Hang Me Up is the silent direction. The better to contemplate both your past and your future. For those who love the movies, Movie Calendars are essential.

Each calendar has its own story. It is an example of ephemera, something designed to exist for a very brief time. Many movie calendars list only the month — but not the year — it was printed. The theatre’s name is always part of the design, but its address or even its home city are often left out. A calendar’s purpose — however brief — is to provide information. Historical context is not the original intent.

Consider this free giveaway from Bob’s Theatre in Twin Bridges, Montana, December, 1942. December 11th of that year was the one year anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor.  The eight movies advertised are a mix: John Sturges’ classic Sullivan’s Travels;  Bing Crosby’s first version of Holiday Inn; and King’s Row, a movie that co-stars a future U.S. president who, in context, is among the most famous individuals of the late 20th Century. He receives third billing.

    There is also the calendar itself, an object — in truth, a mortal swatch of paper — that briefly came into someone’s life. Was it some young girl who calculated how much money was left after the 15  or 40 cent admission? And what about that kiss?