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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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".
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.