Bela Lugosi in Az Elet Szava (Magyar Szinhaz, 1911). Very Fine. Hungarian Theatre Poster Display (11.75" X 17.25" in 26" X 3...

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Bela Lugosi in Az Elet Szava (Magyar Szinhaz, 1911). Very Fine. Hungarian Theatre Poster Display (11.75" X 17.25" in 26" X 31" Frame)
Offered for the first time at Heritage, this is the earliest poster for horror icon Bela Lugosi we've ever encountered. He began acting in 1901 at age 18 under the name Arisztid Olt, performing in provincial theaters across Hungary before joining the National Theatre of Budapest. After fleeing Hungary in 1919 due to the fall of the short-lived Hungarian Soviet Republic, Lugosi spent a brief time in Germany, before moving to America in 1920. In 1927, he was cast as Count Dracula in the Broadway adaptation of Bram Stoker's novel, and the stage production by Hamilton Deane and John L. Balderston premiered at the Fulton Theatre in New York in October 1927, with Lugosi in the lead. It ran for 261 performances until May 1928. Presented here is a framed display featuring an original Hungarian poster surrounded by four real photo postcards with some showing Lugosi in costume. On the poster, Lugosi is billed as "Lugozi" in the part of Max. The actor was known to keep mementoes of his European acting career. Heritage has previously offered publicity photographs documenting this early theatrical work from Lugosi's own scrapbook. Though not confirmed, it seems likely that this 114 year-old poster was once a part of Lugosi's personal cache of career memorabilia. The poster has a small chip and a small piece of tape shows through from the verso. The rarity of this item goes without saying and if you're a fan of the Count, hurry up and sink your teeth into this great item.


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.

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