BETTE DAVIS / STORM CENTER (1956) Pressbook art by Saul Bass

Vintage original 12 x 16″ (30 x 40 cm.) pressbook, 16 pages, USA. Bette Davis, Brian Keith, Kim Hunter, Paul Kelly, dir: Daniel Taradash; Columbia. Pressbook is neatly folded. One staple is loose. about fine.

Saul Bass presented a unique ad campaign for this superb mature drama, which was a very apropos story at the time (and still very relevant in today’s political climate) about a small-town librarian who is branded as a communist by both the local politicians and the townspeople when she will not withdraw a controversial book from the library’s shelves.

The film was perfectly crafted in all areas of production, with flawless work by Davis. It is the quintessential anti-censorship, anti-bigotry and cry for tolerance film. Santa Rosa, California was the location for the small town setting. The legion of decency came down on the film and required that it be released under a separate classification.

This campaign book, in near perfect condition, includes the many pre-release articles, magazine and newspaper ads and merchandising plans, including those for drive-in showings and most importantly illustrates the use of Saul Bass’ art contribution to the campaign showing that it is this half sheet which most inclusively and attainably depicts his art. Bass’ art was not used overall for the campaign, but only in print ads and as designed on two posters, the six sheet and in this pressbook. The ad mats utilizing this art on pages 5, 6, 9 and 12 carry the tag “Designed by Saul Bass”.