The Flying Ace
1926
Artist
Designer Unknown
Publisher
Norman Productions
DIMENSIONS
22 x 14 in. (55.9 x 35.6 cm)
OBJECT NUMBER
PH.8777
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
United States
CREDIT LINE
Gift of Willis & Claudia Allen, Allen Airways Flying Museum, Poster House Permanent Collection
KEYWORDS
Aviation, Black, Entertainment, Film, Man, Military, Theater, Transportation, Woman

This pressbook for The Flying Ace uses exaggerated marketing language to indicate the limited number of Black theaters that will screen the film as well as the incredible amount of money Norman Studios has spent to produce it. This information is meant to encourage the confidence of potential exhibitors in the profitability of the movie. Norman was a masterful marketer and often incorporated sensational language like this to convince people to screen his race films; it was accompanied by various promotional tips that could be used to attract audiences. Here, he even encourages the display of beautifully lithographed posters to increase attendance. The names of the members of the star-studded cast are accompanied by references to their extensive careers in theater and vaudeville. These accomplishments, however, were marred by persistent racist typecasting, including many stereotypes like the “pickaninny” roles that Black actors typically had to endure to remain employed.

For inquiries about image licensing, please contact collections@posterhouse.org.

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