Popular Entertainment

This Museum's popular entertainment collections hold some of the Smithsonian's most beloved artifacts. The ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz reside here, along with the Muppet character Kermit the Frog, and props from popular television series such as M*A*S*H and All in the Family. But as in many of the Museum's collections, the best-known objects are a small part of the story.

The collection also encompasses many other artifacts of 19th- and 20th-century commercial theater, film, radio, and TV—some 50,000 sound recordings dating back to 1903; posters, publicity stills, and programs from films and performances; puppets; numerous items from World's Fairs from 1851 to 1992; and audiovisual materials on Groucho Marx, to name only a few.

These black canvas high-tops were worn by Jon Provost, the child actor who played Timmy on the television series Lassie (1957-64).
Description
These black canvas high-tops were worn by Jon Provost, the child actor who played Timmy on the television series Lassie (1957-64). Like many young sneaker owners, Provost customized his Keds by doodling on the rubber soles with a marker.
Since their invention in the early 1900s, sneakers have been a mainstay of childhood fashion, valued for their comfortable fit and sturdy construction as well as their style.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1957 - 1964
wearer
Provost, Jon
ID Number
1989.0009.03
accession number
1989.0009
catalog number
1989.0009.03
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1962
ID Number
1984.0223.03
accession number
1984.0223
catalog number
1984.0223.03
Promotional lobby card for the 1954 movie "Superman in Scotland Yard." The film was a compilation of three previously released episodes of the popular television series "Adventures of Superman." The card is one of a set produced for the film.
Description (Brief)
Promotional lobby card for the 1954 movie "Superman in Scotland Yard." The film was a compilation of three previously released episodes of the popular television series "Adventures of Superman." The card is one of a set produced for the film. It features an image of three of the film's characters: Clark Kent, Lois Lane and Jimmie Olson.
Premiering in 1952, the syndicated "Adventures of Superman" ran for 6 seasons and 104 episodes. The three episodes featured in "Superman in Scotland Yard" were taken from the show's second season (1953-1954.) They include "A Ghost for Scotland Yard;" "Panic in the Sky;" and "Lady in Black."
"Adventures of Superman" starred actor George Reeves in the title role. The show also featured Noel Neill as journalist Lois Lane, Jack Larson as cub reporter/ photographer Jimmie Olson, and John Hamilton as editor Perry White.
The character of Superman first flew into action in 1938. The costumed superhero was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, two Jewish teenagers from Cleveland Ohio, who used, among other things, Classical mythology, philosopher Fredrich Nietzche's concept of the "uber mensch," and the era's popular science fiction and adventure writing, for inspiration.
With his debut in Action Comics #1, Superman became an instant sensation with audiences, inspired by the "Man of Tomorrow's" virtue and heroics at time when the Nation was slowly emerging from the economic catastrophe of the Great Depression and moving closer to World War.
Born on the doomed planet Krypton, Superman was sent to Earth as a child, where our world's yellow sun granted him extraordinary powers such as flight, super-strength, near-invulnerability, as well as other extraordinary abilities including heat and X-Ray vision. As an adult living in the city of Metropolis, the alien, born Kal-El, protects his identity by assuming the persona of Clark Kent, a "mild-mannered" journalist.
Fighting for "Truth and Justice," Superman birthed a cultural fascination with superheroes, and has become one of the most recognizable and influential fictional characters in history. In addition to comic books, the character has been explored in all forms of media, including radio, television, and film, and has been used to promote a variety of successful consumer products, educational initiatives and public service campaigns.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1954
copyright holder
National Comics Publications, Inc.
depicted; associated person
Reeves, George
Neill, Noel
Larson, Jack
maker
National Comics Publications Inc.
ID Number
1987.0213.008
accession number
1987.0213
catalog number
1987.0213.008
Promotional lobby card for the 1954 movie "Superman in Exile." The film was a compilation of three previously released episodes of the popular television series "Adventures of Superman." The card, one of a set produced for the film, features a still that includes the character of
Description (Brief)
Promotional lobby card for the 1954 movie "Superman in Exile." The film was a compilation of three previously released episodes of the popular television series "Adventures of Superman." The card, one of a set produced for the film, features a still that includes the character of Clark Kent at a desk, talking to another man.
