Turn on the Heat / Sunny Side Up (Sheet Music for the film 'Sunny Side Up')
Ephemera: Vintage Sheet Music on heavy paper stock • De Sylva, Brown and Henderson (Publishers/Lyricists); Graphic artist likely an uncredited Fox Film Corporation staff artist
Style & Movement
Art Deco / Early Talkie Cinematographic Ephemera
Medium & Technique
Lithography/Offset printing; multi-color ink on paper featuring a photographic halftone of Janet Gaynor
Creation Period
1929
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 9 x 12 inches; Portrait orientation
Subject Description
Promotional cover for the song 'Turn on the Heat' from the 1929 musical 'Sunny Side Up'. Features lead actress Janet Gaynor in an exuberant pose against a radiant, sunburst Art Deco background. Includes billing for co-star Charles Farrell and directors David Butler and Seymour Felix.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair; visible structural damage and foreign material adhesion
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $35.00 USD
Auction Estimate
$10.00 - $25.00 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a collector of cinema memorabilia or music ephemera; contains a faint circular music store ink stamp on the central image and a large circular paper scrap adhered to the bottom.
Art Historical Significance
Significant as a primary artifact from the 'Pre-Code' Hollywood era and the early 'Talkie' period. 'Sunny Side Up' was a major hit for Fox, cementing the Gaynor-Farrell 'America's Sweethearts' screen duo. The 'Turn on the Heat' number is historically notable for its innovative use of technicolor and elaborate production during the early sound era.
Notable Features
Features the iconic bold typography of late 1920s Art Deco; includes a 'song list' box on the bottom right common to sheet music hits of the period; prominent branding for 'William Fox Presents'.
Condition Issues
Major circular scrap of newsprint/distinction paper adhered to the bottom center (likely covering a tear or being an accidental adhesion); slight tanning (oxidation) of the paper edges; minor corner bumping; small pencil marks top right; faint store stamp on Gaynor's dress.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional removal of the adhered paper scrap is recommended if it is not covering a total loss. Store in an acid-free Mylar sleeve with a buffered backing board. Keep out of direct UV light to prevent further fading of the vibrant red inks.