous brands and under the pack an inscription in Burmese. Some of the actresses featured in this series are: Maie Ash, Billie Burke, Lily Elsie and Gabrielle Ray. These actresses were real divas, admired and imitated by the public for their beauty, their talent and their style. To see the complete series, click on further information, or on the symbol immediately below the year of the series.

WORLD FAMOUS CINEMA ARTISTES

1933

The World Famous Cinema Artistes series of 1933 is one of the most fascinating and colorful among those produced by B.A.T. This series celebrates the stars of American cinema of the 30s, who enchanted the audience with their talent, their beauty and their charisma. The series consists of 40 cards and was printed in two different sizes: the larger one measures about 5.5 x 7 cm and the smaller one about 3.7 x 6.8 cm. The cards are made with high quality paper and feature sharp and bright images, which highlight the faces and expressions of the actors and actresses. The cards are also numbered and report the name of the star portrayed. Most of the cards are dedicated to actresses, with only three exceptions: Jimmy Durante, Robert Montgomery and Robert Young in pair with Dorothy Jordan. Some actresses appear on more cards with different poses, such as Joan Marsh (3 cards), Anita Page (2 cards), Dorothy Jordan (3 cards), Diana Wynyard (2 cards), Helen Twelvetrees (2 cards) and Myrna Loy (2 cards). Among the other stars in the series there are some of the most famous and admired of the classic cinema, such as Mary Carlisle, Irene Dunne, Lupe Velez, Maureen O’Sullivan and many others. These cards are very appreciated by collectors for their rarity and charm. They are real works of art, which testify the history and magic of cinema. To see the complete series, in this case the larger format, click on "Read More", or on the symbol just below the year of the series.

CINEMA CELEBRITIES (C)

1935

The CINEMA CELEBRITIES (C) series of cigarette cards is a collection of 48 cards that celebrate the film stars of the 1930s. This series was printed in 1935 by the British American Tobacco company, one of the largest tobacco companies in the world. The cards are rectangular in shape and have a size of approximately 3.5 x 6.8 cm. The cards are beautifully colored and show an actor or actress with their first and last name at the bottom centre. On the back of the cards, starting from top to bottom, there is the name of the series "CINEMA CELEBRITIES (C)", the writing that says: "This is one of a series of pictures now being packed with these cigarettes", the card number, the star's name and surname again and lastly FAMOUS FILM STAR. A curiosity, in sticker no. 32 which represents Elizabeth Allan's card, the surname Allen is incorrectly reported on both sides. The cards are highly sought after by cinema and tobacco collectors, because they represent a historical and artistic testimony of a golden era of cinema. You can find more information and see images of all the cards on this website. I hope I have intrigued you and made you better acquainted with this series of cigarette cards. Thanks for your attention.

MODERN BEAUTIES THIRD SERIES

1938

"The cigarette cards ‘Modern Beauties, 3rd Series’ from 1938 are a true kaleidoscope reflecting the complexity and elegance of pre-war England’s popular culture and advertising. These cards, emerging as relics from a distant time, represent not only a tribute to femininity and glamour but also an era when cinema was the primary source of entertainment and inspiration for fashion and lifestyle. Each card’s dimensions, 6.7 cm by 9.5 cm, were ideal for capturing and highlighting the finesse and artistry of photography, allowing admirers to immerse themselves in the details and aura of each portrayed actress. The cinema stars of that period, immortalized on these cards, were revered as icons of beauty and style, embodying aesthetic ideals and the aspirations of an entire generation. Their images, beyond mere admiration, served as powerful marketing tools, promoting the sales of the cigarettes with which they were distributed. However, these cards transcended their advertising function, transforming into coveted collectibles for their intrinsic beauty and historical significance. Today, these cigarette cards are considered precious historical documents, offering a unique perspective on the perception of female beauty and fashion trends of the time. The ‘Modern Beauties’ series stands as a tribute to the luminous cinema stars of that era, but it also serves as a cultural document of great relevance, reflecting not only aesthetic ideals but also social dynamics and cultural currents of that historical period. Through these cards, we can observe how female beauty was represented and idealized, and how these representations influenced society. Actresses became role models, embodying grace, elegance, and charm, while remaining accessible to the general public through these small yet significant pieces of paper. The ‘Modern Beauties’ series thus becomes a bridge between the past and the present, allowing us to appreciate the continuity and evolution of beauty and style ideals over time."

ACTRESSES (B)

1898

The Actresses (B) series of Morris’s Cigarettes from 1898 is a collection of cigarette cards that celebrates some of the brightest stars of the stage and screen of the Victorian era. The cards were produced by B. Morris & Sons, a cigarette factory founded in 1849 in London, that specialized in making high-quality cigarettes and collectibles. The Actresses (B) series features 30 different actresses, each with her name printed on the front, in elegant black and white portraits. The cards have a blank and textless back, and measure about 6.8 x 4 cm. The actresses depicted in the series were photographed by the famous Alexander Bassano, one of the most important portrait photographers of his time, who had a studio in Old Bond Street, in the heart of London. Bassano was known for photographing Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, King Edward VII and many other members of the royal family, as well as political, military, artistic and literary personalities. Bassano was also a pioneer of artistic photography, and devoted himself to creating suggestive and refined images, that enhanced the beauty and elegance of his models. Among the actresses immortalized by Bassano in the Actresses (B) series there are well-known names of the English theatre and cinema, such as Jessie Bateman, Evie Greene, Marion Hood, Dora Barton, Nina Sevening and many others. These women were famous for their talent, their charm and their personality, and they performed in various genres, from comedy to drama, from musical to melodrama, from vaudeville to silent cinema. Some of them were also singers, dancers, writers and activists, and distinguished themselves for their social and humanitarian commitment. Their lives and their works are still a source of inspiration and admiration today. The cigarette cards of the Actresses (B) series are therefore a valuable historical and artistic document, that allows us to know better the women who made the history of entertainment in the Victorian era. The cards are also works of art in themselves, that show us the mastery and sensitivity of Alexander Bassano, one of the greatest photographers of all time.

HOW FILMS ARE MADE

1934

The series of cards “HOW FILMS ARE MADE” is a collection of 25 illustrated cards that show the various aspects of film production in the 1930s. The cards were produced in 1934 by B. Morris and Sons, a cigarette factory in London, with the collaboration of Gaumont-British Picture Corporation, one of the main British film companies of the time. The cards had the purpose of retaining the customer, but in this case also of promoting the G.-B. films and its new studio in Shepherd’s Bush, which had been renovated and modernized in 1932 to adapt to the needs of sound cinema. The cards showed with color drawings and explanatory texts the different stages and departments involved in making a film, from scriptwriting to editing, passing through makeup, wardrobe, set design, photography, sound and special effects. The cards mentioned six G.-B. films, shot between 1932 and 1933, as examples of how films were made: Rome Express, The Good Companions, I Was a Spy, Channel Crossing, Turkey Time and Friday the Thirteenth. The series was an opportunity for the G.-B. to show the British public its cutting-edge studio and its artistic quality, and to compete with other film companies, especially those American. The series was also a way to reflect the public’s interest in cinema, which had become the main mass entertainment instead of music hall. The series of cards HOW FILMS ARE MADE is a valuable historical document that allows us to better know the world of cinema in the 1930s and its technological and cultural evolution.

CINEMA STARS (OMBI)

1923

Bucktrout & Co. Ltd., a historic company based in Guernsey in the Channel Islands, was founded in 1830 by William Cadic, an enterprising Breton. The company began its operations at the "Three Tuns" tavern near the Town Church of Guernsey, quickly becoming a key hub for the island’s economy. In 1866, William Cadic sold his thriving business to Thomas Bucktrout of Boston Spa, who, together with his right-hand man George Samuel Wheadon, continued to expand the company. During this period, Bucktrout & Co. Ltd. established itself as a major supplier of tobacco, cigars, and beverages, exporting products worldwide. One of the most fascinating productions of Bucktrout & Co. Ltd. is the "Cinema Stars (OMBI)" collectible card series from 1923. This series consisted of 50 cards, each depicting a movie star of the time, printed in black and white with a sepia tone. The cards, measuring 5.08 cm x 6.35 cm, were included in cigarette packages. The series provided an intriguing snapshot of cinematic culture and tobacco marketing of that era. Among the featured movie stars were renowned names such as Stewart Rome, Dorothy Gish, Mae Marsh, Louise Lovely, Viola Dana, Betty Blythe, Bessie Love, Alice Joyce, Shirley Mason, Violet Hopson, Theda Bara, Francesca Bertini, Enid Bennett, Marguerite Clark, Geraldine Farrar, Dorothy Dalton, Mary Pickford, Pauline Frederick, Lillian Gish, Mary Miles Minter, Alla Nazimova, Anna Q. Nilsson, Mabel Normand, Constance Talmadge, Mary Johnson, Norma Talmadge, Pearl White, Clara Kimball Young, Sessue Hayakawa, Antonio Moreno, Eddie Polo, Richard Barthlemess, Douglas Fairbanks, Nigel Barrie, Charles Chaplin, Victor Seastrom, Harry Carey, William Farnum, William S. Hart, Eddie Lyons, William Russell, Tom Moore, Lee Moran, Thomas Meighan, Douglas Maclean, Tom Mix, Bryant Washburn, Charles Ray, Wallace Reid, and Anita Stewart. Beyond the first series, likely in the same year or the following one, Bucktrout & Co. Ltd. released a second series of "Cinema Stars (OMBI)" cards, continuing to celebrate the movie stars of the time.

