Sheet, Press - Alan Ladd, "Drum Beat"
Object number2013.005.12
Date1954
MediumPaper, Ink
Dimensions11 x 8 1/2 in. (27.9 x 21.6 cm)
Credit LineOld State House Museum Collection
DescriptionA press sheet for the movie "Drum Beat," starring Hot Springs, Arkansas native Alan Ladd.Alan Ladd was born September 3, 1913, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and lived in Arkansas until around the age of five. He was an actor who appeared in over 80 films and was one of the most recognizable celebrities of the 1940s and '50s. He starred in such films as "Two Years before the Mast," "The Blue Dahlia," and "The Great Gatsby." However, Ladd is perhaps best known for his role in the 1953 western movie "Shane." Ladd died on January 29, 1964.
Press books, also known as press campaign books, were intended to encourage cinema managers to promote the film. Each press book would contain information such as plot synopses, behind the scenes stories and photographs, stills from the film, and information concerning the availability of promotional aids. The “Golden Age” of the press book was from the 1920s to the late 1940s, a time when film-going was at its height and plenty of money was allocated for promotional tools.
The cover features an illustration of a red drum with a white head. A photograph of three men on horses is set within the drum head embelished by geometric patterns below white text stating "Nothing beats the excitement of Alan Ladd in Delmer Daves' 'Drum Beat'". "Drum Beat" was produced by Jaguar Productions.
Status
Not on view
