The Beatles Yellow Submarine Original Blue Meanie Mask and Claws from the July 8 Press Screening and July 17 Premiere (1968). The animated film Yellow Submarine broke new ground indeed. Based on the story where the Blue Meanies attack the people of Pepperland due to their dislike of music, they fire different types of bombs and missiles as well as drop apples that render the residents like statues and eventually drain the land of all color. Pepperland's Lord Mayor in a panic sends the Young Fred to get help. After recruiting Ringo he gathers the rest of the band and sets off in a yellow submarine. Through many journeys and adventures they defeat the Blue Meanies and save Pepperland. You have to admit, that was way cool for 1968 and is still cool today. We have been able to offer some awesome items over the years and this ranks right up there towards the top. The movie had its world premiere at the London Pavilion in Piccadilly Circus, on July 17, 1968. The Beatles were there and the characters from the movie were also in attendance. This is one of two costumes used to promote the movie. Paul, George, and Ringo can be seen with it in several pictures taken at the press screening held on July 8 at the Bowater House Cinema in Knightsbridge, London. Of the two costumes made, one has a lopsided ear -- and this is the one with that noticeable lopsided ear. Collector Marty Eck obtained this from a United Artists executive in the early 1990s. That exec had let his son wear the costume for Halloween one year, and the eye holes were made larger so his son could see better. This costume can be seen in the second edition of The Beatles Memorabilia Price Guide, co-written by Eck, Jeff Augsburger, and Rick Rann. Only the head and claws survived, and we have them available here and now. Let's break down what all is in this lot: 1) The original Blue Meanie mask worn at the press screening and premiere. It has aged well and shows some paint loss. Minor cracking, a few marks and scuffs. There is a zipper in the back of its head. It measures approx: 23" tall by 15" wide at the top of the head. There is a venting screen on his head to let air in as well. The neck area is covered in a blue fabric. The nose comes out approx: 7". Too cool. The mask comes with a wood base for proper display. Overall in Very Good to Very Good Plus condition. 2) Two Blue Meanie claws that were also part of the original costume. Right hand shows wear with paint loss, minor cracking and a small hole in the thumb and the pinkie. Left hand has wear, minor paint loss, minor cracking and a small hole in the pinkie. Both hands still have the blue fabric attached. In overall Very Good condition. We have included three images adding a very cool photo match on the items. Two of the images show the actual mask and hands as part of the out fit wrapping around Ringo and George at the press screening nine days earlier. The film Yellow Submarine has come to be recognized as a genre changing work of art. Heinz Edelmann's designs and illustrations changed the game. This movie has not only stood the test of time, but continues to draw fans of all ages. The constant struggle of good against evil -- with good winning out -- never goes out of style, especially when you have the Fab four leading the charge. These authentic Blue Meanie specimens are a piece of music history and absolutely incomparable. They will add a special place in your collection. COA from Heritage Auctions. HID03101062020 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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