Premiering in 1952, the syndicated program "Adventures of Superman" ran on television for 6 seasons and 104 episodes. The three episodes packaged into the movie "Superman in Exile" were all taken from the show's second season (1953-1954.) They include the stories "Superman in Exile;" "The Face and the Voice," and "The Whistling Bird"
The "Adventures of Superman" starred actor George Reeves in the title role. The show also featured Noel Neill as journalist Lois Lane, Jack Larson as cub reporter/ photographer Jimmie Olson, and John Hamilton as editor Perry White.
The character of Superman first flew into action in 1938. The costumed superhero was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, two Jewish teenagers from Cleveland Ohio, who used, among other things, Classical mythology, philosopher Fredrich Nietzche's concept of the "uber mensch," and the era's popular science fiction and adventure writing, for inspiration.
With his debut in Action Comics #1, Superman became an instant sensation with audiences, inspired by the "Man of Tomorrow's" virtue and heroics at time when the Nation was slowly emerging from the economic catastrophe of the Great Depression and moving closer to World War.
Born on the doomed planet Krypton, Superman was sent to Earth as a child, where our world's yellow sun granted him extraordinary powers such as flight, super-strength, near-invulnerability, as well as other extraordinary abilities including heat and X-Ray vision. As an adult living in the city of Metropolis, the alien, born Kal-El, protects his identity by assuming the persona of Clark Kent, a "mild-mannered" journalist.
Fighting for "Truth and Justice," Superman birthed a cultural fascination with superheroes, and has become one of the most recognizable and influential fictional characters in history. In addition to comic books, the character has been explored in all forms of media, including radio, television, and film, and has been used to promote a variety of successful consumer products, educational initiatives and public service campaigns.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1954
associated person
Neill, Noel
Larson, Jack
copyright holder
National Comics Publications, Inc.
depicted; associated person
Reeves, George
maker
National Comics Publications, Inc.
ID Number
1987.0213.017
accession number
1987.0213
catalog number
1987.0213.017
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1950-1959
date made
1953
depicted (sitter)
D’Andrea, Tom
maker
Bowman Gum Inc.
ID Number
1982.0377.23
accession number
1982.0377
catalog number
1982.0377.23
Pogo stick made in 1977 featuring the likeness of Superman. Pogo sticks, a toy where one balances and jumps using a large spring, enjoyed a resurgence of popularity during the 1970s.The character of Superman first flew into action in 1938.
Description (Brief)
Pogo stick made in 1977 featuring the likeness of Superman. Pogo sticks, a toy where one balances and jumps using a large spring, enjoyed a resurgence of popularity during the 1970s.
The character of Superman first flew into action in 1938. The costumed superhero was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, two Jewish teenagers from Cleveland Ohio, who used, among other things, Classical mythology, philosopher Fredrich Nietzche's concept of the "uber mensch," and the era's popular science fiction and adventure writing, for inspiration.
With his debut in Action Comics #1, Superman became an instant sensation with audiences, inspired by the "Man of Tomorrow's" virtue and heroics at time when the Nation was slowly emerging from the economic catastrophe of the Great Depression and moving closer to World War.
Born on the doomed planet Krypton, Superman was sent to Earth as a child, where our world's yellow sun granted him extraordinary powers such as flight, super-strength, near-invulnerability, as well as other extraordinary abilities including heat and X-Ray vision. As an adult living in the city of Metropolis, the alien, born Kal-El, protects his identity by assuming the persona of Clark Kent, a "mild-mannered" journalist.
