How “Dish Night” at the Movies Giveaways Saved Hollywood in the Great Depression with Kathy Fuller-Seeley

When

Wednesday January 11, 2023: 6:30pm to 7:30pm  Add to Calendar /   Add to Google Calendar

Where

Zoom

Description

Movie attendance plummeted during the Hard Times of the 1930s. Savvy marketers at Salem China and other potteries sold theater managers on the idea of giving away free dishes to women to attract viewers. “Dish Night” promotions were wildly successful. Salem sold train cars full of their now-famous Tricorne pattern to theaters. “Free to each lady” offers brought colorful dinnerware into Depression era homes, controversy to the movie business, and even riots when too many gravy boats appeared. Professor Kathy Fuller-Seeley explores this story through historic images and photos from the Salem archives and her research into Hollywood history.

Kathy Fuller-Seeley is Professor of film history at the University of Texas at Austin.

This event is in partnership with the International Museum of Dinnerware Design.

This event was held live on Zoom and has concluded.