The Dance of Death — “This was a silent film Fritz Lang wrote in 1919: in the story, a femme fatale lures men to their deaths until she falls in love with one of her potential victims. There’s only one known copy of the original English-language poster.”
The alcohol poison is bitter misery! — “A 1912 poster ‘against alcohol’.”
Shadows and Light — “A poster advertising a Munich dance performance in 1919, loosely based on Beauty and the Beast.”
The Eleven Executioners — “The first popular cabaret in Germany, its subject matter was political humour. Marya Delvard used to sing underneath a single spotlight, creating a performance that was both chilling and enticing. This poster is from a 1902 performance.”
Rasputin — “After Rasputin’s demise, a number of films chronicled the larger-than-life tale of his fascinating character; this is for a Danish release circa 1920.”
Alraune — “This 1918 film, based on the novel by Hanns Heinz Ewers, takes the superstition that witches would use mandrake root and the semen of a hanged man to impregnate themselves, and gives it a scientific update. The resulting child grows up to leave a trail of men in her wake – including the man who created her. A landmark of early horror.”
Opium — “This 1919 silent film was released during a lull in censorship restrictions after the first world war. Crowds lined up around the block for weeks to see its celebration of decadence and sexual liberty. The rare original poster is six feet tall.”
Cocaine — “This was a five-act Parisian musical that we believe was performed in 1923,” says Negovan. “We’re desperately trying to find historical information on this one – it looks like it was quite the show!’
Elimin — “A terrifying late-19th century advertisement for roach poison.”
La Syphilis — “An image meant to warn Belgian soldiers returning from the front of the dangers of ‘The French Pox’.”