Fighting for "Truth and Justice," Superman birthed a cultural fascination with superheroes, and has become one of the most recognizable and influential fictional characters in history. In addition to comic books, the character has been explored in all forms of media, including radio, television, and film, and has been used to promote a variety of successful consumer products, educational initiatives and public service campaigns.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1950 - 1959
ID Number
1987.0213.124
accession number
1987.0213
catalog number
1987.0213.124
This metal lunch box was made by Thermos in 1984. The lunch box features imagery of Jim Henson’s muppet characters from the TV show, Fraggle Rock. Fraggle Rock ran from 1983-1987 on HBO in the United States, although it also aired in Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
Description (Brief)
This metal lunch box was made by Thermos in 1984. The lunch box features imagery of Jim Henson’s muppet characters from the TV show, Fraggle Rock. Fraggle Rock ran from 1983-1987 on HBO in the United States, although it also aired in Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Fraggle Rock was HBO’s first original series, and was a worldwide hit.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1984
collected for nmah
Smithsonian Institution
maker
Thermos
ID Number
1988.3160.55
catalog number
1988.3160.55
nonaccession number
1988.3160
Promotional lobby card for the 1954 movie "Superman in Scotland Yard." The film was a compilation of three previously released episodes of the popular television series "Adventures of Superman." The card is one of a set produced for the film.
Description (Brief)
Promotional lobby card for the 1954 movie "Superman in Scotland Yard." The film was a compilation of three previously released episodes of the popular television series "Adventures of Superman." The card is one of a set produced for the film. It features an image of four of the film's characters standing around a desk.
Premiering in 1952, the syndicated "Adventures of Superman" ran for 6 seasons and 104 episodes. The three episodes featured in "Superman in Scotland Yard" were taken from the show's second season (1953-1954.) They include "A Ghost for Scotland Yard;" "Panic in the Sky;" and "Lady in Black."
"Adventures of Superman" starred actor George Reeves in the title role. The show also featured Noel Neill as journalist Lois Lane, Jack Larson as cub reporter/photographer Jimmie Olson, and John Hamilton as editor Perry White.
The character of Superman first flew into action in 1938. The costumed superhero was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, two Jewish teenagers from Cleveland Ohio, who used, among other things, Classical mythology, philosopher Fredrich Nietzche's concept of the "uber mensch," and the era's popular science fiction and adventure writing, for inspiration.
With his debut in Action Comics #1, Superman became an instant sensation with audiences inspired by the "Man of Tomorrow's" virtue and heroics at time when the Nation was slowly emerging from the economic catastrophe of the Great Depression and moving closer to World War.
Born on the doomed planet Krypton, Superman was sent to Earth as a child, where our world's yellow sun granted him extraordinary powers such as flight, super-strength, near-invulnerability, as well as other extraordinary abilities including heat and X-Ray vision. As an adult living in the city of Metropolis, the alien, born Kal-El, protects his identity by assuming the persona of Clark Kent, a "mild-mannered" journalist.
Fighting for "Truth and Justice," Superman birthed a cultural fascination with superheroes, and has become one of the most recognizable and influential fictional characters in history. In addition to comic books, the character has been explored in all forms of media, including radio, television, and film, and has been used to promote a variety of successful consumer products, educational initiatives and public service campaigns.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1954
copyright holder
National Comics Publications, Inc.
depicted; associated person
Reeves, George
Neill, Noel
Larson, Jack
maker
National Comics Publications Inc.
ID Number
1987.0213.007
accession number
1987.0213
catalog number
1987.0213.007
Signet ring worn by Tom Selleck in the role of Thomas Sullivan Magnum on the television series Magnum P.I. The ring is gold, with a gold Cross of Lorraine (double barred cross) inlaid on a black oval field.
Description
Signet ring worn by Tom Selleck in the role of Thomas Sullivan Magnum on the television series Magnum P.I. The ring is gold, with a gold Cross of Lorraine (double barred cross) inlaid on a black oval field. On the series, this ring was worn by members of Magnum's "Vietnam Team," a multi-service joint task force comprised of U.S. Navy SEALS and Marine Special Operations forces. The Cross of Lorraine was a symbol used by the French resistence during World War II, and is featured in many film and television depictions of the French resistance including the 1942 film Casablanca.
The crime drama series Magnum P.I. aired on CBS from 1980-1988, and followed the titular private investigator's detective work on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Magnum was a veteran of the United States Navy who served as a Navy SEAL and intelligence officer during the Vietnam War, and the series was lauded for its depiction of Vietnam veterans' successful post-war careers and lives. Selleck won the 1984 Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal of Magnum, and the show was a popular success, regularly ranking in the top twenty programs on television in the United States during its run.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1980s
date made
ca 1980
user
Selleck, Tom
ID Number
1988.0409.04
accession number
1988.0409
catalog number
1988.0409.04
Promotional lobby card for the 1954 movie "Superman in Scotland Yard." The film was a compilation of three previously released episodes of the popular television series "Adventures of Superman." The card is one of a set produced for the film.