CHRISTIE COMEDY GIRLS

1928

In 1928, Carreras Ltd. released a series of 25 cigarette cards featuring actresses from the Christie Film Company, known as the Christie Comedy Girls. These small, colorful cards, inserted into cigarette packs, offered the public an instant way to learn about and collect the faces of the leading female slapstick stars. The series included actresses such as Gayle Lloyd, June Manners, Edna Marion, Lorraine Eddy, Caryl Lincoln, Doris Dawson, Vera Steadman, Helen Cox, Ann Christy, Ann Cornwall, Jeanne Williams, and Frances Lee. Some names are repeated several times—particularly Gayle Lloyd, Vera Steadman, and June Manners—demonstrating their centrality and the powerful appeal they held with the public. Alongside them, there are also generic cards dedicated to the "Christie Girls," celebrating the group as a whole. Each figurine was a glamorous portrait, designed to highlight the actresses' elegance and vivacity, but also to immortalize in the collective imagination the face of a female comedian who was gaining ground in a genre previously dominated by men. Collecting them meant not only following the fashions of the time, but also participating in a cultural phenomenon that intertwined cinema, marketing, and everyday life. Today, this series is considered a precious testimony: a tangible fragment of the history of silent cinema and 1920s pop culture, capable of capturing the smiles and elegance of the Christie Comedy Girls almost a century later.

ALICE IN WONDERLAND

1930

In the context of our collection of cinema-related trading cards, we have chosen to include the 1930 series The Black Cat Game of Alice in Wonderland, produced by Carreras Ltd., even though it is not, at least formally, associated with any specific film. The reason is simple: this collection is rooted in one of the most adapted and celebrated narrative worlds in the history of cinema. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is not only a literary masterpiece by Lewis Carroll—it is a universe that has inspired dozens of cinematic interpretations, from silent film to sound, and continues to be reimagined to this day. The game created by Carreras, distributed in Black Cat cigarette packs, fits naturally into this cultural and visual trajectory. Though intended for a young audience, the game was included with an adult product, reflecting a marketing philosophy very different from today’s standards. The complete series consists of 48 illustrated cards, divided into 16 numbered sets of three cards each. Every set is dedicated to a character or scene from the world of Alice, such as the White Rabbit, the Mock Turtle, the Mad Hatter or the Queen of Hearts. One of the three cards in each set is the so-called Leading Card, which acts as a guide and lists the other two cards in the group to be sought during gameplay. The illustrations, crisp and colorful, recall the style of John Tenniel’s famous engravings but are graphically reinterpreted to match the aesthetic of the game. As confirmed by the original instructions—recovered through digital sources—the game was designed to be interactive and competitive. The rules called for the cards to be dealt face-down to all players, each of whom could examine their hand and set aside any complete sets. Players would then take turns revealing a Leading Card and requesting a specific card from their opponents to complete the set. If the opponent possessed the requested card, they were required to give it up. Once the set was completed, the player could continue with another Leading Card; if not, the turn passed to the next player. The winner was the one who completed the greatest number of sets during the course of the game. One distinctive feature of the game was the handling of penalties, known as forfeits, which added a layer of strategy and unpredictability. For instance, if a player didn’t have a Leading Card during their turn, they had to give up a card to the last active player. Only one Leading Card could be in play at a time, which meant participants had to complete each set before introducing another. What’s particularly notable is that although this collection isn’t explicitly tied to cinema, it anticipates many characteristics of visual storytelling merchandise. Its straightforward rules, vivid imagery, and strong connection to the literary universe of Alice demonstrate how effectively storytelling and commercial promotion could merge. Including this series in our cinema-themed collection is entirely justified: Alice is a tale that has transcended generations and media, and this game represents a meaningful chapter in the history of visual collecting. It forms a bridge between literature, marketing, and film—earning its place alongside actor figurines and promotional cards from classic movies.

FILM STARS by FLORENCE DESMOND

1936

The "Film Stars by Florence Desmond" series is a series of cigarette cards produced by Carreras Ltd in 1936. The series consists of 50 cards featuring images of famous movie stars of the time, such as Leslie Howard, Myrna Loy, Fred Astaire, Grace Moore and Robert Donat. The cards are described by English comedian and impersonator Florence Desmond and are standard size. To see the complete series, click on further information, or on the symbol immediately below the year of the series.

FILM STARS

1937

If you are passionate about cinema, you cannot miss the collection of cigarette cards produced by Carreras in 1937 entitled FILM STARS. It is a series of 54 cards that portray the most famous and glamorous actresses of the Golden Age of Hollywood in black and white photographs. Among the actresses featured in the series are Nancy Carroll, Inez Howard, Mary Adams, Lupe Velez, Carole Lombard and many others. Cards are 69mm x 36mm in size and are considered collectors items. They are a unique and rare piece that bears witness to the history of cinema and popular culture of the 20th century. To see the complete series, click on further information, or on the symbol immediately below the year of the series.

FILM STARS SECOND SERIES

1938

If you are a cinema lover, you cannot miss the second series of cigarette cards produced by Carreras in 1938 entitled FILM STARS second series. It is a series of 54 cards that portray the most famous and glamorous actresses of the Golden Age of Hollywood in black and white photographs. Among the actresses featured in the series are Betty Grable, Marlene Dietrich, Olivia de Havilland, Joan Crawford, Clara Bow, Alice Faye, Carole Lombard, Claudette Colbert and many others. Cards are 69mm x 36mm in size and are considered collectors items. They are the second series of 54 cards that follows a previous series published in 1937 by Carreras. Among the most interesting cards is the one that portrays Carole Lombard in the same photo that appeared in the previous series, showing her popularity and charm. They are a unique and rare piece that bears witness to the history of cinema and popular culture of the 20th century. To see the complete series, click on further information, or on the symbol immediately below the year of the series.

FAVORITE MOVIES

1938

The series of cigarette cards produced by Carreras in 1938 entitled FILM FAVORITES is a series of 50 cards that portray the movie stars of the time in black and white close-up photographs, but with colored frames of different colors depending on the card . Some of the stars are Clark Gable, Joan Crawford, George Raft, Ronald Colman, Olivia de Havilland, Robert Taylor, Eleanor Powell and others. Cards are 69mm x 36mm in size and are considered collectors items. They are a series of cards that showcase the allure and glamor of silver screen celebrities in vibrant, eye-catching colours. To see the complete series, click on further information, or on the symbol immediately below the year of the series.

GLAMOR GIRLS of STAGE AND FILMS

1939

The series of cigarette cards produced by Carreras in 1939 entitled GLAMOR GIRLS OF STAGE AND FILM is a series of 54 cards that portray the most beautiful and famous actresses of the cinema and theater of the time in black and white photographs, bold enough for that period. Most are show-girls rather than film actresses, and in many cases where they perform is indicated - seven of them at Rose's Casa Manana, others at Rose's Diamond Horseshoe, Paradise Restaurant, Midnight Sun Cabaret, Fischer's International Casino and Hollywood Restaurant. The cards have a size of 76 x 70mm. 3 other sizes were also issued. They are a series of cards showcasing the allure and glamor of stage and screen divas with striking and captivating portraits. The photos were taken by Murray Korman, a famous advertising photographer who worked in New York. He specialized in portraying the beauties and celebrities of cinema and theater with a glamorous and luminous style. He was considered "the beauty expert of his time" and had two photography studios where he received his clients, including debutantes, socialites and Broadway stars. They are a unique and rare piece that bears witness to the history of cinema and popular culture of the 20th century. To see the complete series, click on further information, or on the symbol immediately below the year of the series.

FILM & STAGE BEAUTIES

1939

The series of cigarette cards produced by Carreras in 1939 entitled FILM & STAGE BEAUTIES is a series of 54 cards that portray the most beautiful and famous actresses of cinema and theater of the time in black and white photographs, some of which are quite daring for that period - showing also a hint of stockings and some prominent breasts - and a good number in swimsuits. Among the beauties who flaunt their physical talents are some Hollywood actresses such as Hedy Lamarr, Anita Louise, Merle Oberon and Sonja Henie with their studio (Paramount, Warner Bros. or 20th Century Fox indicated on the back of the cards), but most seem to be stage artists who performed in various nightclubs and cabarets in New York City. Some of these venues were famous for their lavish shows, such as the Hollywood Restaurant, which had a rotating stage and a row of 32 girls; Rose’s Casa Manana, which had a huge dance floor and live music; and the International Casino, which hosted stars like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The cards have a size of 66 x 35mm. These cards are gems for collectors. They express in a unique and extraordinary way the history and popular culture of cinema in the 20th century. To see the complete series click on more information, or on the symbol immediately below the year of the series.

