Tout l'or du monde

Nice: Gaumont-Palace, 1961. Vintage French program, and two invitations, for the 1961 film, here under the original French titles. The collection both predates and postdates November 1, 1961, generally considered the original release.

A small invitation "for two" doubles as a folding RSVP, for the October 17 showing at the Cyrano theatre in Villeneuve-sur-Lot, a Southwest France commune with the Lot River running through the middle. The invitee's RSVP is unsigned. The two remaining pieces are from a slightly later November 15, 1961, showing at the Gaumont-Palace in Nice, in the Southeast of France, the Riviera. A folding invitation stamped in blind with the theatre's coat of arms, credits the president of the Societe Nouvelle des Etablissements Gaumont, Jean Le Duc, suggests formal wear, and the invitee has inscribed in manuscript blue ink, in French, "one chair." A large program accompanies, printed by Havas for the Gaumont-Palace showing details film credits and synopsis, greetings from the Gaumont, and advertisements for businesses in Nice. Formal programs often omitted still images from the film, like this example, opting for candor instead of promotion.

The film echoes director's Clair's early silent films, interweaving separate themes of comedy and fantasy, involving a well with supernatural powers that lengthens life expectancy.

Cyrano invitation 4 x 5.25 inches, Gaumont invitation 4 x 8.25 inches, the program 8.25 x 10.75 inches. Light rubbing and foxing overall, and a vertical crease to the Gaumont invitation, else Near Fine.

[Book #144105]