Walt Disney PINOCCHIO Mask 1940 Edward G. Robinson Jane Darwell Group Photo 8x10

Description

Walt Disney PINOCCHIO Mask 1940 Edward G. Robinson Jane Darwell Group Photo 8x10
Walt Disney PINOCCHIO Mask 1940 Edward G. Robinson Jane Darwell Group Photo 8x10
Historic Walt Disney Memorabilia from Saturday's Toys presents...
an extremely rare image (circa 1940) featuring Hollywood greats Edward G. Robinson... Jane Darwell... and Walt Disney's PINOCCHIO!
While the assembly pictured here also includes several other familiar faces, we have been unable to specifically identify them.
The Pinocchio mask shown in the photo is identical to those worn at the Rockefeller Center Theatre world premiere of Walt Disney's second full-length animated feature film, "Pinocchio" (February 7, 1940). Those promoting the film actually made use of the masks as worn by several individuals "dancing" somewhat notoriously on the theatre's marquee (formerly the RKO Roxy Theatre) during the premiere... to the amusement of those passing by the theatre.
The presence of this matching "Pinocchio" mask remains somewhat of a mystery.  Here, screen legend Edward G. Robinson is seen clowning with the adult-sized puppet (no costume involved; just a likely colleague dressed as the other men in the photo)... to the amusement of those who had gathered; as captured by Metropolitan Photo Service of New York City.  Also in the group is that year's Academy Award winner for "Best Actress in a Supporting Role", Jane Darwell (Ma Joad in "The Grapes of Wrath).
The combined references of the photo service, along with the Pinocchio mask, seem to clearly place this photograph as having been taken during 1940 in the New York metropolitan area.  However, the theatre (or hotel?) has no resemblance to the elegant art deco interiors of Rockefeller Center.  We find minor clues in the carpet, which is consistent with similar designs at theaters in the RKO Orpheum Circut.  The light fixture appears to feature a brass / bronze bas-relief of "Herne the Hunter" the two-horned mythical creature of English folklore, and as referenced in Shakespeare's "The Merry Wives of Windsor.  Still, in spite of these possible hints, we have been unable to confirm an exact occasion or location for this gathering.
8" x 10"; with Metropolitan backstamp on back of photo.  Very good condition; nicely preserved.
About Us
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Saturday’s Toys and Disneyana Auctions
was founded in 1994 by Southern California author and Disney historian, Dave Mason. Soon after eBay's launch the following year, Saturday's Toys was among the first Disneyana specialists to strategize in embracing this rapidly developing technology. Having delivered over 10,000 coveted Disney treasures since then, Saturday's Toys is pleased to partner with researchers, collectors and friends throughout the world with a shared interest in the preservation of authentic and accurate Disney history.
Today, online offerings of archival Disneyana keepsakes are presented in celebration of the extended times that allow for family, friends and neighbors to join in memorable gatherings that nurture the strong connections that bind a community together. These treasures are affectionately known as "Saturday's Toys." In that light we present our adopted motto (with a tip of the cap to the Sherman Brothers):
"Oh, let's go fly a kite!"
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