That’s Entertainment

Published March 10, 2024 Updated March 11, 2024

A deck of 55 cards celebrating 20th Century vaudeville, musicals and cabaret.

2014 United Kingdom Bird Playing Cards Piatnik Haime and Butler Movies & Film Music Theatre

Above: "That's Entertainment" playing cards box, capturing the dynamic flair of show business with a lively illustration that pays homage to the classic age of cabaret.

You ain’t heard nothing yet!” Al Jolson's electrifying words from The Jazz Singer have not only brought the talkies to life but now echo through this colourful deck, celebrating the magic of musical and cinematic history.

This special edition deck boasts 54 different images, including the likes of Fred Astaire, Doris Day, Judy Garland, Laurel & Hardy, among others, capturing the essence of each personality. With fifty cards adorned in full colour and the remaining four featuring high-quality portrait shots, the collection paints a vivid picture of the stage and screen legends that defined an era.

The imagery spans a wide array of memorabilia, from film posters and magazine covers to candid and posed photographs of the stars. Highlights include memorable films such as The Wizard of Oz, City Lights, Calamity Jane, and A Night At The Opera, providing a visual feast for aficionados of classic cinema and musicals.

The creative minds behind this nostalgic journey are Nicky Bird Design for the deck's theme and text, with design by Haime and Butler, and printing by the renowned Piatnik. The vertical orientation of the cards adds a distinctive touch, offering a unique way to view and appreciate each piece of art.

In addition to the visual splendor, the set includes a brief history of the musical and cinematic genre by Nicky Bird, enriching the experience with fascinating insights into the era it commemorates.

This deck serves not only as a tribute to the luminaries of music and film but also as a testament to the enduring legacy of these art forms, captured through the lens of playing cards. See the box .


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18 Articles

By Ian Taylor

Member since June 20, 2022

I've played card games from the age of three, collecting all things "cards" from 16 and finally started to specialise at 58! Thanks to these wonderful pages and a certain Mr Lodge, my main interest is in British decks, with examples of the English standard pattern in other countries. I am beginning to develop a liking for Belgium and German cards, too. It's nice to be able to spend time writing profiles for WOPC, on more modern yet beautiful decks. Looking forward to retiring in April, when I can spend more time on this wonderful interest.

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