Metropolis (Paramount, 1927). Very Fine. Lobby Card (11" X 14").. ...

Description

Metropolis (Paramount, 1927). Very Fine. Lobby Card (11" X 14").
By the time of this science fiction/fantasy epic's release, UFA had become the foremost film studio in Germany, and held immense power in the production and distribution of films throughout much of central and eastern Europe. But just prior to the production of Metropolis, the studio was in financial trouble after spending exorbitant amounts on a number of lavish productions, including two previous Fritz Lang epics, Dr. Mabuse the Gambler and Die Nibelungen. Paramount and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer agreed to loan the studio $4 million, in return for UFA agreeing to distribute more of their films in Germany. This came to be known as the Parufamet agreement, and while it temporarily staved off further financial ruin for UFA it continued to spend money on films with massive budgets, including Metropolis, and once it was released, it quickly became a sensation, not only in Germany, but all over the world. The film found an especially large audience in the U.S., immensely influencing a number of then current top Hollywood filmmakers (and up-and-coming ones) with its Expressionistic style and collectivist socio-political commentary. It stands today as one of the greatest and most influential science fiction/fantasy films ever made, and it is one of the first movies ever to depict a bleak dystopian future for mankind. Many people consider Fritz Lang the finest movie director ever, and this movie is his masterpiece! Metropolis was one of the few films the U.S. imported from Germany under the Parufamet agreement, and campaign material from this release is incredibly scarce. Offered here in nearly pristine condition is a lobby card for the 1927 Paramount U.S. release of Fritz Lang's film, featuring in striking color a wonderful image of drone workers creeping up on Gustav Fröhlich's heroic Freder, which very much captures the tone of the entire movie, and it only has very faint smudging and staining in the bottom border.


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