Description: Intimate Strangers (Original merchandising poster for the non-existent film, circa 1955) Author: Joseph Cossman (design); Jayne Mansfield (appropriated image) Title: Intimate Strangers (Original merchandising poster for the non-existent film, circa 1955) Publication: Los Angeles: Joseph Cossman, Circa 1955 Description: Original merchandising poster for a non-existent film, circa 1955, created by entrepreneur Joseph Cossman for no other purpose than to sell the poster via mail order to individuals who wished to live in a world where they co-starred with Jayne Mansfield as their romantic female lead. In this case, the lucky man was Ernie Cisney. The poster was printed first as a four-color poster lacking the name of the co-star below Jayne Mansfield's, and when the orders came rolling in the purchasing party's name would be added. Apart from the names of Cossman (apparently the inventor of "Cosmo-Color") and Mansfield—along with a wild appropriation of the Fawcett Gold Medal logo at the top right corner—none of the names on the poster represent real persons in the film industry. Cossman was a mail-order magnate, responsible for the invention and marketing of such memorable 1950s products as the Spud Gun and the Ant Farm, marketed entirely through comic books, newspapers, and magazines. The poster here represents an attempt on Cossman's part to sell posters as inventions rather than an advertisement of an actual film. Though it no doubt never crossed Crossman's mind, a fascinating early example of meta-advertising. Research has produced two other examples of the poster (images only) with the same design but different fictional names, this being the only actual example of the poster we have handled or seen. 17.5 x 28 inches. Folded, with a few pinholes at the corners, a couple of short separations at the folds, and a tiny chip at one corner. Very Good overall. Seller ID: 137035 Subject: Actors, Film Posters Royal Books Baltimore, MD Royal Books is located in the midtown area of Baltimore, Maryland. Since 1996, we have specialized in rare books and paper relating to twentieth century literature, genre fiction, the arts, and popular culture, with a particular emphasis on cinema. Terms of Sale All books noted as First Editions are also First Printings unless indicated otherwise. All items are guaranteed to be as described, and may be returned at any time for any reason for a full refund, including return postage if not as described. Shipping & International Customers Shipping within the US is free by USPS Media Mail. Please ask us about faster options and international shipping rates BEFORE placing an order. We are happy to upgrade shipping to Priority Mail or to arrange overseas shipping to many foreign countries upon request. If you are outside the US, and would like a quote for shipping prior to making payment, please go ahead and place your order, but do NOT pay for it. We will send a quote immediately for cheapest shipping (typically First Class). If you would like something other than cheapest shipping, let us know by way of an inquiry.This listing was created by Bibliopolis.
Price: 275 USD
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
End Time: 2025-01-10T18:27:43.000Z
Shipping Cost: 5 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Return policy details:
Author: Joseph Cossman (design); Jayne Mansfield (appropriated image
Publisher: Joseph Cossman
Year Printed: 1955
Language: English
