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.