1950 Batman & Robin Matinee Serial Coloring Contest Form
The huge popularity of Batman during the 1940's prompted his first appearance on film as a continuing set of 15 serial episodes. The series was rerun in its entirety in the late 1940's - early 1950's. An illustrated coloring contest sponsored by Marboro Theater was used to promote attendance by giving away 100 free passes "if your chart [was] selected. The theater was located presumably in New York City at Bay Parkway and 69th Street. This promotional handbill was never colored in or used! The front has a classic 40's comic illustration of Batman and Robin with the serial logo just above them. Advertisements announcing the "scoop of the year", theater where it was going to be shown, show times, instructions ("color this sketch"), and that 100 passes free if your chart is selected were all printed on the front. A small area for filling in your name, address, age, and certifying that you colored it yourself was printed in the lower left corner. The form was folded horizontally three times. It's interesting to note that the 15 episodes were not shown consecutively, but over two successive weekends; 8 on Saturday and Sunday matinees May 21 & 22. The remaining 7 were shown the following weekend, May 28 & 29. The top half of the back of the form, although originally blank, had the names of several 50's and 60's movies written in pencil in large capital letters. "Crack In The World" starring Dana Andrews (which is actually quite excellent), "Rio Bravo" starring John Wayne, "Hell Ship Mutiny" and "Invasion of The Animal People" starring ??? The date May 7th 1966 was also written along side. There is no listing for this coloring contest, or form in Hake's Guide to Pop Culture Memorabilia, 2008. Size: 8½" x 11". Sold: Jan. 2010
Price Sold: $ 108
