Interesting RKO daybill

John

There are a couple of reasons why I find this an interesting RKO daybill (nothing to do with Sonja Henie!). It would be good to hear what others think about why it is of interest.

theartofmovieposters

What's going on along the left edge?  Badly cut different poster?

Logo?

John

Yes, on both counts. I think many people have always assumed that the same daybills were printed three to a sheet but there is some evidence that three different daybills were often printed on a single sheet. This daybill shows that another entirely different poster was cut from the same sheet.

The logo is an interesting one also. Lawrence might have more information about it.

HONDO

International Pictures was formed in 1943 and released seven films between 1944 and 1946 through RKO Radio. In 1946 International Pictures merged with Universal Pictures and then became Universal International. International's eight and final film Temptation was released by Universal International in 1946. The seven films produced by International and released by RKO Radio between 1944 and 1946 were,

Casanova Brown.

The Woman In The Window.

Belle Of The Yukon.

It's a Pleasure.

Along Came Jones.

Tomorrow Is Forever.

The Stranger.

The confusing thing is that on the daybills printed for these titles, although the usual ''Distributed by RKO Radio Pictures( A'sia ) Pty. Ltd.'' appears along the bottom, the usual RKO logo is mainly missing off the posters and replaced by the International Pictures logo. The Australian one sheets are a little different though looking at the few I have located.

I will list all the details on the titles shorty, regarding the logos and other details and also some details on some of the titles re-released by United Artists.

David

John said:

I think many people have always assumed that the same daybills were printed three to a sheet but there is some evidence that three different daybills were often printed on a single sheet. 

I think it is reasonable to continue to assume this, but I can see how it is possible when it came down to economics that multiple titles were printed on one sheet, after all movie poster printing wasn't what kept printers financial and so definitely firing up the press for a run of 200 of just the one title or so would not be worth it at all. So for small runs perhaps?

Or perhaps it was just Simmons?

But that said, the reality is probably 'we will never know' because white bordered posters present no issues but an RKO with its full bleed is definitely going to show up poor trimming and it looks like the whole batch of 'It's A Pleasure' were cut poorly as is evidenced by the one Bruce sold in 2005, and it's the same poster that was sitting alongside (one can see enough to match).

It's A Pleasure (1945) Daybill




But it does look like the guillotine operator at Simmons was either new or may not have lasted long...here's an example from the same year from the same printer:

China Sky (1945) Daybill





Which only leaves the question, what's the title printed alongside It's A Pleasure? We know it's a Simmons and printed in or about 1945...

Eisenhower

Interesting info, John & others. Makes me realize my Return if the Jedi is not so much abnormal....beautiful artwork of course...

i wonder...if any of those full, 3 daybills sheets exist?
now that would be a sweet find!...  :how_interesting:

HONDO

HONDO said:

International Pictures was formed in 1943 and released seven films between 1944 and 1946 through RKO Radio. In 1946 International Pictures merged with Universal Pictures and then became Universal International. International's eight and final film Temptation was released by Universal International in 1946. The seven films produced by International and released by RKO Radio between 1944 and 1946 were,

Casanova Brown.

The Woman In The Window.

Belle Of The Yukon.

It's a Pleasure. international pictures logo only.

Along Came Jones.

Tomorrow Is Forever.

The Stranger.

The confusing thing is that on the daybills printed for these titles, although the usual ''Distributed by RKO Radio Pictures( A'sia ) Pty. Ltd.'' appears along the bottom, the usual RKO logo is mainly missing off the posters and replaced by the International Pictures logo. The Australian one sheets are a little different though looking at the few I have located.

I will list all the details on the titles shorty, regarding the logos and other details and also some details on some of the titles re-released by United Artists.

Logo identification on the daybill and one sheets that I have sighted are as follows.

DAYBILLS

Casanova Brown. No original poster sighted to comment on.

The Woman In The Window. International Pictures logo only.

Belle Of The Yukon. Both International Pictures and the RKO Radio logos featured.

It's A Pleasure. International Pictures logo only.

Along Came Jones. International Pictures logo only.

Tomorrow is Forever. RKO Radio logo only. International Pictures Presents wording at top of poster and An International Pictures line at bottom of the poster. 

The Stranger. No original poster sighted to comment on.

As previously mentioned the wording Distributed by RKO Radio Pictures ( A'sia ) Pty.Ltd. appears along the bottom of all the daybill posters. 

At least three of the above titles had very early re-releases by United Artists in the 1940's when ownership film rights changed hands. Casanova Brown. The Woman In The Window and Tomorrow Is Forever United Artists daybills I have seen.

ONE SHEETS

The only three titles I have managed to sight are the following.

The Woman In The Window. International Pictures logo appears on the poster, but interestingly no mention of RKO Radio Pictures appears in any shape or form.

Tomorrow Is Forever. International Pictures logo. Released by RKO Radio Pictures Inc. wording in small print at bottom of poster only 

The Stranger. RKO Radio logo only. International Pictures Presents and also An International Picture wording appears on the poster though.

Bruce

Great info, Lawrence!