Description (Brief)
Promotional lobby card for the 1954 movie "Superman in Scotland Yard." The film was a compilation of three previously released episodes of the popular television series "Adventures of Superman." The card is one of a set produced for the film. It features an image of character Lois Lane seated upon a couch with a gray-haired man.
Premiering in 1952, the syndicated program "Adventures of Superman" ran for 6 seasons and 104 episodes. The three episodes packaged into the movie "Superman in Scotland Yard" were all taken from the show's second season (1953-1954.) They include the stories "A Ghost for Scotland Yard;" "Panic in the Sky;" and "Lady in Black."
"Adventures of Superman" starred actor George Reeves in the title role. The show also featured Noel Neill as journalist Lois Lane, Jack Larson as cub reporter/ photographer Jimmie Olson, and John Hamilton as editor Perry White.
The character of Superman first flew into action in 1938. The costumed superhero was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, two Jewish teenagers from Cleveland Ohio, who used, among other things, Classical mythology, philosopher Fredrich Nietzche's concept of the "uber mensch," and the era's popular science fiction and adventure writing, for inspiration.
With his debut in Action Comics #1, Superman became an instant sensation with audiences, inspired by the "Man of Tomorrow's" virtue and heroics at time when the Nation was slowly emerging from the economic catastrophe of the Great Depression and moving closer to World War.
Born on the doomed planet Krypton, Superman was sent to Earth as a child, where our world's yellow sun granted him extraordinary powers such as flight, super-strength, near-invulnerability, as well as other extraordinary abilities including heat and X-Ray vision. As an adult living in the city of Metropolis, the alien, born Kal-El, protects his identity by assuming the persona of Clark Kent, a "mild-mannered" journalist.
Fighting for "Truth and Justice," Superman birthed a cultural fascination with superheroes, and has become one of the most recognizable and influential fictional characters in history. In addition to comic books, the character has been explored in all forms of media, including radio, television, and film, and has been used to promote a variety of successful consumer products, educational initiatives and public service campaigns.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1954
copyright holder
National Comics Publications, Inc.
associated person
Reeves, George
depicted; associated person
Neill, Noel
associated person
Larson, Jack
maker
National Comics Publications Inc.
ID Number
1987.0213.009
accession number
1987.0213
catalog number
1987.0213.009
This metal lunch box was manufactured by Aladdin Industries in 1956. The lunch box features imagery based on classic fairytale, Robin Hood.
Description (Brief)
This metal lunch box was manufactured by Aladdin Industries in 1956. The lunch box features imagery based on classic fairytale, Robin Hood. The images on this lunchbox seem to be drawn from the 1938 film, The Adventures of Robin Hood that starred Errol Flynn in the titular role and was nominated for four Academy Awards, including best picture.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1956
collected for nmah
Smithsonian Institution
maker
Aladdin
author
Woodall
ID Number
1988.3160.60
catalog number
1988.3160.60
nonaccession number
1988.3160
Promotional lobby card for the 1954 movie "Superman's Peril" The film was a compilation of three previously released episodes of the popular television series "Adventures of Superman." The card, one of a set produced for the film, features a still of Superman punching a man dress
Description (Brief)
Promotional lobby card for the 1954 movie "Superman's Peril" The film was a compilation of three previously released episodes of the popular television series "Adventures of Superman." The card, one of a set produced for the film, features a still of Superman punching a man dressed as a sailor. Superman's costume appears yellow instead of blue as the image has discolored over time, a result of the printing process.
Premiering in 1952, the syndicated program "Adventures of Superman" ran on television for 6 seasons and 104 episodes. The three episodes packaged into the movie "Superman's Peril" were all taken from the show's second season (1953-1954.) They include the stories "The Defeat of Superman," "The Semi-Private Eye," and "The Golden Vulture."
