On a Mission from God—and Movie Stills

Ever stumble upon a hidden gem in an antique mall? This Blues Brothers find might spark your curiosity about Hollywood publicity stills.

Framed film still promoting the 1980 movie The Blues Brothers.

While browsing an antique mall in Chicago's western suburbs, the above picture frame caught my eye.

For the movie The Blues Brothers, Elwood and "Joliet" Jake Blues (Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi) pose for the camera, complete with their trademark sunglasses, hats, and suits. Below the image, the seller paraphrases the duo's catchphrase, "We're on a mission from God."

For the unenlightened, The Blues Brothers filmed all over Chicago in 1979, with some scenes shot in Los Angeles.

The photo in the antique mall frame appears to be a publicity still (or production still) from Universal Studios, likely from 1979.

Publicity stills are photographs taken either on or off the set during movie or TV production. As the name implies, the publicity still's main purpose is to help studios promote their films and stars. As a result, they are often circulated widely.

For instance, here's the same Blues Brothers still on eBay signed by Dan Ackroyd for $150.00. Here's another, not signed, for $25.00.

Do you have any publicity stills from Hollywood?