Vintage Movie Poster Collecting Glossary 

 

Vintage Movie Poster & Promotional Material Glossary

For collectors and enthusiasts of vintage movie posters, understanding the various formats and promotional materials used during the Golden Age of Hollywood (1920s–1960s) is essential. This glossary covers the most significant poster styles and related ephemera, including preservation techniques like linen backing.

Poster Styles

One-Sheet (27" x 41")
The most common U.S. movie poster size from the 1940s–1980s, originally issued folded. Modern one-sheets (post-1980s) measure 27” x 40” and are typically rolled.

Half-Sheet (22" x 28")
Printed on thicker cardstock, these were used for smaller theater displays and often featured alternate artwork from the one-sheet.

Insert (14" x 36")
A narrow poster printed on heavier stock, usually displayed in theater lobbies or smaller advertising spaces.

Lobby Card (11" x 14")
A set of small posters (typically eight per film) featuring key scenes or promotional stills, designed for theater lobby display.

Three-Sheet (41" x 81")
A larger format, usually printed in two or three sections and designed for high-impact advertising.

Six-Sheet (81" x 81")
A massive format used for outdoor displays or large promotional spaces.

Twenty-Four Sheet (9' x 20')
A billboard-size poster used for nationwide advertising campaigns.

Window Card (14" x 22")
Printed on thick cardstock with a blank space at the top for local theater information, designed for storefront displays.

Door Panel (20" x 60")
A tall, narrow poster used to decorate theater doors and promotional spaces.

Subway Poster (45" x 60")
Designed for urban transit advertising, these posters were printed in larger, more durable formats.

 

Promotional Materials

Heralds
Small, foldable pamphlets or flyers distributed before a film’s release to generate excitement. They often included cast information, plot details, and artwork.

Pressbooks
Comprehensive promotional booklets sent to theaters and the press, featuring ad slicks, poster ordering information, articles, and suggested promotional strategies.

Photoplay Editions
Movie tie-in books that included film stills and were often released alongside major motion pictures.

Studio Publicity Stills
High-quality black-and-white photographs sent to theaters and magazines to promote the film and its stars.

Exhibitor Manuals
Similar to pressbooks, these guides provided marketing strategies, event ideas, and promotional materials tailored for theater owners.

Ad Slicks
Pre-designed newspaper advertisements provided to local theaters to customize and print in local publications.

Glass Slides
Small, hand-painted or photographic slides projected in theaters before showings to advertise upcoming films.

International & Specialty Posters

Daybill (Australia) (13" x 30")
A vertical format poster unique to the Australian market, often folded.

British Quad (30" x 40")
A landscape-oriented poster size used in the UK, known for its distinctive artistic designs.

French Grande (47" x 63")
A large-format poster used in France, often featuring bold, original artwork.

Italian Locandina (13" x 27")
A smaller, elongated poster used for display in Italian cinemas.

Japanese B2 (20" x 28")
The standard Japanese movie poster, frequently featuring unique artwork and layouts.

German A1 (23" x 33")
A common poster size in Germany, often featuring minimalist design elements.

 

Preservation & Restoration

Linen-Backing
A professional conservation technique where a poster is mounted on linen or archival paper to enhance its durability, appearance, and preservation. Linen-backing helps smooth out fold lines, reinforce fragile paper, and prepare the poster for framing.  It also de-acifies the paper and hence signifantly reduces the paper deteriortion.

Restoration
The process of repairing damaged posters, including touch-ups to tears, creases, and color fading while maintaining the original integrity of the artwork.

This glossary serves as a valuable resource for collectors, buyers, and historians, helping them navigate the fascinating world of vintage movie posters and Hollywood memorabilia.