FILM & STAGE BEAUTIES (LARGE)

1939

Carreras in 1939 produced a series of cigarette cards called FILM & STAGE BEAUTIES, consisting of 54 cards that show the most beautiful and famous actresses of cinema and theater of that time in black and white photos. Some photos were rather risqué for the time. Among the stars who exhibited their shapes there are some Hollywood divas like Hedy Lamarr, Anita Louise, Merle Oberon and Sonja Henie with the name of their studio (Paramount, Warner Bros. or 20th Century Fox written on the back of the cards), but most were stage artists who performed in various nightclubs and cabarets in New York City. Some of these venues were known for their lavish shows, such as the Hollywood Restaurant, which had a rotating stage and a row of 32 girls; Rose’s Casa Manana, which had a huge dance floor and live music; and the International Casino, which hosted stars like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The cards had two sizes: 66 x 35mm and 70 x 60mm. This text refers to the Large series, that is, the 70 x 60mm cards that were introduced as a gift in the medium packages of BLACK CAT cigarettes. These cards are treasures for collectors. They represent in a unique and extraordinary way the history and popular culture of cinema in the 20th century. To see the complete series click on more information, or on the symbol immediately below the year of the series.

FAMOUS FILM STARS "TURF" CIGARETTES

1949

The series of cigarette cards of the TURF CIGARETTES famous film stars is a collection of 50 collectible cards produced in 1949 by Carreras, a famous British tobacco company. Carreras was founded in 1788 by Don José Carreras Ferrer, a Spanish nobleman who moved to London. Carreras became one of the leading tobacco companies in the United Kingdom and launched several brands of cigarettes, including the TURF, the Craven A, the Piccadilly and the Wall Arms. The TURF was a popular brand of cigarettes among smokers of the time and contained in its boxes the collectible cards dedicated to the movie stars, the sportsmen, the animals and other themes. The cards depict some of the most famous actors of the time in their respective roles of the film represented in the card, such as Judy Garland, Humphrey Bogart, Frank Sinatra, Spencer Tracy, Alan Ladd, Bette Davis and many others, in a humorous and ironic way. The cards were drawn by an anonymous artist, who was able to capture the distinctive features and expressions of the faces of the stars, creating funny and original caricatures. The cards are considered among the most interesting and original collectible cards dedicated to the movie stars, as they offer an unusual and witty view of the famous characters. The cards are also historical testimonies of the film culture of the time. The cards were printed on the cigarette packs and therefore had to be cut carefully to be preserved. Each pack of 10 cigarettes contained only one card, while each pack of 20 cigarettes contained two. This made the collection of the cards more difficult and expensive, but also more exciting and challenging. The cards were numbered from 1 to 50 and were white on the back. The cards were very appreciated by smokers and collectors, who exchanged them among themselves. You can see these cards by clicking on the symbol just below the year of the series or on the words “Read More”.

CINEMA STARS

1934

This set, Cinema STARS, also known as “Set 6”, includes thirty hand-colored images distributed with the “Army Club” cigarettes by Cavanders in 1934, according to the catalog. However, there are some clues that suggest an earlier date. For example, Vilma Banky was voted the most popular actress in 1927. The first sound films such as “The Jazz Singer” and “The Ghost Train” (1928) are also mentioned. Dolores DelRio was born in 1904 and we are told that she married for the second time at the age of 26, which brings us to 1930. However, we have no other specific clues about the date, except that some important events have been omitted. For example, Bebe Daniels’ prominent role in “42nd Street” is not included in her list. So, based on this information, we venture to guess that this set may date back to around 1932 and certainly pre-October 1933, as no review ever appeared on Card Collectors News, which began publication in that month. An even more curious aspect is that Esther Ralston appears twice in the set, at numbers 10 and 29, both with the same texts but with different portraits. The reason for this duplication is unclear, especially since with such a small set of cards they could have chosen many other actresses. This set leaves many questions unanswered and could offer cinema enthusiasts many research opportunities! The dimensions of the images are 67 x 36 mm. The set was also distributed with a simple sepia-colored back. To see the complete series click on further information, or on the symbol immediately below the year of the series

CINEMA STARS

1923

“Immerse yourself in the magic of early-century cinema with EDWARDS RINGER & BIGG’s ‘CINEMA STARS’ collection, a treasure trove of film memorabilia printed in 1923. This exclusive set of 50 cards, each measuring approximately 3.33 cm x 6.67 cm, is a black-and-white tribute (with sepia tones) to the stars who lit up the big screen during the golden age of silent film. Each card, originally distributed as an insert in cigarette packages, captures the essence of legendary icons such as Mary Pickford, known as the ‘girl with the curls,’ and Charlie Chaplin, the tramp with a heart of gold, among many others. From the captivating faces of Norma and Constance Talmadge to the daring feats of Tom Mix and Buck Jones, this collection offers a nostalgic look at an era that defined the allure and art of visual storytelling. With actors and actresses ranging from Miss Du Pont to Bert Lytell, each card is a window to the past, an invitation to relive the highlights of stars that still shine in the firmament of cinema today. These cards are more than mere collectibles; they are fragments of history, pieces of a puzzle that, when assembled, reveal the portrait of an industry in full creative effervescence. The ‘CINEMA STARS’ series is a must for movie enthusiasts, for those who wish to own a piece of Hollywood’s golden era, and for anyone who wants to dive into the atmosphere of a time when every frame was a spark of pure cinematic magic.”

CINEMA STARS (L)

1923

"In the vibrant world of collecting, the ‘CINEMA STARS’ card series from 1923 stands out for its historical and cultural richness. The larger series, composed of 25 cards, offers a different experience compared to the set of 50 cards. With its larger dimensions, this series allows viewers to appreciate every minute detail of expressions and costumes, transporting them directly to the 1920s. This sepia-toned photo set features some silent film celebrities, including Charlie Chaplin and the young Jackie Coogan, who starred in ‘The Kid.’ Coogan is depicted smoking a cigarette—a scene that surprises us today. However, his fame is tied to the legal battle he waged as an adult to recover money earned during his childhood, which was held by his mother and stepfather. The set also includes Ivy Close, a British actress who won the title of the world’s most beautiful woman in a Daily Mirror contest. Other notable figures are Sessue Hayakawa, the first Asian actor to become a star in the United States; Tom Mix, the cowboy film hero with his unmistakable hat; Georges Carpentier, a former French boxer who turned to singing and dancing before acting in various silent and sound films; Douglas Fairbanks, famous for his adventure films; Dustin Farnum, a Western film star; and Wanda Hawley and Mary Pickford, two actresses who struggled to adapt to sound films. On the reverse side of the photos, you’ll find advertisements for the company and its products. The dimensions of these cards are 67 x 57 mm. To view the complete series, click on ‘additional information’ or the symbol right below the series year."

CINEMA STARS

1926

Welcome to the timeless charm of the “Cinema Stars” series from 1926, created by Gallaher Ltd., a tribute to the dazzling icons of the silent film era. In those roaring years, the film industry was an expanding universe, where the stars of the big screen shone with an intensity that still glows today. Gallaher Ltd., with its pioneering vision and headquarters in the vibrant cities of Belfast and London, skillfully captured the aura of that era with its “Cinema Stars” collectible card series, capturing the collective imagination and celebrating the faces that marked an unforgettable era. The “Cinema Stars” collection is a true treasure for enthusiasts and collectors, consisting of 100 cards, each meticulously crafted to represent one of the legends of silent cinema. Each card, measuring approximately 1.5 x 2.5 inches, is a small masterpiece featuring vivid and meticulously detailed portraits, offering an intimate and personal look at the celebrities who shaped the world of entertainment. Among the stars immortalized in this series, we find Norma Talmadge, whose popularity and dramatic talent made her one of the most admired actresses of her time. Rudolph Valentino, whose unparalleled charm and charisma consecrated him as the quintessential “Latin Lover,” leaving a legacy that endures despite his untimely death in 1926, the year the series was published, making his card a highly sought-after piece of history for collectors. Charlie Chaplin, the genius of comedy, created with his “The Tramp” a character that has become an eternal cultural symbol. Mary Pickford, known as “America’s Sweetheart,” won the hearts of the public with her sweetness and indomitable spirit. Douglas Fairbanks, the hero of adventure films, enchanted audiences with his breathtaking stunts and timeless charisma. Lillian Gish, whose elegance and expressive ability made her one of the most significant actresses of silent cinema. A fascinating curiosity of this collection is the presence of two variants of card number 30, dedicated to Edward J. Connelly. One variant portrays him in profile, facing left, while the other shows him frontally, a detail that adds an additional level of interest and debate among collectors and enthusiasts. The “Cinema Stars” series by Gallaher Ltd. is not just a collection of images, but a journey through the history of cinema, an era when the magic of the silent screen brought dreams and aspirations to life. It is an invitation to explore the greatness and glamour of a bygone era, to rediscover the stories and faces that left an indelible mark on popular culture. These cards are windows to the past, allowing us to look back with nostalgia and admiration, celebrating the art and innovation that defined silent cinema and continue to influence the world of entertainment today. With “Cinema Stars,” Gallaher Ltd. has created a legacy that transcends time, uniting collectors and film enthusiasts in a passionate celebration of the stars that still illuminate our imagination today

PERSONALITIES OF TO-DAY

1932

In 1932, the Godfrey Phillips Ltd. company in England issued a series of 25 trading cards entitled “PERSONALITIES OF TO-DAY”. These cards, measuring 3.49cm x 6.67cm, feature full-colour caricatures of celebrities of the time, including actors, political figures and other personalities. This collection is a true treasure for fans of cultural history and cinema. But what makes these cards so special? 8 of the 25 characters represented are actors. This detail reveals how much cinema was the center of attention during the 1930s. The public was fascinated by Hollywood stars and new talkies. The cards offer us a unique look at the celebrities of the time, capturing the essence of these cinematic icons. Created by an anonymous artist, these color caricatures are a mix of humor and sophistication, although he has not marked the faces of the celebrities, you have to focus on the details to be able to recognize the character. Every feature, every expression, transports us back in time, when cinema was in full evolution and celebrities shone like stars in the night sky. The “PERSONALITIES OF TO-DAY” cards give us an interesting look at celebrities and personalities of the time. They are a bridge between the past and the present, representing a precious piece of history linked not only to cinema but to the general popular culture of the 1930s.

