From Zombos' Closet

Tales of Terror (1962) Pressbook

Another exemplary American International pressbook, this time for Tales of Terror. Lots of tie-in promotions with a Dell comic book, Famous Monsters of Filmland ("a popular magazine which is carried by your local newstands and in drug store magazine racks"), a caricature for print media, a paperback book, a bookmark (gee, remember those?) and a contest coloring page. Richard Matheson adapts Poe's stories for screen and Roger Corman directs. With a few exceptions in recent memory, when was the last time a horror movie starred "name" actors like Rathbone, Price, and Lorre? 

(Here's the comic book reader version:  Download Tales of Terror Pressbook)

House of Usher (1960) Pressbook

American International's over-sized pressbook for House of Usher sells the Price, Poe, and terror quite well. And! There's a coloring page! What better way to promote horror than with a coloring page and crayons! Sadly, they didn't make the poster art the coloring page. Pity. Try getting those flesh tones right on the screaming woman in the coffin. Here's the comic book reader version:  Download House of Usher Pressbook. Tattered gown white and morbid crimson would be hard to find in the crayon box, too.

Comedy of Terrors (1963) Pressbook

The Comedy of Terrors pressbook is filled with promotion: articles on the notable cast, lots of ballyhoo, and suitably black-humored illustrations. There's even an exclusive caricature and an interview record to hype the movie.  Here's the comic book reader version:  Download Comedy of Terrors Pressbook

Blackhawk (1952) Mexican Lobby Card

Here's the Mexican lobby card for the Columbia serial, Blackhawk: Fearless Champion of Freedom. Kirk Alyn, who also played the first screen Superman, stars in this 15 episode actioner.

Captain Video Master of the Stratosphere (1951) Mexican Lobby Card

Two things come to mind every time I see this Mexican lobby card for Captain Video, Master of the Stratosphere serial: The Honeymooners episode where Ralph and Norton attempt to share a television set, and THAT ray gun he's holding. I must have that ray gun!

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971) Pressbook

Can't you just smell the chocolate? You don't need a golden ticket to read the Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory pressbook from Zombos' Closet. Here it is for your scrumdidilyumptious pleasure. Just don't let Slugworth get a hold of it. What this original movie has over its highly creative remake is more mystery. Not knowing Willy Wonka's backstory, he's more mysterious, more magical, and more sublime. Too many remakes mistake the flash of CGI and the unnecessary origin story as must haves, when they aren't needed for the story proper. ( Download Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory Pressbook)

Willy Wonka (1971) Movie Herald

Here's the movie herald that came with the pressbook for Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. I like both the original and the remake, but there's just something a little more special about the original. I think leaving the mystery of Willy Wonka intact is why. 

The Premature Burial (1962) Pressbook

Ray Milland, Hazel Court, and directed by Roger Corman: what's not to love? Here's the comic book reader version:  Download Premature Burial Pressbook

Sands of the Kalahari (1965) Pressbook

An exciting pressbook for an action adventure movie, the poster art for Sands of the Kalahari is vibrant and filled with drama and menace. And just look at that ballyhoo for the movie theater! Here's the comic reader version:  Download Sands of Kalahari Pressbook

Fear No Evil (1981) Pressbook

A very uneven movie coming from the writer/director of a very endearing one that came later: Lady in White, 1988. Here's the comic reader version:  Download Fear No Evil Pressbook

The Warriors (1979) Pressbook

A powerful cult movie that simmers with 1970s angst. Here's the Handbook of Production Information on it:  Download Warriors Presskit. And here's the comic book reader version of the pressbook:  Download The Warriors Pressbook. Note the variety of ad mats for newspaper promotion.

The Lone Ranger And the Lost City of Gold British Pressbook

Here's the British pressbook for the Lost City of Gold (1958) with the Lone Ranger. Mind you, this is the real deal, not the buffoonish misfire starring Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer. Here's the comic book reader version for you hombres and hombrettes:  Download Lone Ranger British Pressbook