The Stanley Caidin Collection - Stanley Caidin (1925-1990) was an accomplished Hollywood lawyer who graduated from Harvard Law School and formed his own law firm in 1951, specializing in business and entertainment law. His interest in the cinema was evident from childhood when he used to sneak into the Samuel Goldwyn Mayer lot, but little did he know at the time that some of his favourite stars, such as Marlene Dietrich, were to become his clients. Even though his interest in collecting movie posters did not start until the 1970s he managed to acquire one of the largest single owner collections of rare museum quality posters in a period of twelve years. Unlike most collections which concentrate on a particular star, artist or genre, the Caidin Collection is unique in that it contains posters concerning all genres of film from many different countries. It provides a comprehensive insight into filmaking history through its vast array of posters spanning seven decades from 1900-1976. 1900-1929 From the silent era many legends of the screen are represented such as Rudolph Valentino, Harold Lloyd, Mary Pickford and Charlie Chaplin as well as landmark films such as D.W. Griffith's cinematic masterpiece The Birth Of A Nation, 1915, (lot 4), which provokes controversy to this day. It enjoys the uneasy honour of being both a technically innovative film as well as one of the most explicitly racist films ever made. The U.S. poster in this collection is in near mint condition and one of only three known copies in existence. 1930-1939 Many regard this as the 'Golden Decade' of Hollywood. In Modern Times (lots 113 and 114), Charlie Chaplin made a definitive comic statement about the plight of Man in our century. It is a perfect example of the inventiveness for which he is best remembered. James Whale's Frankenstein, 1931, (lots 130-132), endures as a horror classic, a reflection of society's long standing fascination with the macabre and a trend-setter for films to come. The French poster for Frankenstein in this collection (lot 130) was purchased from Robert Florey's estate. Universal Studios had given it to him as proof that, unlike on the U.S. posters, he had been credited abroad for his written contributions. This is the only known copy in existence. Walt Disney's Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs, 1937, (lots 80 and 81) was the first full-length animation film; it took four years and $1.5 million to make, and remains one of the most enjoyable and successful films of all time. Gone With The Wind, 1939, (lots 151-156) is still the most highly attended film to date. It played continuously at cinemas for over a year and led the way to the Hollywood epic as we know it today. 1940-1949 Titles such as Double Indemnity, 1944, (Lot 195), and The Postman Always Rings Twice, 1946, (lots 200 and 201), are key films in the genre which has come to be known as 'Film Noir'. Casablanca, 1942, (lot 186), is regarded by many as the best Hollywood film of all time, winner of six Academy Awards including Best Film and Best Director. The extremely rare poster in this collection is one of the only U.S. posters that depicts all the principal cast. The Thief Of Bagdad, 1940, (lot 211), and The Red Shoes, 1948, (lot 213), are two of the most creative and timeless films produced in England. 1950-1959 This decade is best remembered for Rock 'N' Roll, and icons such as Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe. Jailhouse Rock, 1957, (lot 220), depicts Presley at the height of his popularity. The image of Monroe with her billowing skirt on the U.S. poster for The Seven Year Itch, 1955, (lot 218), has become the most famous image of the star. War Of The Worlds, 1953, (lot 238), and Forbidden Planet, 1956, (lot 240), are icons of the 1950s science-fiction genre. These are just a few examples from this collection, a collection which provides a unique opportunity for collectors to acquire these important historical pieces. From Hollywood To London The Caidin Family and Trustees chose Peter Langs to act as their agent and to select the best possible location and company for the auction of their collection. Originally, the family worked with Mr Langs while he headed the Intellectual Property Development of First Interstate Bank. Mr Langs, through his company IPMA (Intellectual Property Management Associates), advised the family and trustess to select Christie's South Kensington. Firstly because Christie's South Kensington led the field in movie poster auctions in Europe and secondly as it is located in London, a true international crossroads. It was felt that Great Britain, the cities of Europe and the rest of the world would be truly interested in having the chance to acquire part of a collection that was housed in Hollywood and never seen outside the United States. Through Mr Langs' work with the staff of Christie's South Kensington and Tony Nourmand, Christie's London based consultant for movie posters, the Caidin family hope to share with collectors everywhere the magic of movie posters. IMPA on behalf of The Caidin Family and Trustees 1900-1929.