Playbill postcard for Alf's Button

The most popular manifestation of Orientalism after WWI seems to have been Alf's Button'. W.A Darlington's novel appeared in1920, was filmed (silent movie) the same year, became a stage play in 1924 (as pictured here in this playbill by John Hassall), and was re-filmed as one of the first British talkies in 1930. The play deals with the dull routine of war - the hero, Alf, then receives a new uniform with a button made from Aladdin's lamp, and from there the fun starts. A formidable genie appears, and when Alf orders "Strike me pink!" obeys, so that Alf gets a skin condition that confounds all the army doctors

Aladdin Alfs Aubrey Darlington Dull Genie Granting Grants Hassall Orientalism Polishes Polishing Routine Rubbing Shining Wish Wishes

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