CABIN IN THE SKY (1942) Trade ad ft. art by Al Hirschfeld

[Los Angeles: Metro-Goldwyn Mayer, 1942]. Vintage original 9 1/4 x 12 1/2″ (23 x 30 cm.) two-sided trade ad litho on heavy paper. Staple at center right edge from where it was attached to the trade publication. Some light creasing at bottom right corner and a bit of creasing above the figure of the devil and across the center of the piece, near fine. 

Dancing figures are observed by an angel and the devil in this highly stylized color caricature by the brilliant artist Al Hirschfeld. As always, he adeptly captures the mood and point of the story in his minimal approach. In the film, Little Joe was tempted by devilish pursuits while doing his best to live a good clean life. A hit Broadway show, it ushered in a new approach to the movie musical with innovative producer Arthur Freed handing a major directorial assignment to the ever-creative Vincente Minnelli. From here the MGM musical knew no bounds.

Silver foil for the cloud, verso features ad with all the credits and images of the film’s stars Lena Horne, Eddie “Rochester” Anderson and Ethel Waters. A rare advertising item which features the Hirschfeld art at its purest.