STARS of the SCREEN

1934

The Stars of the Screen series is a collection of 54 tobacco cards produced by Godfrey Phillips in 1934. The cards depict famous movie stars of the 1930s, from different countries and film genres. The cards are very beautiful, with colorful portraits in oval and elaborate frames, reminiscent of the art deco style of the time. On the back of the cards there is a brief description of the star and his or her films, with some anecdotes and curiosities. The series is considered one of the most beautiful among the British issues of tobacco cards dedicated to cinema, both for the quality of the images and for the variety of the stars chosen. The cards are highly sought after by collectors and fans of classic cinema, as they represent a historical and artistic document of a golden age of world cinema. Among the stars in the series there are famous names such as Clark Gable, Marlene Dietrich and Katharine Hepburn, but also stars less known to the general public, such as Helen Twelvetrees, Sidney Fox and Phillips Holmes. Some stars are still considered icons of cinema, such as Jean Harlow, Mae West and Gary Cooper, while others have fallen into oblivion, such as Marilyn Miller, Nancy Carroll and Evelyn Brent. Some stars have had a long and brilliant career, such as John Barrymore, Ronald Colman and Irene Dunne, while others have died prematurely, such as Carole Lombard, Jeanette MacDonald and Karen Morley. Some stars have starred in memorable films, such as Myrna Loy in Dinner for Schmucks, Constance Bennett in Topper and Miriam Hopkins in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, while others have had minor or unlucky roles, such as Lois Moran in Sunrise, Dorothy Sebastian in Our Dancing Daughters and Lupe Velez in The Girl from Mexico. The Stars of the Screen series is a testimony of the passion and fantasy that cinema aroused in the public of the 1930s, and offers a glimpse of a culture and a society in rapid evolution. The cards are an invitation to rediscover the stars and films of that era, and to enjoy the charm and talent of these timeless artists.

CHARACTERS COME TO LIFE

1938

CHARACTERS COME TO LIFE is one of the many series of collectible cards, created by GODFREY PHILLIPS LTD which portray famous actors and actresses in the role of the characters who made some films of the time famous. In the series we can admire Leslie Howard and Norma Shearer in the roles of Romeo and Juliet, Henry Wilcoxon and Loretta Young as Richard I and Berengaria in the 1935 film The Crusades, the magnificent Cleopatra played by Claudette Colbert, and many other main or secondary characters, such as John Barrymore as Mercutio, again in Romeo and Juliet or Desmond Tester in the role of Edward VI in the 1936 film Tudor Rose. The 36 postcards printed in 1938 present color drawings based on real half-length photographs of the actors, which they create a realistic and suggestive effect. The postcards are almost square in shape, measuring 5.2cm by 6cm, unlike other series which are more rectangular in size. The cards are highly sought after by collectors and cinema enthusiasts, because they represent a golden era of the seventh art and popular culture. If you want to see the complete series, just click on the symbol under the year. If you want to know more, click on the word "further information".

SHOTS FROM THE FILM

1938

The SHOTS FROM THE FILMS series of cigarette cards is a collection of film images from the second half of the 1930s, printed by JA PATTREIOUEX LTD. of Manchester in 1938. The set contains 28 black and white cards showing the film stars of the era in memorable scenes from their films. The cards are made with a good quality paper and a sharp print, and have all the information from the film printed on the back. The cards represent the most popular film genres of the period, such as the musical, historical drama, thriller and comedy. Among the films represented are some classics of world cinema, such as Non Stop New York, Stage Struck, Fire Over England, Yellowstone and Take a Chance. Among the actors there are famous names such as Maurice Chevalier, Elizabeth Allen, Donald Woods, Judith Barrett, Spencer Tracy and many others. The series is a fascinating and valuable collection that deserves to be preserved and enjoyed by all lovers of classic cinema. It is a historical and artistic testimony of a golden age of world cinema. To see the complete series, click on further information, or on the symbol immediately below the year of the series.

LOVE SCENES FROM FAMOUS FILMS

1932

In 1932, J. Wix & Sons Ltd. launched a series of trading cards titled “Love Scenes from Famous Films,” which captured the imagination of cinema enthusiasts of the time. This collection, distributed with Kensitas cigarettes in the United Kingdom, consists of 25 black and white cards, each depicting an iconic love scene from famous films. The cards are available in three different sizes: the smallest measures approximately 3.97 cm x 6.51 cm, the medium 6.51 cm x 7.46 cm, and the largest 8.73 cm x 12.7 cm. Each card is a small masterpiece that immortalizes romantic moments between the stars of the era. Among the famous couples represented are Natalie Joyce and Holmes Herbert in “Through The Breakers,” Dolores Costello and Conrad Nagle in “Glorious Betsy,” and John Gilbert and Greta Garbo in “Love.” These images not only celebrate the glamour and charm of 1930s cinema but also offer a nostalgic glimpse into an era when romance on the big screen was at its peak. The series also includes other memorable couples such as Ramon Novarro and Renee Adoree in “Forbidden Hours,” and Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell in “The Street Angel.” Each card tells a unique love story, making this collection a treasure for collectors and cinema lovers alike. An interesting fact is that in the largest format, card number one was different from the other two formats: it featured Jameson Thomas and Gilda Gray in “Piccadilly.” This detail makes the collection even more fascinating and unique. If you are a fan of classic cinema or a memorabilia collector, the “Love Scenes from Famous Films” series is a piece of history that cannot be missing from your collection. Each card is a window into a bygone era, a tangible reminder of the power of cinema to make us dream and fall in love.

PAST & PRESENT

1916

The 1916 “Past & Present” series from John Player & Sons is a small treasure trove of theatrical iconography: 25 chromolithograph cards (3.5 × 6.7 cm) tucked into cigarette packs, each featuring a color illustration of the actor in their most celebrated role and a brief biographical sketch on the back. Among the most iconic figures: • Sir Henry Irving as Mephistopheles in Faust A pioneer of modern theatre and the first British actor to be made a baronet for his dramatic achievements, famed for his intense performances and spectacular Lyceum productions. • Ellen Terry as Marguerite in Faust Queen of the Victorian stage, unforgettable Shakespeare interpreter (Ophelia, Juliet) and Irving’s ideal partner, combining grace with deep pathos. • Sir Herbert Tree as Svengali in Trilby Founder of His Majesty’s Theatre, renowned for grand-scale productions and for launching rising stars. • Sir Squire Bancroft as Captain Hawtree in Caste Master of character comedy, celebrated for his naturalistic style and for bringing authentic bourgeois drama to the stage. • Gerald du Maurier as Raffles Son of illustrator George du Maurier and father of Daphne, he ruled the London stage with aristocratic elegance and wry humour. Fun fact: in 1903 he asked Peter Jackson Ltd. for a smoother cigarette that wouldn’t irritate his throat—hence the launch of the Du Maurier brand, even though he reportedly never smoked them. • Gladys Cooper in My Lady’s Dress Then a young rising star in her first great success; she would later conquer Broadway and Hollywood, earning three Oscar nominations. These cards are far more than mere photographs: they’re little painted tableaux and biographical capsules that whisk us back to the golden age of theatre, when stars shone like rock icons and every curtain call was a momentous event.

FILM STARS LARGE (SILVER)

1934

This series of collectible cards is dedicated to the movie stars of the 1930s. It is the FILM STARS (SILVER) series by JOHN PLAYER & SONS, one of the most famous cigarette manufacturers in the United Kingdom. These cards are part of one of the three series of collectible cards dedicated to movie stars, produced by John Player & SONS in 1934. The other two series are the FILM STARS First Series and the FILM STARS Second Series, composed of 50 cards each, with color images and smaller dimensions. The cards in the SILVER series are instead 25, and have some particular characteristics that make them unique and fascinating. First of all, the cards in the SILVER series are larger than the other two series, measuring about 8.5 x 5.5 cm. In addition, the images of the stars are made with a metallic silver effect, which makes them bright and suggestive. The images are based on original photographs, and are accompanied by the name of the star and the logo of John Player & Sons. On the back of the cards, there is a descriptive text that tells the biography, career and most famous films of the star. The cards were distributed together with the cigarettes of John Player & SONS, and could be glued in a special album, which also contained the biographies of the stars. The twenty-five stars present, are some of the most famous and admired of the cinema of the 1930s, both American and European. Among these, we find Elizabeth Allan, an English actress who starred in films such as David Copperfield, A Tale of Two Cities and Camille; Lionel Barrymore, an American actor and director, winner of the Oscar for A Free Soul, and known for his role as Mr. Potter in It’s a Wonderful Life; Wallace Beery, an American actor, winner of the Oscar for The Champ, and famous for his roles in films such as Viva Villa!, Treasure Island and Dinner at Eight; Elisabeth Bergner, an Austrian actress naturalized British, nominated for the Oscar for The Rise of Catherine the Great, and considered one of the greatest theater actresses of her time, and many other famous stars who have marked the history of cinema and popular culture. The FILM STARS series by JOHN PLAYER & SONS is a testimony of the history of cinema and society of the 1930s, a piece of collection, that for the fans of movie memorabilia cannot miss. If you want to see the complete series you just have to click on the symbol under the year if instead you want to know more click on the words “Read more”.

