A poster of Charlie Chaplin’s classic movie The Kid is the top valued item at a major sale of movie posters. If estimates are met it could realise $120,000 at the sale, online now and due to close on May 25.
The poster is a 27.5 by 41 inch piece on linen and assessed as in “very fine” condition.
The Kid was released in 1921. It was written, produced, directed and edited by Chaplin. Its story of hope, love and laughter amid grinding poverty was reflective of Chaplin’s own background.
The depth it added to his Little Tramp character made him a global superstar.
The Kid poster is a great summary of this simple film’s emotional impact.
The poster beautifully captures that emotion.
It has been sold once before and is believed to be the only copy of this style, called The Embrace, for this film.
It is on sale with an estimate of $60,000 – $120,000.
A rare poster for the controversial, racist Birth of a Nation is the second highest valued item in the sale with an estimate of $40,000 to $80,000.
A 1962 Dr No poster could realise as much as $30,000.
Elsewhere classics like 1932’s Bride of Frankenstein ($20,000 to $40,000), King Kong ($20,000 – $40,000) and Citizen Kane ($30,000 – $40,000) show the appetite for Golden Age Hollywood posters.
Historically classic horror movie posters dominate lists of top valued sheets, but the silent German film Metropolis has the most valuable poster, realising $690,000 at auction.
