Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Very rare late 19th Century, "The Original Holden's Mannikins", original vintage theatrical Vaudeville play linen backed one-sheet movie poster (one sheet; measures 28" x 42", actual poster size 27" x 41". Early Vaudeville Marionette, Automata and Mannequin poster with vibrant colors, another one can't be found. The playbill poster features vibrant illustrations of Clowns, Skeletons, Royalty, Cowboys, Mimes, Nurses, Fairies... This poster has an address for a theatre in St. Martin Paris, France.
From the book; The Holdens: Monarchs of the Marionette Theatre by John McCormick
The Holden family were the most celebrated English marionette performers of the nineteenth century. The trajectory of the Holdens provides a vivid example of developments in entertainment across the century. Having begun on the fairgrounds, they moved on to large halls, theatres and music halls. At the height of their popularity, when they had two main companies in operation, the Holdens were even better known abroad than at home. Their name was almost synonymous with puppetry, and they were credited with every innovation in marionette theatre. Then, with the advent of cinema, their business suffered a rapid decline. Based on extensive archival research and lavishly illustrated with photographs, sketches, diagrams, playbills and posters, The Holdens: Monarchs of the Marionette Theatre explains why the Holden shows had such impact and were so frequently imitated.
Below are two newspaper reviews from 1903 and 1907.
Holdin’s Mannkins
Location: New York City Theater: New York Date: 1903
Type: Marionette, Automata and Manikin
This is another of Mr. Keith’s acts and it is safe to say that we have never seen marionettes in this country before. The general fitting up of the act is great—had a fine stage with a full set of scenery, and everything is first class order—strongly, and it is hardly possible to conceive how people can produce the effects that they do by the manipulation of strings. Every move made by these little figures is absolutely natural and life-like, and the audience were quick to appreciate this fact and were most hearty in their applause. The act is closed with a transformation feature which was very pretty and attractive. It is an exceptionally strong turn throughout. 24 minutes, full stage.
Source: University of Iowa, Keith-Albee Vaudeville Collection, Manager Reports, 2 September 1902-3 September 1903.
Holden’s Manikins
Location: Philadelphia Theater: Keith's Date: 1907
Type: Marionette, Automata and Manikin
22 min, F.S., 2 shows. On at 8:04. This is a children’s feature. I doubt whether it would be so well received at any other than about Christmas time, but it quite won the house. The manikins performs various simple stunts, such as dancing, Punch and Judy comedy, etc. The finish of the act was a spectacular feature without moving figures, which did not run as smoothly as it should have done. However, the act will certainly please the little folks and it cannot be conceived how the wooden manikins can be manipulated so life-like. Holden got a good hand on his appearance after the act...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Victorian Posters
