Coca-Cola – Our America #1 Producing Motion Pictures, 1943 Original Lithographic Poster

Description

This original 1943 Coca-Cola “Our America” Producing Motion Pictures poster marks the first in the acclaimed “Our America” educational series. The Coca-Cola Our America #1 Producing Motion Pictures lithograph offers a remarkable behind-the-scenes glimpse into Golden Age cinema production—illustrated with the vibrant, heroic visual language characteristic of wartime American graphic design. The Coca-Cola Our America Producing Motion Pictures poster remains an iconic visual document of American film history.

The central composition depicts a bustling film studio in full production, with crews actively staging a street scene. In fact, the Coca-Cola Our America Producing Motion Pictures poster showcases workers, equipment, and set pieces that create a dynamic narrative of collaborative filmmaking effort. Eight detailed vignettes surround the main image, each highlighting a specific aspect of motion picture production: (1) exhibiting a thaumatrope—the optical illusion device that pioneered animation; (2) preparing a street setting—set construction and design; (3) using realistic foreign settings—location scouting and world cinema influence; (4) recording sound effects—audio engineering; (5) rehearsing actors—performance direction; (6) drilling extras—crowd choreography; (7) preparing special costumes—costume and wardrobe department; and (8) operating projectors—exhibition technology.

Series Context & Rarity:
The “Our America” series consisted of four posters, each addressing a different industry pillar (Motion Pictures, Transportation, Agriculture, Manufacturing). As Poster #1 in this series, “Producing Motion Pictures” holds particular significance—it introduced viewers to cinema as an organized, technology-driven industry rather than entertainment magic. This educational approach reflected Coca-Cola’s sophisticated wartime messaging strategy: positioning the corporation as steward of American industrial knowledge and technological progress. Notably, the Coca-Cola Our America Producing Motion Pictures poster was designed to instill both information and patriotic pride.

Produced during World War II, these posters were distributed to American schools as teaching resources, making them genuinely scarce survivors today. Original examples showing excellent condition with professionally restored fold marks are increasingly difficult to locate. As a result, original Coca-Cola Our America Producing Motion Pictures poster examples are highly sought after by collectors for both their visual appeal and educational value.

Artistic & Historical Significance:
The poster exemplifies the influence of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) on 1940s commercial graphic design—bold compositions, warm earth tones, heroic labor imagery, and educational messaging merge into a cohesive visual narrative. The style communicates respect for industrial workers, technical expertise, and American capability—messages critical to wartime morale and postwar confidence in reconstruction.

Condition & Authenticity:
Excellent original condition with professional archival linen backing and acid-free conservation mounting. Original fold marks are professionally restored, preserving the poster’s authentic character while ensuring archival stability and display readiness.

Trust Differentiators:
✓ IVPDA certified dealer — member of the International Vintage Poster Dealers Association
✓ Original 1943 lithograph — not reproduction or modern facsimile
✓ Certificate of Authenticity included with purchase
✓ Archival linen-backed conservation mounting — museum-quality preservation standards applied
✓ Series #1 (First in Our America set) — increased rarity and collectibility
✓ Excellent condition with professionally restored fold marks — authentic aging preserved, structural integrity assured
✓ Documented educational provenance — verified WWII classroom distribution series