The Story of Molly X (1949) Universal-International Showman's Manual / Pressbook Cover

This is an original promotional 'Showman's Manual' (also known as a pressbook) cover for the 1949 film noir 'The Story of Molly X,' starring June Havoc, John Russell, and Dorothy Hart. The item is printed on standard semi-glossy off-white paper and measures approximately 11 by 17 inches. It features a bold black-and-white graphic layout characteristic of mid-century film marketing, depicting the leading characters, prison bars, and dramatic taglines emphasizing the film's gritty 'prison noir' themes. Notable markings include the Universal-International logo, the text 'Ad Mat No. 401—600 Lines,' and a distinctive 'Showman's Manual' seal in the lower-left corner. The condition shows moderate wear consistent with age, including a prominent horizontal fold line through the center, minor creasing at the corners, and a small tear along the right vertical edge of the backing board. The paper exhibits slight yellowing/patina, particularly around the margins. These manuals were distributed to theater owners for advertising and publicity purposes rather than for public sale, making them significant artifacts of cinema history. The typography and illustration styles are quintessential examples of late 1940s Hollywood exploitation-style marketing.