The "Adventures of Superman" starred actor George Reeves in the title role. The show also featured Noel Neill as journalist Lois Lane, Jack Larson as cub reporter/ photographer Jimmie Olson, and John Hamilton as editor Perry White.
The character of Superman first flew into action in 1938. The costumed superhero was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, two Jewish teenagers from Cleveland Ohio, who used, among other things, Classical mythology, philosopher Fredrich Nietzche's concept of the "uber mensch," and the era's popular science fiction and adventure writing, for inspiration.
With his debut in Action Comics #1, Superman became an instant sensation with audiences, inspired by the "Man of Tomorrow's" virtue and heroics at time when the Nation was slowly emerging from the economic catastrophe of the Great Depression and moving closer to World War.
Born on the doomed planet Krypton, Superman was sent to Earth as a child, where our world's yellow sun granted him extraordinary powers such as flight, super-strength, near-invulnerability, as well as other extraordinary abilities including heat and X-Ray vision. As an adult living in the city of Metropolis, the alien, born Kal-El, protects his identity by assuming the persona of Clark Kent, a "mild-mannered" journalist.
Fighting for "Truth and Justice," Superman birthed a cultural fascination with superheroes, and has become one of the most recognizable and influential fictional characters in history. In addition to comic books, the character has been explored in all forms of media, including radio, television, and film, and has been used to promote a variety of successful consumer products, educational initiatives and public service campaigns.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1954
copyright holder
National Comics Publications, Inc.
associated person
Reeves, George
Neill, Noel
Larson, Jack
maker
National Comics Publications, Inc.
ID Number
1987.0213.019
accession number
1987.0213
catalog number
1987.0213.019
accession number
1987.0213
This metal lunch box was manufactured by Aladdin Industries in 1973. The lunch box features imagery from the TV show The Waltons, which ran on CBS from 1972-1981.
Description (Brief)
This metal lunch box was manufactured by Aladdin Industries in 1973. The lunch box features imagery from the TV show The Waltons, which ran on CBS from 1972-1981. The Waltons was a huge hit, winning five Primetime Emmy’s in 1973, including the Emmy for Outstanding Drama.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1973
collected for nmah
Smithsonian Institution
maker
Aladdin
ID Number
1988.3160.44
catalog number
1988.3160.44
nonaccession number
1988.3160
Rubber gorilla mask worn by one of the performers in Ernie Kovacs' Nairobi Trio sketch, which was staged several times on Kovacs' television series and specials in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
Description
Rubber gorilla mask worn by one of the performers in Ernie Kovacs' Nairobi Trio sketch, which was staged several times on Kovacs' television series and specials in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The mask is made of grey rubber molded to the shape of a gorilla head, with prominent wrinkles, holes and red coloring applied at eyes, nose, and mouth, and blonde synthetic hair in a human wig style at the back of the head. This mask was likely made by Topstone, a manufacturer of costumes and novelty products frequently used in low-budget television and film productions in the 1950s and 60s.
In the Nairobi Trio sketch, three performers appear wearing overcoats with fur collars, bowler hats, white gloves, and rubber gorilla masks with attached shoulder-length wigs. A recording of the song "Solfeggio" by harpist Robert Maxwell and The Ray Charles Singers plays while the characters begin to move mechanically, as would figures atop a wind-up music box, usually playing instruments or performing repetitive tasks. The middle gorilla, played by Kovacs with his signature cigar in its mouth, inevitably gets in a fight with one or both of the others over the course of the song. The sketch became one of Kovacs' best-known routines and its popularity led MGM Records to reissue "Solfeggio" as "Song of the Nairobi Trio" in 1957.
Ernie Kovacs (1919-1962) was an innovative popular entertainer who explored the boundaries of television as a medium for visual and comedic art. His early use of special visual effects, blending of genres, creation of memorable recurring characters, experimental and creative spirit, and staging of surreal and absurd situations earned him a reputation as an avant-garde, experimental comedian and television pioneer. Best-known for his eponymous television series and specials that aired on all four American television networks (CBS, NBC, ABC, and Dumont) in the late 1950s and early 60s, Kovacs also appeared on radio and in film. His career was cut short when he died in a car accident in 1962 at the age of 42. After his death Kovacs' widow, entertainer Edie Adams, worked to preserve his work and legacy.
