Westfront 1918: Vier von der Infanterie (Illustrierter Film-Kurier)
Berlin: Verlag Alfred Weiner, 1930. First edition. Softcover. Quarto. 8 1/4x 10 3/4". Unpaginated [6]. B/w photo-illustrated stapled wrappers, with black lettering on the front cover. The publication is an issue of the of the promotional supplement to the German weekly, Illustrierter Film-Kurier, promoting the release of the 1930 German war film "Westfront 1918", directed by acclaimed auteur G. W. Pabst, and produced by Nero-Film. The film, an adaptation of Ernst Johannsen's novel "Vier von der Infanterie", was Pabst's first sound film and was technically pioneering in its use of the new technology to create an immersive visual and sonic experience, with complex tracking shots, live sound, realistic production design, and special sound and effects to portray the horrors of WWI to brutal and grim effect. After the Nazis came to power they denounced and censored the film for its pacifistic and antiwar sentiments. It is seen as a companion film to the other WWI drama from the same year the American-produced "All Quiet on the Western Front". Striking front cover graphic design by F. Weber.
The booklet is profusely illustrated throughout with gorgeous sepia-toned photogravure images and photomontage depicting scenes, characters and thrilling action from the film. Includes a dramatic double-page phonographic still from the film. Text throughout, including cast and crew credits, in German.
Wrappers with some rubbing along the spine, and trimming to the top, bottom and side margins, resulting in some loss of text and image. Small red ink mark on the front cover. Interior with a closed tear on the side of pages 2-3. Double-page photographic spread loose from binding. Wrappers in good+, interior in very good- condition overall. Quite scarce. Protected by modern mylar. g+ to vg-. Item #45196
Price: $250.00