The Saphead (Metro, 1920). Fine/Very Fine on Linen. One Sheet (28" X 41.25").. ...

Description

The Saphead (Metro, 1920). Fine/Very Fine on Linen. One Sheet (28" X 41.25").
This family comedy, the feature film debut of silent film icon Buster Keaton, was not the first adaptation of Victor Mapes and Winchell Smith's The New Henrietta (which is itself an updated version of Bronson Howard's The Henrietta). The updated play had seen a successful stage run starring Douglas Fairbanks in 1913, who then reprised the role in The Lamb, a loose adaptation of the play that served as Fairbanks' first leading film role. Fairbanks did not seek to play the character he originated on stage in Metro's more faithful adaptation, but he suggested Keaton take on the role of a less-than-driven man seeking to impress his soon-to-be in-laws. A Heritage first, the one sheet offered likely for the first time at auction provides near photorealistic portraits of stars William H. Crane, Beulah Booker, and Carol Holloway with bright color and a very clean appearance. The poster has been professionally restored, addressing minor fold wear and separations with regular and/or color touchup in the actor's faces and the overlapping hands of Crane and Holloway, as well as in a few letters of the title and Keaton's credit. The borders have also been airbrushed to remedy light chipping and small fold separations.


Heritage Auctions provides as much information as possible but strongly encourages in-person inspection. Condition statements are offered as general guidance only, not as complete representations of fact, and do not constitute a warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted but may be visible in the photos, which are considered part of the condition report. Lots estimated at $1,000 or less are not de-framed for inspection, and we may be unable to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and is not liable for damage to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or artwork that has shifted in the frame. All lots are sold "AS IS" under our Terms & Conditions of Auction.