Early 20th Century Hoaxes and Gimmicks
Chairs that tingle. Skywritten breasts? Which marketing stunt is the best of the bunch?
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1
The Tingler
Screenings of this Vincent Price picture had small electric motors under seats to shock viewers with mini-jolts whenever the star appeared. 10 18
Screenings of this Vincent Price picture had small electric motors under seats to shock viewers with mini-jolts whenever the star appeared. 10 18
2
Gone With the Wind
American Idol circa 1939? Pretty much. The movie had a three-year nationwide star search for the actress to play Scarlett O'Hara. 4 18
American Idol circa 1939? Pretty much. The movie had a three-year nationwide star search for the actress to play Scarlett O'Hara. 4 18
3
Macabre
This horror flick promised a $1,000 Lloyds of London insurance policy for anyone who died of fright during the screening. 1 11
This horror flick promised a $1,000 Lloyds of London insurance policy for anyone who died of fright during the screening. 1 11
4
House on Haunted Hill
This horror flick flew a 12-foot long glow-in-the-dark skeleton over the audience. 1 13
This horror flick flew a 12-foot long glow-in-the-dark skeleton over the audience. 1 13
5
13 Ghosts
The movie required audience members to don red-and-blue colored glasses to spot the ghosts on screen. -1 11
The movie required audience members to don red-and-blue colored glasses to spot the ghosts on screen. -1 11
6
The Outlaw
Skywriting planes flew over San Fran and spelled the title of this Jane Russell film (the two giant circles -- each dotted in the center). -2 10
Skywriting planes flew over San Fran and spelled the title of this Jane Russell film (the two giant circles -- each dotted in the center). -2 10
8
This is Cinerama
The first mainstream, widescreen format movie required three cameras, three projectors, four-track stereo sound, and a number of interlocking, semi-curved screens. -2 12
The first mainstream, widescreen format movie required three cameras, three projectors, four-track stereo sound, and a number of interlocking, semi-curved screens. -2 12
9
Mom and Dad
This sex hygiene pic was hosted by two nurses who sold sex manuals and lectured on contraceptives. -5 11
This sex hygiene pic was hosted by two nurses who sold sex manuals and lectured on contraceptives. -5 11
10
Child Bride
A sexploitation flick with teenage nudity that claimed to educate audiences on the dangers of child marriage. -6 14
A sexploitation flick with teenage nudity that claimed to educate audiences on the dangers of child marriage. -6 14
11
Behind the Great Wall
Aroma-Rama pumped "Oriental" scents into the theater through the air-conditioning system. -7 13
Aroma-Rama pumped "Oriental" scents into the theater through the air-conditioning system. -7 13
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