Posters of this era were to be used by theatres while a movie was playing.  After that it was to be returned to the poster exchange or destroyed.  This policy resulted in limiting the number of posters available to collectors and, as a consequence, makes authentic movie posters so collectible.

The hobby of movie poster collecting is now a worldwide passion. Posters that could have been purchased ten years ago for $15 are now going for about $160. Classic posters have become more appreciated as they are becoming harder to find. 

Vintage movie posters were made in a variety of sizes as follows:
- three sheet poster measures 41" x 81"
- one-sheet poster measures 27" x 41" 
- insert poster is 14" x 36"
- half-sheet poster measures 22" x 28" and is printed with credits and artwork that run horizontally.
- lobby card measures 11" x 14"

The graphic at left shows the relative size of these posters.