Playbill postcard for Alfs Button
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Playbill postcard for Alfs Button
The most popular manifestation of Orientalism after WWI seems to have been Alfs Button. W.A Darlingtons novel appeared in1920, was filmed (silent movie) the same year, became a stage play in 1924 (as pictured here in this playbill by John Hassall), and was re-filmed as one of the first British talkies in 1930. The play deals with the dull routine of war - the hero, Alf, then receives a new uniform with a button made from Aladdins lamp, and from there the fun starts. A formidable genie appears, and when Alf orders Strike me pink! obeys, so that Alf gets a skin condition that confounds all the army doctors. Date: 1924
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Media ID 11576189
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Aladdin Aubrey Bright Button Buttons Crossed Darlington Dull Expression Genie Grant Granting Grants Guard Hassall Lamp Movie Orientalism Polish Polishes Polishing Routine Rubbing Silent Strike Surprise Trenches Turban Warfare Wishes 1924 Alfs
EDITORS COMMENTS
This Playbill postcard, designed by the renowned British artist John Hassall in 1924, showcases the popular stage production of "Alf's Button." Set against the backdrop of the aftermath of World War I, this play marked one of the most notable manifestations of Orientalism in the 1920s. "Alf's Button," a novel by W.A. Darlington, was first published in 1920 and was adapted into a silent film the same year. The stage adaptation, as depicted in this Playbill, premiered in 1924. The story revolves around the monotonous life of a soldier named Alf, who receives a new uniform with a peculiar button, made from Aladdin's lamp. The fun begins when Alf inadvertently summons a genie, who grants his wish for a bright pink skin condition, leaving Alf and the army doctors baffled. The image on the Playbill features Alf, dressed in a military uniform, with a surprised expression as he holds his arms crossed, gazing at the polished button on his chest. The genie, wearing a turban and granting wishes, is shown in the background, with a bright green aura surrounding him. The play's title, "Alf's Button," is prominently displayed at the top, along with the names of the cast, including Grant and Grant, and the production details. This Playbill is a fascinating glimpse into the world of 1920s theater, showcasing the whimsical and imaginative storytelling that captivated audiences during the interwar period.
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