Asides - Film Fun

This time out we take a look at Film Fun, a magazine sought by collectors for the cover art more so than for the content. Film Fun first appeared in July, 1915 and saw its last issue in September, 1942, when it became a victim of Postmaster General Frank C. Walker's campaign against 'salacious' material. He must be spinning in his grave today.

At the outset Film Fun covered comedic films and actually had comedians on the covers. But by the early twenties, the publishers and editors realized putting a provocative image of a scantily clad, dare I say alluring lass, would sell more magazines. The contents also saw a shift from featured comedians to the inclusion of actresses and starlets posed especially for the magazine, or stills from the "racier" moments of a particular film.

Their smartest move took place in 1923 when the artist and illustrator Enoch Bolles (1883-1976) was made the exclusive cover artist, a position he held until the magazine ceased publication. The Bolles' covers make Film Fun a collectible today. A prolific artist and illustrator, in addition to his 200 covers for Film Fun, Bolles painted at least 300 more covers for the so-called "spicy" pulps, including Breezy Stories, Pep, and New York Nights. None of this work was signed and most of it remains unattributed. Take a trip over to the very informative Enoch Bolles blog to view his work and learn more about his career.

Film Fun, due to its popularity, is one of the more expensive film magazine collectibles, so we don't have too many, but here are 4 issues featuring Bolles covers and typical inside spreads. Have fun and remember to click on the images for a larger view.

Film Fun - April 1931