BEAUTIES

1932

In the heart of the 1930s, an aura of mystery surrounded the “Beauties” cigarette card series by Marcovitch & Co., a treasure for memorabilia enthusiasts. These 18 black-and-white photographic cards, precisely numbered but silent about their stories, captured the essence of an era defined by timeless charm. The women immortalized, wrapped in elegant poses and costumes that evoke the grandeur of a lost era, remain an enigma, their identities hidden behind the sparkle of a glance or the drape of a fabric. Their beauty, trapped in the gray of the paper, defies time, suggesting untold stories of glamour and seduction. The choice to include this series in a collection, even if not directly related to cinema, speaks of the desire to capture the spirit of a historical period, an era where mystery and elegance intertwined in every aspect of social life. Marcovitch & Co., with its iconic “Black and White” and “Red & White” brands, embodied this ethos, despite the scarcity of historical information left behind. The acquisition by the United Kingdom Tobacco Co. and absorption into the Godfrey Phillips group in 1931 only added further layers of mystery to the narrative of these cards. Each card is a portal into an era of whispered glamour, an invitation to imagine the lives and stories of these fascinating women. The lack of details on the back of the cards only fuels curiosity, pushing collectors to speculate and weave their own narratives. In a world where every detail is often documented and shared, the silence of these cards becomes a call, a reminder of a time when mystery was not only accepted but celebrated. The “Beauties” series by Marcovitch & Co. is thus a tribute to an era of discreet elegance, a relic that transcends the simple act of collecting to become a witness to an era of style and mystery. For those who own them, these cards are more than just images; they are fragments of history, pieces of a puzzle that, when assembled, reveal the picture of a fascinating and complex era, rich in beauty and enigmas yet to be solved.

CINEMA STUDIES

1929

The cinema studies series by Nicolas Sarony & Co. is a collection of 25 cigarette cards that show scenes and characters from famous films of 1929, such as The Collegians, The Man Who Laughs, Show Boat and others. The cards are in black and white and have dimensions of about 4 x 6.8 cm. Each card shows a scene on the front and the name of the film and the actors on the back. The series is very rare and valuable for film card enthusiasts. This series was published when silent films were giving way to ‘Talkies’ and contains photos of some of the biggest stars of silent cinema of the time. Unfortunately, the transition to speaking roles did not go well for everyone - Madge Bellamy, for example, was fired from her studio, as well as Betty Compson and Richard Talmadge found his German accent too strong an obstacle and became assistant director. Some, however, continued to act, including Dorothy Gulliver who made films until 1976, Constance Bennett who was the highest paid actress for a while and Delores Del Rio whose career lasted more than 50 years. These cards were produced by Nicolas Sarony & Co., a famous British tobacco company founded in 1860 by Nicolas Sarony, an artist and lithographer of Hungarian origin. The Nicolas Sarony & Co. was known for producing high quality collectible cards, with various subjects ranging from celebrities to curiosities. These cards are testimonies of an era when cinema was in full evolution and experimentation, and offer a fascinating look at the stars and stories that made the history of the screen. Among the films represented in the series, stand out The Man Who Laughs, a horror film based on the novel by Victor Hugo, which inspired the character of the Joker in Batman comics, and Show Boat, a musical based on the novel by Edna Ferber, which marked the birth of the American musical genre. Click on further information, or on the symbol immediately below the year to see the complete series.

SHOTS FROM THE FILM

1936

Shots from the Films was a magnificent series of cigarette cards created by Alick Penrose Forbes Ritchie, a Scottish painter and caricaturist who trained at the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Antwerp. The series, produced in 1936 for Ogden’s and Hignetts Bros & Co., consisted of numerous caricatures of film celebrities, depicting in a humorous and realistic way some of the most famous scenes from the films of the 1930s. The cards measured 3.5 cm by 6.7 cm. In addition to the drawing signed Alick P.F. Ritchie at the bottom of the drawing, there was the name of the film in capital letters in quotation marks and then the film company at the bottom of the white frame of the card. On the back, in order, were indicated: the title of the series, the number of the card, the title of the film, the actors represented in the caricature and finally a brief description of the film. The cards were very colorful and showed the actors in full figure, just as if it were the scene taken from the film; the series was an original and fun way to promote cigarettes and cinema, two elements of popular culture in the 1930s. A curiosity about some of the film titles on the cards is that they do not correspond to the title with which they were released to the public. A small example is the 1935 film The Baxter millions, which we now know as Three kids and a queen. Or the 1936 film Rhodes of Africa, which on the card is titled Cecil Rhodes. If you are curious to see the complete series, click on further information or on the symbol shown immediately below the year of the series

SHOTS FROM THE FILM

1937

The 1937 "Shots From the Films" collection, printed by PETER JACKSON, offers a look at classic cinema, representing a source of interest for film enthusiasts. Each card represents a significant scene from the films of 1936/1937, which include cinema classics, such as "Romeo and Juliet" to more exotic adventures such as "Tarzan Escape" or "Elephant Boy" played by the little actor Sabu, allowing you to reflect on the moments that have influenced popular culture. The black and white images show the visual quality of the films they come from, and each photograph tells a story or anecdote related to those times. Behind each image is richly detailed context about the film production, offering an informative perspective on the works depicted. The "Shots From the Films" series serves as a link between cinema's past and the current entertainment landscape, allowing you to appreciate the origins of this medium. Collecting these cards is a way to preserve a part of cinema history. For enthusiasts, these cards go beyond simple collecting, representing a tribute to film artists and an opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the industry. For owners, each card can evoke memories and feelings linked to the great names of the past. Click on further information, or on the symbol immediately below the year to see the complete series.

WHO'S WHO IN BRITISH FILMS

1927

The series of cigarette cards WHO’S WHO IN BRITISH FILMS by R. & J. Hill of 1927 is a collection of 50 cards depicting the actors and actresses of British cinema of the time. The cards also report some curiosities about the performers, their most famous roles and their hobbies. Some examples of actors and actresses in the series are: Betty Balfour, born in London in 1903, nicknamed “the queen of British comedy” and famous for her roles in films such as Champagne and Squibs. Nelson Keys, born in London in 1886, known for his comic roles and for founding his own theater company. Matheson Lang, born in Montreal in 1879, considered one of the greatest Shakespearean actors of his time and star of several silent films. Pollie Emery, born in Melbourne in 1892, actress of theater and cinema who starred in several musical and dramatic comedies. Jameson Thomas, born in London in 1888, versatile actor who appeared in over 50 films between 1923 and 1939. To see the complete series click on further information, or on the symbol immediately below the year of the series.

MUSIC HALL CELEBRITIES PAST & PRESENT

1930

In 1930, R. & J. Hill Ltd. of London issued a series of 30 cigarette cards dedicated to the celebrities of the British music hall, titled Hill Music Hall Celebrities Past and Present. Printed in colour and produced in two formats (standard and large), these cards were distributed as inserts in cigarette packets. Despite the label “First Series,” no second series was ever produced, making this collection a small treasure in its own right. Each card portrays a performer who graced the stages of the music hall from the late nineteenth century to the early decades of the twentieth. It is a gallery of faces and names that shaped the history of popular entertainment: comedians, singers, mimes, soubrettes, female duos, and quick-change artists. Among the most famous are Sir Harry Lauder, with his walking stick and Scottish kilt, an international symbol of the music hall; Dan Leno, the tragic and brilliant clown; Marie Lloyd, the undisputed queen of the London stage; Gracie Fields, the people’s voice who would soon conquer the cinema; and Little Tich, the acrobatic comedian with the oversized shoes. Alongside these luminaries are figures less remembered today—such as Noni, Ann Suter, or the Egbert Brothers—who help restore the variety and richness of that theatrical world. The illustrations, lively and stylised, capture the stage essence of each performer: flamboyant costumes, theatrical poses, expressive gazes. Some cards depict famous duos like the Houston Sisters, while others celebrate artists of the comic-musical repertoire such as Charles Penrose or Max Wall. There is also room for pioneers of theatrical cross-dressing, like Ella Shields, and for sharp-witted soubrettes such as Nellie Wallace or Wish Wynne. This series is more than a collector’s item: it is a visual testimony to an era when the music hall was the beating heart of urban entertainment. The Hill cards speak to us of a pre-television world, where charisma was measured on stage and fame spread through songs, sketches, and punchlines. Today, these theatrical miniatures offer a nostalgic yet vivid glimpse into an age of footlights, curtains, and applause, when every performer was a legend in technicolor.

