RARE METROPOLIS POSTCARDS

Most would agree that Fritz Lang's METROPOLIS is the most visually stunning science-fiction film of the silent era and indeed, one of the best ever made. Despite its criticism for being "overly-long", "trite", "ludicrously simplistic" and "silly" (this from H.G. Wells himself), it has remained as one of the most revered in the canon of German expressionistic films.

The film was heavily promoted before its first run in January 1927. One of the promotional items was a set of post cards with images from the film and its stars. The 12-card set is now considered rare and the collection in average grade is valued at $1,000.

Shown here are all 12 cards and an autographed "star card" of Brigitte Helm, considered quite rare by itself.

Post card back.

Brigitte Helm autographed card.

WHEN KARLOFF MET LANG

"Karloff could not have exemplified an American gangster better had he been holding a hot dog in his hand."

- Samuel A. Peeples, Screenwriter

It's not often you read about a group of Hollywood sci-fi and horror luminaries that gather for a dinner and chew the fat other than what's on their plate. Scriptwriter Samuel A. Peeples was invited by friend Robert Bloch to his house for a meal with a few other well-known folks. Peeples was no slouch himself; he had written western novels, then turned to writing television scripts for shows like STAR TREK (where he coined the phrase, "Where no man has gone before"), THE GIRL FROM U.N.C.L.E. and THE RIFLEMAN. Besides Bloch and Peeples, Boris Karloff was there, and so was Forrest J Ackerman. Unbeknownst to him, another guest showed up with a director's pedigree that went back to silent films -- Fritz Lang.

After their repast, they sat around chatting. The going got a little tough, however, when Lang began to voice his opinions, mostly directed at American films, which he thought were vastly inferior to British and European films. Karloff jumped into the fray, but FJA was either silent or didn't have anything provocative to say because he's not mentioned in the discussion. In any event, it turned out to be an interesting evening for all.

Peeples humorously wrote about this encounter for FILMS IN REVIEW (August-September, 1968).

RARE METROPOLIS MAGAZINE

Despite critical reviews upon its release, Fritz Lang's METROPOLIS (UFA, 1927) stands as one of the most influential science-fiction films of all time. The ambitious project utilized some magnificent sets and special effects that are still respected by filmmakers today, and Maria, the Maschinenmensch robot will forever be a visual icon of imaginative movie-making.

Now considered rare, a promotional "programme" was printed by the film's distributors, Wardour Films Ltd. when METROPOLIS premiered at London's Marble Arch Pavilion on 21 March 1927.

A copy of the German-language edition of this magazine is currently up for pre-auction preview at Heritage Auctions, Dallas, TX, and is expected to earn $800 - $1,600.