Date made
1952 - 1956
user
Kovacs, Ernie
ID Number
1989.0173.03
accession number
1989.0173
catalog number
1989.0173.03
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1962
maker
B. F. Goodrich
ID Number
1984.0223.02
accession number
1984.0223
catalog number
1984.0223.02
This metal lunch box was manufactured by Thermos in 1974. The lunch box features imagery from David Carridine’s TV series, Kung Fu which ran from 1972-1975 on ABC.
Description (Brief)
This metal lunch box was manufactured by Thermos in 1974. The lunch box features imagery from David Carridine’s TV series, Kung Fu which ran from 1972-1975 on ABC.
Date made
1974
collected for nmah
Smithsonian Institution
maker
Thermos
ID Number
1988.3160.45
nonaccession number
1988.3160
catalog number
1988.3160.45
Hawaiian shirt worn by Tom Selleck in the role of Thomas Sullivan Magnum on the television series Magnum P.I.
Description
Hawaiian shirt worn by Tom Selleck in the role of Thomas Sullivan Magnum on the television series Magnum P.I. The short-sleeved rayon shirt is printed with a colorful parrot and tropical foliage pattern on a red field, and has carved wood buttons.
The crime drama series Magnum P.I. aired on CBS from 1980-1988, and followed the titular private investigator's detective work on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Magnum was a veteran of the United States Navy who served as a Navy SEAL and intelligence officer during the Vietnam War, and the series was lauded for its depiction of Vietnam veterans' successful post-war careers and lives. Selleck won the 1984 Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal of Magnum, and the show was a popular success, regularly ranking in the top twenty programs on television in the United States during its run.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1980s
date made
before 1980
user
Selleck, Tom
ID Number
1988.0409.03
accession number
1988.0409
catalog number
1988.0409.03
Hat worn by Sid Caesar as part of his German Professor costume in sketches on the television series Your Show of Shows.
Description
Hat worn by Sid Caesar as part of his German Professor costume in sketches on the television series Your Show of Shows. The black velvet brimmed hat is crumbled and collapsible.
Comedian Sid Caesar (1922-2014) was an influential and acclaimed comedian best known for his pioneering work on television, especially Your Show of Shows, a comedy variety show which aired from 1950-1954. The German Professor was a character used by Caesar to mock the pretentiousness of media experts and satirize intellectual fads. In sketches, the Professor’s ridiculous name changed based on whatever expertise he was supposed to have, such as memory expert “Lapse Von Memory” and Medical Doctor “Hugo von Gezundheit.”
date made
ca 1950
ID Number
1989.0172.06
accession number
1989.0172
catalog number
1989.0172.06
This red satin sash was part of a costume worn by Larry Harmon as the first Bozo the Clown on the children’s television show of the same name from 1949-1954.Bozo the Clown was originally created by Alan Livingston in 1946 for a children's storytelling album for Capital Records.
Description (Brief)
This red satin sash was part of a costume worn by Larry Harmon as the first Bozo the Clown on the children’s television show of the same name from 1949-1954.
Bozo the Clown was originally created by Alan Livingston in 1946 for a children's storytelling album for Capital Records. In 1956, Larry Harmon, an actor who previously portrayed Bozo during promotional events, bought the rights to the clown's image, and over the next fifty years, licensed and franchised Bozo to television stations all over America and the world. Harmon further developed the character during the 1950s and trained over 200 new actors from 1950s through the 1990s to play the clown. Harmon played Bozo on television from 1958-1962. The character of Bozo the Clown peaked in popularity in the 1960s but was beloved by many children for the entire second half of the twentieth century.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1940s - 1950s
ID Number
1984.0788.04
accession number
1984.0788
catalog number
1984.0788.04
This metal lunch box was manufactured by Aladdin Industries in 1956. The lunch box features imagery from the Western show The Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok, which aired from 1951-1958 on both television and the radio.