FAMOUS FILM STARS

1938

FAMOUS FILM STARS is a series of cards that celebrates the icons of cinema in the 1930s. This series was printed in 1938 by R. & J. Hill, one of the oldest and most prestigious cigarette manufacturers in England. The series consists of 40 cards in black and white, showing the close-ups of the most loved and famous stars of the time, such as Betty Grable, Will Hai, Alice Brady, Margaret Lockwood and many others. Each card has on the back the name of the series, the progressive number, the name of the actor or actress and a brief description of their career and achievements. At the bottom there is also the writing “Printed by R. & J. Hill. ltd. The Spinet House ESTD. 1775 LONDON E.” which testifies to the quality and history of the production. This series of cards is a true testimony of the cinematic culture of the time, which influenced generations of viewers and artists. The cards are also works of art in miniature, capturing the expression and personality of the stars with an elegant and refined style. The FAMOUS FILM STARS series is a collection highly sought after by collectors from all over the world, who appreciate its historical and artistic value.

FAMOUS FILM STARS (FACE) ARABIC TXT

1939

This series was called Famous Film Stars and featured photos of 2 actors and 38 actresses from 1930s American and British cinema. Among the actresses in the series were: Elise Randolph, Dorothea Kent, Iris March, Jeanne Madden, Wendy Barrie, Diana Churchill, Barbara Reed, Tamara Geva, Alice Bready, Jean Rogers, Kathleen Kelly, Sara Seegar, Betty Grable and others. The actors were: Jack Buchanan and Will Hay. The photos were identical to those issued for the British market in 1938 and followed the same numerical order, but the text on the reverse was different. Instead of a short biography of the artist in English, there was only the progressive number of the card, the name of the actor or actress and then a text in Arabic inviting customers to send the cards once the series was completed in London paying a postage to receive prizes, so they were used as if they were coupons. These cards are very interesting and sought after by collectors, because they were produced to be distributed through the packs of cigarettes sold in Saudi Arabia. Click on further information, or on the symbol immediately below the year to see the complete series.

FAMOUS FILM STARS (BODY) ARABIC TXT

1939

This series is very peculiar because it was made for the Saudi Arabian market and it is titled Famous Film Stars. It came out in 1939, in the same year as the homonymous series. It is probably the second series, because unlike the previous one, which was the copy already released in 1938 for the English market which portrayed the famous faces of two actors and thirty-eight actresses, this is nothing but the copy released in the same year for the British market “Modern Beauties”, which has little to do with the movie stars. This series presents many oddities. First of all they took the series “MODERN BEAUTIES”, which consisted of fifty subjects, and deprived it of the first ten cards bringing it to forty. Hypothetically to make it equal in number to the previous one, since these cards that were inserted in cigarette packs could be sent back to London, paying a postage fee, to receive prizes in return. For this reason it had to be equal in number of cards to the previous series. Another even stranger thing is that they gave it the title “FAMOUS FILM STARS”, but the subjects in the photos, apart from some exceptions such as actresses Jessie Matthews, Judy Kelly, Phyllis Stanley and the very famous Frances Day, depicted in card no. 34, are not actresses. In the series are mainly depicted many French and English dancers, gymnasts, skaters and many models of that period. All this information, including the names of the subjects and their professions, I was able to analyze them from the original English series “Modern Beauties”, because in the series sent to Saudi Arabia there is no information about it, not even the name of the subject. In fact on the back apart from the text in Arabic that explains how to use the coupon and the name in English of the series “FAMOUS FILM STARS” there is only the progressive number of the card. A curiosity of this series, always linked to the world of cinema, is the last card that portrays two women with a child. On the back of the original series, therefore, Nr.50 of “MODERN BEAUTIES” there are two names: the first is MISS DINAH (not having the surname and analyzing the face, it could be actress DINAH SHERIDAN) and the second is Monica BISHOP, who was the stunt double of Canadian actress VICTORIA HOPPER. To see the complete series click on further information, or on the symbol immediately below the year of the series.

CINEMA STARS

1925

This series of 24 cards, printed by Rothmans Ltd. in 1925, shows splendid black and white photographs of silent film actors and actresses. The format of the cards is the standard one and, to the delight of collectors, it is different from the one printed in the same year in a larger format, with all different actors apart from little Jackie Coogan, who is re-proposed with the same photograph. Among the stars are Laura La Plante, Constance Bennett, Norma Talmadge, Tom Moore, the very famous Spanish actor Antonio Moreno, who closes the series, and many other movie stars of that period. On the back of the card starting from top to bottom is indicated: The name of the series "CINEMA STARS" , A series of 24, This actual photograph is one of a fine series now being packed with, Rothmans, PALL MALL VIRGINIA CIGARETTES, and , Certain other ROTHMANS Brench, Rothmans, PALL MALL. LONDON Eng. Click on further information, or on the symbol immediately below the year of the series to see the Cards of this very interesting series.

CINEMA STARS (LARGE)

1925

The Rothmans Cinema Stars series is a collection of 25 large format cigarette cards, issued in 1925. Each card shows a black and white photograph of a famous silent film actor or actress, with the series name , the card number and the Rothmans logo on the reverse. The series includes famous names such as Gloria Swanson, Ramon Novarro, Pola Negri and Jackie Coogan, but also stars less known today such as Alice Terry, Pauline Garon and Hoot Gibson. The series is an interesting testament to the popularity and diversity of 1920s movie stars, and offers an opportunity to discover or rediscover some forgotten faces and names. The series is very rare and prized by cinema and tobacco collectors. To see the complete series, click on further information, or on the symbol immediately below the year of the series.

PROMINENT SCREEN FAVOURITES

1934

The 1934 series ‘Prominent Screen Favourites,’ produced by Rothmans, is a fascinating example of how film merchandising and the culture of collecting intersected throughout history. These cards, featuring celebrities such as Anna May Wong, Dorothy Bouchier, Ann Dvorak, and Sidney Fox, offer a unique glimpse into Hollywood’s golden era when movie stars were icons of style and glamour. Each card, measuring 65 x 39 mm, presents a black-and-white photograph, capturing the elegance and charm of these personalities in carefully posed settings that reflect their idol status. Despite the lack of detailed information on the reverse side of the cards, their value as historical artifacts is immeasurable. Cinema enthusiasts and memorabilia collectors find a tangible connection to a bygone era—an era when movies were a primary source of entertainment and inspiration. The presence of stars like Anne Grey and Dorothy Bartlam, who appear multiple times in the series, underscores the popularity and influence these actresses held over the audience of that time. Interestingly, despite their age, these cards have survived to the present day, allowing future generations to appreciate the beauty and artistry of cinematic photography from that period. The ‘Prominent Screen Favourites’ series is more than a simple collection of images; it is a window into the past—an invitation to reflect on how images and celebrities were marketed and how this influenced public perception. In conclusion, Rothmans’ 1934 ‘Prominent Screen Favourites’ series represents a piece of cultural history—a collection of portraits that capture the essence of an irreplaceable era. For anyone interested in cinema history or card collecting, this series offers a unique opportunity to own a fragment of that glittering Hollywood world—an eternal allure that continues to enchant and fascinate.

BEAUTY OF THE CINEMA

1939

This is a very interesting and rare series of postcards, portraying some of the most beautiful and famous cinema actresses of the 30's and 40's. This is the circular series of 24 Beauties of the Cinema cards from Rothmans produced in 1939. These postcards were inserted into the packets of Rothmans cigarettes, a British brand, as a tribute to customers. The postcards were circular in shape and measured approximately 6.5cm in diameter. On the front they showed the actress's face and name, while on the back was a brief description of her career and major films. The actresses portrayed were among the most popular and admired of the time, and some have become icons of cinema. Among these we can mention Claudette Colbert, Norma Shearer, Jean Harlow, Joan Crawford, Barbara Stanwyck, Merle Oberon and Loretta Young. Another peculiarity of this series is that the postcards were not numbered, which made them even more exclusive and sought after. These postcards are highly appreciated by collectors and cinema enthusiasts today, because they are rare and bear witness to the history and culture of the time. If you are lucky enough to own one or more of them, keep them jealously, because they are true collector's gems. To see the complete series, click on further information, or on the symbol immediately below the year of the series.

STARS OF SCREEN & HISTORY

1939

The cigarette cards from the “Stars of Screen & History” series represent a delightful leap into the past, offering a window into the cinematic icons of the 1930s. Produced in 1939 by Stephen Mitchell & Son, the collection consists of 25 cards that vividly and colorfully depict the stars of the big screen, such as Claudette Colbert in “Cleopatra” or Errol Flynn in “The Adventures of Robin Hood,” capturing the elegance and charm of that era. Each card measures approximately 3.49 cm x 6.67 cm and features an illustration with white borders and identifying text at the top and bottom. The back of each card contains a description providing context and information about the figure, the celebrity, and the historical film represented. These cards were not just simple collectibles but also effective promotional tools that reflected popular culture and the impact of cinema on the collective imagination. Today, they are considered precious fragments of history, both cinematic and advertising, and are highly sought after by collectors for their aesthetics and historical significance.

MODERN MOVIE STARS & CINEMA CELEBRITIES

1934

The "Modern Movie Stars & Cinema Celebrities" cigarette card series was issued by Teofani & Co. Ltd. in 1934 in England. These collectible cards were distributed as inserts in cigarette packs and are in black and white. Each card measures approximately 3.97 cm x 6.51 cm, and the series comprises a total of 48 unnumbered cards. This series is particularly interesting because it also exists in other versions, all of which are brown, whereas the Teofani cards are black and white. The other versions include those issued by Louis Gerard, Premier, and Hill, with titles such as "Screen Favourites and Dancers," "Eminent Stage & Screen Personalities," and "Film Stars & Celebrity Dancers." The cards feature some of the greatest movie stars of the 1930s, such as Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford, Jean Harlow, and many others. In addition to famous actresses, the series also includes some dancers from that period, offering a fascinating glimpse into the celebrities and dance talents of the era.

