Joan Crawford Appraisal

Adath Tobacco Card featuring Robert Montgomery, Joan Crawford, and Clark Gable in 'Forsaking All Others'

This item is a vintage, black and white promotional card, likely made of a stiff paper or thin cardboard, featuring three prominent Hollywood actors from the Golden Age: Robert Montgomery, Joan Crawford, and Clark Gable. The card measures approximately 5 to 6 inches in width and 3 to 4 inches in height, consistent with common tobacco card sizes or early cinematic promotional prints. The image depicts a classic embrace scene, with Joan Crawford at the center looking upwards, her head resting on Clark Gable's shoulder, who is embracing her from behind. Robert Montgomery is positioned to the left, looking at Crawford with a contemplative expression. All three are depicted in formal wear, suggesting a scene from a dramatic film. The overall aesthetic is characteristic of 1930s Hollywood glamour photography. A distinct white border frames the image, and below the central image, in a clear, sans-serif font, the names 'ROBERT MONTGOMERY, JOAN CRAWFORD and CLARK GABLE' are printed, followed by 'in "FORSAKING ALL OTHERS"'. This explicitly identifies the item as a promotional piece for the 1934 film 'Forsaking All Others'. The card appears to be in good vintage condition, though it is visibly housed within a clear plastic sleeve, which somewhat obscures direct assessment of its surface. Minor scuffing or dust may be present on the sleeve, but the card itself shows good tonal quality and detail. There are no immediate visible tears, creases, or significant discoloration that would indicate poor preservation. The context provided indicates that the reverse side is an 'Adath tobacco card', which is a significant distinguishing feature, classifying it as a premium or insert from a tobacco product, a common marketing practice in the early to mid-20th century. This detail solidifies its estimated age to the 1930s, aligning with the film's release year. The craftsmanship suggests a commercially printed item, likely mass-produced yet now considered a collectible due to its age, content, and association with a bygone era of cinema and advertising.