“The Oscar” Lobby Cards

As the name implies, Lobby Cards (or “Front of House” Cards, as they are known in Britain), are sets of cards displayed in the lobby or exterior poster cases of theatres to advertise a given film. Traditionally, they were large (14" x 11") showing scenes from the film printed in black and white with (sometimes garish) color tints added. There usually was a graphic design or border prominent on the card, and they came in sets of eight. More recently, the large cards have been replaced by full color 10" x 8" photographs, with few extra design elements, and are referred to as mini lobby cards. They usually come in sets of eight or twelve. The marketing of “The Oscar” used both variations of the cards. Other countries’ cards vary in style, but serve the same purpose.

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