Zasu Pitts (Oh Promise Me) - Universal Pictures Movie Promotional Giveaway mask (1933)

This fragile survivor dates to 1933, when Universal Pictures produced a short-lived run of paper masks as tie-ins for their films. This particular example features beloved comedienne Zasu Pitts, issued for the romantic comedy Oh Promise Me. The mask was distributed as a novelty handout at theaters, giving audiences a whimsical way to take home a piece of Hollywood during the early Depression era.

Zasu Pitts was one of the most recognizable actresses of her time, transitioning seamlessly from silent dramas with directors like Erich von Stroheim (Greed, 1924) into talkie comedies, where her fluttery mannerisms and wide-eyed expressions made her a natural fit for comic relief. By 1933, she was a household name, often playing endearing and quirky supporting characters that endeared her to fans across the country.

The mask itself is printed on thin cardstock with detailed portrait lithography, designed to capture Pitts’ instantly recognizable eyes and features. It still retains its original string ties, a rare bonus as these ephemeral pieces were typically discarded after use. Measuring approximately 7 inches by 5 inches, the mask is small but striking — a fragile relic of early studio marketing.

Universal’s promotional masks from this period are extremely scarce, and pieces tied directly to a specific star are even more desirable. Surviving examples rarely surface, making this a significant collectible for both cinema ephemera enthusiasts and fans of early Hollywood comedies.

Date: 1933
Issuer: Universal Pictures
Film Tie-In: Oh Promise Me
Actress: Zasu Pitts (1894–1963)
Size: approx. 7" x 5"
Rarity: High – very few known survivors with original string intact