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Santa Claus Conquers the Martians Lobby Card
Date1964
Mediumpaper (fiber product), ink
DimensionsOverall (HWD): 11 × 14 in. (27.94 × 35.56 cm)
Credit LineMoPOP permanent collection
Object number2003.348.3.2
Text EntriesThis lobby card was a promotional item for the 1964 film Santa Claus Conquers the Martians. Lobby cards are small movie posters that usually came in sets of 6 – 12. The sets usually featured a title card with the name of the film and several scene cards—a sort of paper trailer. As implied by the name, lobby cards were displayed in cinema lobbies to advertise current and upcoming features.
Santa Claus Conquers the Martians, frequently cited as one of the worst films ever made, has become a no-budget cult classic. It spins the tale of how Martians attempt to snap their children out of a sad spell by kidnapping Santa and demanding he throw Christmas on Mars. Hijinks ensue. The film is notable for the first appearance of actress Pia Zadora, who played the Martian child Girmar.
An 11-inch-tall by 14-inch-wide cardboard placard with a photo and caption. The black and white photo shows Santa Clause, left, speaking and gesturing with his hands in an open-armed, friendly fashion. Beside him a man (presumably a Martian) looks at him with a scowl. The Martian wears a helmet with various antennas and tubes attached, a long cape, and a belt with an enormous rectangular buckle . On his chest is a five-sided emblem whose outline is similar to the emblem on Superman’s outfit. The top of the emblem has “K-01” on it, with a pattern of lines and dots below that might represent Martian writing.
The caption below, on a red background, shows two children, Santa Claus, a smiling Martian, and a rocket blasting off. The text reads: “JOSEPH E. LEVINE presents / SANTA CLAUS CONQUERS THE MARTIANS / IN SPACE-BLAZING COLOR An Embassy Pictures Release / SAT-SUN. MATINEE SPECIAL”
A hand-written inscription in the bottom right corner reads “64-568”
On View
Not on view
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