FILM ACTORS AND ACTRESSES

1936

This is a series of 12 cards from Teofani & Co Ltd, a company founded in 1880 in London that became famous for the high quality of the Turkish tobacco used for its cigarettes. Printed in 1936, these cards are in black and white, measure about 3.2 cm x 5.7 cm and depict some of the most famous movie actors and actresses of the time, such as Greta Garbo, Maurice Chevalier and Joan Crawford. The cards are unnumbered and have no printing on the back, which makes them more rare and sought after by collectors. This series was also issued in France by M. V. Albert, a French cigarette company, but the French cards are printed on the back and are slightly different in size and paper quality. The images on the cards are the same in both series, and show the smiling and charming faces of the cinema stars of the 30s. This series is a piece of cinema and popular culture history, and deserves to be admired and appreciated.

CINEMA STARS

1933

The "Cinema Stars" series from 1933, produced by the United Kingdom Tobacco Company Ltd., is a collection of 32 cards featuring some of the greatest movie stars of the time. These cards were very popular among collectors and offered a way to connect with film celebrities through detailed and well-crafted images. The "Cinema Stars" cards feature portraits of famous actors and actresses, capturing the essence of Hollywood and British cinema stars of the 1930s. Each card measures approximately 3.5 cm x 6.7 cm and includes a brief description on the back, providing interesting information about the careers and achievements of the stars depicted. This series is particularly appreciated for the quality of the images and the selection of celebrities, which includes iconic names such as Marlene Dietrich, Kay Francis, Phillips Holmes, Sylvia Sidney, Sally Eilers, Joan Bennett, Joel McCrea, Katharine Hepburn, Fredric March, Clark Gable, Bette Davis, Ronald Colman, Constance Bennett, Johnnie Weissmuller, Karen Morley, Mary Carlisle, Madge Evans, Peggy Shannon, Elissa Landi, Janet Gaynor, Herbert Marshall, Jean Harlow, Robert Montgomery, George Raft, Sally Blane, Dolores Del Rio, Sari Maritza, Warner Baxter, Boots Mallory, Charles Farrell, Lilian Harvey, and Carole Lombard. The cards were distributed as inserts in cigarette packs and were also issued by Abdulla and Godfrey Phillips with some minor differences. Abdulla's versions were brown and semi-glossy, Phillips' versions were hand-colored on a brown background and matte, while the United Kingdom Tobacco versions were sepia and matte. This collection not only celebrates movie stars but also offers a fascinating glimpse into the popular culture and fashion of the time. Each card is a window into the past, allowing collectors to explore the evolution of film celebrities and their impact on society

BRITISH FILM STARS

1934

The “British Film Stars” cigarette cards from 1934 represent a fascinating fragment of history, offering a unique glimpse into British cinema of the era through their monochromatic images. Each card, measuring approximately 3.49 cm x 6.67 cm, is a precious piece of history that captures the essence and unmistakable style of the cinematic icons of that time. The choice of black and white enhances the intensity of the actors’ expressions, focusing attention on the details of their faces and their stage presence. These cards are not just collectibles but celebrate the beauty and art of black-and-white photography, serving as a testament to a period when the value of an image was determined by its ability to tell a story and evoke emotions. The “British Film Stars” series was the only cinema-themed set produced by W.A. & A.C. Churchman, a company known for its sports-themed card series, making these cards even more special for collectors and film historians. The decision to dedicate a series to British film stars underscores the importance and popularity that cinema had achieved at that time, earning a place of honor among cigarette card collections. This unique series reflects the charm and influence that the world of cinema exerted on society at the time, and their exclusivity as Churchman’s only cinematic series transforms them into a sought-after and appreciated relic. Collecting these cards means owning a piece of cinema and photography history; each card is a window into a world of glamour and charm, where every frame told a story and every actor was an icon. For collectors, these cards are tangible connections to an era of innovation and discovery, an era that laid the foundations for the film industry we know today. The “British Film Stars” cards from 1934 are a perfect example of how material culture can influence and preserve our understanding of history. Through their simplicity and beauty, these cards continue to inspire and enchant, demonstrating that true art does not need vibrant colors to be memorable and meaningful. They are a reminder of an era when cinema was just beginning to explore its potential and how, even today, we can appreciate those early steps through these small but significant pieces of paper.

ACTRESSES (PURPLE-BROWN-RED)

1908

This series from 1908, printed by W.D. & H.O. Wills, consists of thirty collectible cards depicting very popular actresses at that time. The cards have an almost sepia tone with purple and brown shades and show all close-ups where you can see the faces of the actresses and the accessories that were fashionable in the early 1900s. Among the actresses depicted, there are: Emmy Wehlen, a German singer and actress who starred in numerous musicals and operettas; Viola Allen, a famous American stage actress who played classical and modern roles; Violet Graham, a young English actress who debuted on Broadway in 1907; Gaby Deslys, a famous French dancer and actress who had a relationship with the king of Portugal. These and many other actresses were the stars of silent cinema, an art that developed between the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The collectible cards were a way to spread their images and fame among the public, as well as an incentive for smokers to buy the products of W.D. & H.O. Wills, one of the largest British tobacco companies. This series is a small piece of history of silent cinema, a valuable testimony that has been preserved thanks to collecting and enthusiasts of cinema or cigarette cards. To see the complete series click on more information, or on the symbol immediately below the year of the series.

ACTRESSES (ORANGE SURROUND)

1916

Wills' 1916 "Actresses Orange Surround" series is a series of 30 trading cards depicting famous actresses of the era with a very soft orange background, a mauve version also existed. The cards were inserted into Scissors cigarette packs, one of Wills' most famous brands. The actresses were chosen from among the most popular of British cinema of that era, such as Iris Hoey, Gertie Millar, Ellaline Terriss, Gabrielle Ray and Fay Compton. The cards are small, approximately 3.5 x 6.5 cm, and bear the name of the actress under the photograph, while the card number is indicated on the back under the drawing of the cigarette pack. This series is one of many Wills has dedicated to female beauties over the years. To see the complete series, click on further information, or on the symbol immediately below the year of the series.

CINEMA STARS (SCISSORS)

1916

Among the many series of cigarette cards produced over the years, one of the most interesting and fascinating is the one entitled CINEMA STARS (SCISSORS), made in 1916 by W.D. & H.O. Wills Ltd., one of the oldest and most important British tobacco companies. This series consisted of 25 cards that portrayed the stars of silent cinema, both British and American, who were very popular and admired by the public at the time. The cards were intended to promote the brand of Scissors cigarettes, which was characterized by the scissors cut of the tobacco leaves, hence the name. Each card measured about 3.7 x 6.4 cm and had a red border with an ornamental design and a movie camera at the bottom, to symbolize the theme of the series. On the back there was the title of the series, the logo of the Scissors cigarettes and the progressive number of the card. The CINEMA STARS (SCISSORS) series offers a glimpse into the history of silent cinema, which in those years was experiencing its golden age, before the advent of sound. The cards depict some of the most famous and talented actresses and actors of the time, who helped to define the language and style of cinema, both in terms of acting and directing. Among the stars featured in the series, we can mention Ethel Barrymore, one of the greatest American theatrical and film actresses, who won an Oscar in 1944 for the film The Forbidden Door; Mary Miles Minter, one of the first stars of silent cinema, who had a short but intense career, marked by the scandal of the murder of director William Desmond Taylor; Florence La Badie, one of the first female stars of the Thanhouser Company, one of the most important independent production companies of silent cinema, who died tragically in a car accident in 1917; and the Fairbanks twins, Marion and Madeline, who were the younger sisters of Douglas Fairbanks, one of the greatest actors and producers of silent and sound cinema, known especially for his adventure films. These cards are highly sought after by collectors of film memorabilia and have a historical and artistic value. They represent not only a testimony of the culture and society of an era, but also a source of inspiration and charm for cinema lovers. The CINEMA STARS (SCISSORS) cigarette cards are true works of art in miniature, which deserve to be known and appreciated.

STAGE AND FILM STARS

1926

The “Stage and Film Stars” series from 1926, printed by W.D. & H.O. Wills, is a treasure trove of memorabilia that encapsulates the spirit and glamour of the cinema icons of that period. Each card, measuring approximately 3.65 cm x 6.19 cm, is a small masterpiece featuring a color portrait of a celebrity, paired with an intriguing advertisement for Four Aces cigarettes on the back, reflecting the art of promotion and the culture of collecting. These cards, designed to increase the popularity of Four Aces cigarettes, have gained invaluable status as collectible items. The representations are rich in life and detail, capturing the essence of the personalities that dominated the cultural scene of the 1920s. Legendary figures such as Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, Harold Lloyd, and Rudolph Valentino are immortalized in this series, making it a true visual archive of the era. These are not just simple cards, but true witnesses of an era, vivid examples of how popular culture and marketing intertwined with the aura of celebrities. These cards are appreciated not only by cinema and theater history enthusiasts but also by those who recognize their broader cultural significance. The artistic beauty and nostalgic appeal of these cards continue to fascinate collectors and admirers, offering a glimpse back in time to an era when stars shone brightly both on stage and screen, and their image was skillfully used to capture the public’s attention and promote consumer products. Ultimately, the “Stage and Film Stars” series is a bridge between past and present, an invitation to reflect on how images and icons influence our perception and consumption, blending art, history, and commerce in a single, fascinating journey through time.

