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1935 PILLSBURY'S FARINA MOVING PICTURES MACHINE
(This promotional item made of perforated cardboard came unassembled)

 

An assembled view of the Pillsbury's Farina Moving Pictures Machine

The Pillsbury's Farina Moving Pictures Machine was given away to 25 lucky kids at Saturday Matinee's.
The theatres giving away the items were promoting a fresh exciting new talent, "The Three Stooges".

 

A closer look at the Pillsbury's Farina Moving Pictures Machine unassembled

 
 
 

MOVING PICTURES MACHINE PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL

In the earlier part of their careers, the Stooges were already becoming a popularity giant. Kids would anxiously gather to theatres for early saturday matinees in hopes to get a glimpse at the ever-popular Stooges. The Stooges loved their fans. They did promotional appearances regularly. The Pillsbury's Farina promotional show usually included an autographed 8" x 10" of the boys, and a chance to win one of 25 Pillsbury Moving Pictures Machines.

The promotion was usually sponsored by Pillsbury, and neighboring grocers and theatres. When properly assembled, the Pillsbury Machine would show "Moving Pictures" or action scenes of the Stooges in all their splendor. The Moving Pictures machines were very plentiful in the mid-thirties, but nowadays, what was handed out for FREE in a theatre parking lot, will easily cost you $400 in good shape. I've seen this item unassembled go for up to $450 bucks on auctions, and easily breaking $250 in good shape (assembled). Suprisingly, there are several out there that are obtainable in the (unpunched/unassembled) condition.

 

Shown above is an autographed 8 x 10 promo photo,
and an actual ad promoting the Moving Pictures Machine.

Shown above is an a poster that was hung at the Theatre locations
where the Moving Pictures Promotions would take place.