Description (Brief)
This metal lunch box was manufactured by Aladdin Industries in 1956. The lunch box features imagery from the Western show The Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok, which aired from 1951-1958 on both television and the radio. Bill Hickok was portrayed by Guy Madison, and was accompanied by his comedic sidekick Jingles, played by Andy Devine
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1956
collected for nmah
Smithsonian Institution
maker
Aladdin
ID Number
1988.3160.47
nonaccession number
1988.3160
catalog number
1988.3160.47
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1950
ID Number
1986.0587.02
accession number
1986.0587
catalog number
1986.0587.02
date made
1950s
maker
Russell Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1988.0608.13
accession number
1988.0608
catalog number
1988.0608.13
This collar was part of a costume worn by Larry Harmon as the first Bozo the Clown on the children’s television show of the same name from 1949-1954.Bozo the Clown was originally created by Alan Livingston in 1946 for a children's storytelling album for Capital Records.
Description (Brief)
This collar was part of a costume worn by Larry Harmon as the first Bozo the Clown on the children’s television show of the same name from 1949-1954.
Bozo the Clown was originally created by Alan Livingston in 1946 for a children's storytelling album for Capital Records. In 1956, Larry Harmon, an actor who previously portrayed Bozo during promotional events, bought the rights to the clown's image, and over the next fifty years, licensed and franchised Bozo to television stations all over America and the world. Harmon further developed the character during the 1950s and trained over 200 new actors from 1950s through the 1990s to play the clown. Harmon played Bozo on television from 1958-1962. The character of Bozo the Clown peaked in popularity in the 1960s but was beloved by many children for the entire second half of the twentieth century.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1940s - 1950s
ID Number
1984.0788.03
accession number
1984.0788
catalog number
1984.0788.03
Promotional lobby card for the 1954 movie "Superman and the Jungle Devil." The film was a compilation of three previously released episodes of the popular television series "Adventures of Superman." The card, one of a set produced for the film, features a still of Superman intera
Description (Brief)
Promotional lobby card for the 1954 movie "Superman and the Jungle Devil." The film was a compilation of three previously released episodes of the popular television series "Adventures of Superman." The card, one of a set produced for the film, features a still of Superman interacting with some stereotypically represented African tribesmen. Superman's costume appears yellow instead of blue as the image has discolored over time, a result of the printing process.
Premiering in 1952, the syndicated program "Adventures of Superman" ran on television for 6 seasons and 104 episodes. The three episodes packaged into the movie "Superman and the Jungle Devil" were all taken from the show's second season (1953-1954.) They include the stories "Shot in the Dark;" "The Machine that Could Plot Crimes;" and "Jungle Devil."
The "Adventures of Superman" starred actor George Reeves in the title role. The show also featured Noel Neill as journalist Lois Lane, Jack Larson as cub reporter/ photographer Jimmie Olson, and John Hamilton as editor Perry White.
The character of Superman first flew into action in 1938. The costumed superhero was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, two Jewish teenagers from Cleveland Ohio, who used, among other things, Classical mythology, philosopher Fredrich Nietzche's concept of the "uber mensch," and the era's popular science fiction and adventure writing, for inspiration.
With his debut in Action Comics #1, Superman became an instant sensation with audiences, inspired by the "Man of Tomorrow's" virtue and heroics at time when the Nation was slowly emerging from the economic catastrophe of the Great Depression and moving closer to World War.
Born on the doomed planet Krypton, Superman was sent to Earth as a child, where our world's yellow sun granted him extraordinary powers such as flight, super-strength, near-invulnerability, as well as other extraordinary abilities including heat and X-Ray vision. As an adult living in the city of Metropolis, the alien, born Kal-El, protects his identity by assuming the persona of Clark Kent, a "mild-mannered" journalist.
Fighting for "Truth and Justice," Superman birthed a cultural fascination with superheroes, and has become one of the most recognizable and influential fictional characters in history. In addition to comic books, the character has been explored in all forms of media, including radio, television, and film, and has been used to promote a variety of successful consumer products, educational initiatives and public service campaigns.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1954
depicted; associated person
Reeves, George
copyright holder
National Comics Publications Inc.
associated person
Neill, Noel
Larson, Jack
maker
National Comics Publications Inc.
ID Number
1987.0213.013
accession number
1987.0213
catalog number
1987.0213.013
accession number
1987.0213

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