CINEMA STARS 1st SERIES

1928

This beautiful series of cigarette cards consists of 25 drawn portraits and is enchanting, so much so that a second one came out in the same year. Both series were very successful and many copies were printed, which makes them quite common and not a rarity. This is a collection of postcards that portray some of the greatest actors and actresses of silent and sound cinema, who made the history of the big screen with their memorable performances, their charisma and their talent. With these postcards you can learn more about the lives and careers of these stars. You can admire the beauty of Renee Adoree, the Frenchwoman who died young of tuberculosis; the adventure of William Boyd, the cowboy who became Hopalong Cassidy; the charm of Lew Cody, the seducer who married Mabel Normand; the sweetness of Dolores Costello, John Barrymore’s first wife and mother of John Drew Barrymore; the versatility of Bebe Daniels, the star of silent and sound cinema who was also a singer and radio host; the skill of Marguerite de la Motte, one of the first female stars of adventure cinema; the passion of John Gilbert, Greta Garbo’s romantic partner in many films; the legend of Lillian Gish, D.W. Griffith’s muse and one of the first divas of silent cinema; the comedy of Harold Lloyd and the refinement of Claire Windsor, the elegant and refined blonde. With these postcards you can immerse yourself in the magical world of cinema in the 20s and 30s, discover the stories and emotions that made millions of viewers dream. To see the complete series click on further information, or on the symbol immediately below the year of the series

CINEMA STARS 2nd SERIES

1928

This is the second CINEMA STARS series, produced in 1928. Like the first, it consists of 25 cards designed with great care, which represent the portraits of actors and actresses of the caliber of Clara Bow, the sensual and lively "It girl" of cinema mute; Henry Edwards, a British actor and director who worked in both Europe and America; Leatrice Joy, one of Paramount's divas, known for her roles in sophisticated dramas and comedies; Antonio Moreno, a charming Spanish actor who played alongside great stars such as Greta Garbo and Pola Negri; Pola Negri, the Polish actress who conquered Hollywood with her interpretations of femme fatale and tragedienne; and Norma Talmadge, one of the most popular and paid silent film actresses, famous for her romantic melodramas. What to say more? We let the images speak. To see the complete series, click on the symbol just below the year or on the wording "more information".

CINEMA STARS 3rd SERIES

1931

The "Cinema Stars Series 3" by Wills Cigarette Cards from 1931 is a historical treasure that pays tribute to the luminaries of the silver screen of that era. This collection, consisting of 50 cards, each measuring approximately 1.37 inches by 2.63 inches, features black and white portraits of legendary actors and iconic scenes from cinema, enriched with detailed descriptions on the back. Among the most notable cards are: - Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse: This piece is extremely valuable to collectors, being one of the earliest representations of Disney and his beloved character, Mickey Mouse, in a cigarette card series. - Laurel & Hardy: The famous comedic duo is immortalized in this series, capturing the essence of their humor and their impact on cinematic art. - Buster Keaton: Known for his breathtaking stunts and distinctive comedic style, Keaton is another giant of cinema represented in this collection. Each card is a window to the past, offering a nostalgic journey through the history of cinema and representing a precious piece of memorabilia for cigarette card collecting enthusiasts. In particular, the card of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse is considered a gem of the series, symbolizing Disney's immense impact and enduring influence in the entertainment universe. This series is not only a tribute to the pioneers of cinema but also an invitation to reflect on the evolution of the film industry and how these stars have shaped the collective imagination and entertained generations of viewers.

CINEMA STARS

1924

In the heart of the 1920s, an era defined by fervor and innovation, Sandorides created a series of cigarette cards that captured the essence of silent cinema, a medium that enchanted and entertained the masses before the advent of sound. These cards, which completed the set known as “Cinema Stars,” were included in larger packs of “BIG GUN CIGARETTES” and became a cultural phenomenon, offering cinema enthusiasts a tangible immersion into the aura of the celebrities of the time. Each card is a tribute to a silent film star, an homage to the actresses who, with their stage presence and talent, shaped the film industry. The “Cinema Stars” collection comprised 25 pieces, each meticulously designed to reflect the grandeur and unique style of each actress. Mary Pickford, known as “America’s Sweetheart,” was immortalized in these cards, celebrated for her ability to capture hearts with her sweetness and natural talent. Norma Talmadge, another prominent figure in the series, was recognized for her versatility and popularity, making her one of the most beloved actresses of her time. Clara Kimball Young brought timeless beauty and charisma to the screen, while Mabel Normand introduced a new dimension to cinematic comedy, becoming one of the first great comediennes of the big screen. These cards were not just simple images but represented a piece of history, distributed with various Sandorides products, such as “Big Gun” and “Lucana” cigarettes, making them a precious and accessible asset to a wide audience. The series was known by different names depending on where they were distributed; “Cinema Celebrities” in England and “Cinema Stars” elsewhere. The sizes of the cards varied, with the small ones measuring 3.97 cm x 6.51 cm and the large ones 9.21 cm x 13.49 cm, offering enthusiasts the option to choose based on their collecting preferences. The “Cinema Celebrities” branded “Lucana 66” were distributed only in England, while those titled “Cinema Stars” were exported to other countries and featured different inscriptions on the back, such as “Issued with Lucana Cigarettes” or “Issued with Big Gun Cigarettes.” Interestingly, the well-known British cigarette company Teofani also printed the series under the name Cinema Stars for its “Three Star Magnums” brand in the same year. Collecting the “Cinema Stars” was not just a hobby but a way to connect with a bygone era, to own a fragment of the golden age of silent cinema. Each card tells a story, not only of the depicted character but also of the historical and cultural period in which it was created. For enthusiasts, these cards represent a journey through time, a return to those days of glamour and innovation when cinema was a window to unknown worlds and untold stories. In conclusion, the “Cinema Stars” series by Sandorides is more than just a collection of cigarette cards; it is a visual archive that documents the evolution of cinema and celebrates the women who helped define an artistic era. It is an invitation to explore, remember, and celebrate the heritage of silent cinema, an era that laid the foundations for the film industry we know today. For collectors and enthusiasts, these cards are an invaluable treasure, a bridge between the past and the present, continuing to inspire and amaze.

Series

A. & M. WIX

FILM FAVOURITES 3rd Series

CAVALCADE CINEMA

CINEMA CAVALCADE VOLUME II

ABDULLA & Co. Ltd.

CINEMA STARS (32 CARDS)

SCREEN STARS

ARDATH TOBACCO

BRITISH BORN FILM STARS

FAMOUS FILM STARS

FILM, INTERNSHIP AND RADIO STARS

FILM. STAGE & RADIO STARS (EL)

FROM SCREEN and STAGE

WHO IS THIS?

PHOTOCARDS (Large) (J)

PHOTOCARDS (K)

PHOTOCARDS (L)

PHOTOCARDS (M)

PHOTOCARDS (N)

STUDY ROOM

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO

(BAT)

ACTRESSES (PURPLE-BROWN)

WORLD FAMOUS CINEMA ARTISTES

CINEMA CELEBRITIES (C)

MODERN BEAUTIES THIRD SERIES

B. MORRIS & SONS LTD.

ACTRESSES (B)

HOW FILMS ARE MADE

BUCKTROUT & CO. LTD.

CINEMA STARS (OMBI)

CARRERAS LTD

CHRISTIE COMEDY GIRLS

ALICE IN WONDERLAND

FILM STARS by FLORENCE DESMOND

FILM STARS

FILM STARS SECOND SERIES

FAVORITE MOVIES

GLAMOR GIRLS of STAGE AND FILMS

FILM & STAGE BEAUTIES

FILM & STAGE BEAUTIES (LARGE)

FAMOUS FILM STARS "TURF" CIGARETTES

CAVANDERS LTD

CINEMA STARS

EDWARDS RINGER & BIGG

CINEMA STARS

CINEMA STARS (L)

GALLAHER LTD

CINEMA STARS

GODFREY PHILLIPS LTD

PERSONALITIES OF TO-DAY

STARS of the SCREEN

CHARACTERS COME TO LIFE

J.A. PATTREIOUEX LTD.

SHOTS FROM THE FILM

J. WIX & SONS Ltd.

LOVE SCENES FROM FAMOUS FILMS

JOHN PLAYER & SONS

PAST & PRESENT

FILM STARS LARGE (SILVER)

MARCOVITCH & Co.

BEAUTIES

NICOLAS SARONY & Co.

CINEMA STUDIES

OGDEN'S

SHOTS FROM THE FILM

PETER JACKSON

SHOTS FROM THE FILM

R. & J. HILL

WHO'S WHO IN BRITISH FILMS

MUSIC HALL CELEBRITIES PAST & PRESENT

FAMOUS FILM STARS

FAMOUS FILM STARS (FACE) ARABIC TXT

FAMOUS FILM STARS (BODY) ARABIC TXT

ROTHMANS ltd

CINEMA STARS

CINEMA STARS (LARGE)

PROMINENT SCREEN FAVOURITES

BEAUTY OF THE CINEMA