Vintage original 8x10 in. US single-weight glossy publicity keybook photograph from the lost aviation-themed drama, THE AIR CIRCUS, released at the beginning of the Sound Era in 1928 and directed by Howard Hawks. Two eager young pilots (David Rollins and Arthur Lake) compete at flight school for the affections of their instructor's aviatrix sister (Sue Carol).This film is notable in film history as it was the first sound-on-film feature film. Even though it was shot as a silent film, 15 minutes of dialogue scenes were added later.

The image features an interior studio full-length publicity shot of pilots Buddy Blake (David Rollins) and Speed Doolittle (Arthur Lake) as they talk with their instructor, Charles Manning (Charles Delaney) and his attractive sister, Sue (Sue Carol). As indicated in the lower left corner, this photograph was taken by the renowned Hollywood photographer Max Munn Autrey, whose photographs are very sought-after by collectors. Printed on single-weight stock with a glossy finish, this vintage original keybook photograph is in very fine+ condition with a 2-hole punch across the top and a light 0.25 in. diagonal crease on the bottom left corner within the borders only.. The image quality is razor-sharp with fine detail and nice contrast. There are no pinholes, tears, stains, or other flaws.

Handsome juvenile lead of the silent era David Rollins (who was gay in real life) was discovered as an extra and given a contract with Fox Films in 1927. He worked mostly in light comedies, frequently paired with Sue Carol (the future wife of Alan Ladd). While under contract to Fox he worked with many great directors just beginning their careers, including Howard Hawks, John Ford, and George Stevens.