The 1930s Candy Bar Wrapper That's For Old Hollywood Fans

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There are many retro candy bar wrappers that chocolate lovers, vintage fans, and the nostalgia-obsessed wish were brought back. But few had the glamour, appeal, and iconic star power of one candy bar. Hollywood Candy Company's Hollywood Bar strutted onto the scene in the 1930s to compete with Mars' Snickers bar. A taste of Tinseltown inside, the five-cent bar contained caramel, peanuts, and nougat, coated in dark chocolate. A little cinematic magic also went into the candy's wrapper, playing up old-Hollywood flair. Some wrappers were splashed with big stars, theatrical fonts, and a name made to look like it was in the spotlight. The ingredients sat below in a box designed to resemble a Hollywood marquee. The box even showcased a Hollywood starlet and a red city skyline.

The movie industry was booming by 1915, and the infamous Hollywood sign in the hills followed in 1923. Several candy companies capitalized on the glitz and glamour of the time, and with candy playing a leading role in the movie-going experience, it was a match made in heaven. It was also an affordable treat during the Great Depression. The red carpet was rolled out to market the bar as well, with ads portraying the brand as "The Big Performer" and sometimes including a "Miss Hollywood" illustration resembling Marilyn Monroe.

Hollywood Candy Bar was the creative genius of Frank Martoccio, who founded Hollywood Candy Company in 1912. The business was named after its original headquarters, miles from the flashing lights, in Hollywood, Minnesota.

The Hollywood Candy Bar continued to command attention through the late '60s and even enjoyed a little spotlight through the '80s as the company changed hands multiple times. However, its final curtain call came in 1996, when Hershey's acquired the brand. The chocolate giant phased out most of Hollywood's candy bars, except Zero and PayDay, which are still main characters today. Fans who weren't around during its prime can still relive the magic. Vintage Hollywood Candy Bar boxes are available on second-market sites, ranging from from $65 to $150.

While the Hollywood Candy Bar was certainly a leading lady, it wasn't the only bar from the company that deserves a star on the Walk of Fame. The confection business also created the Milkshake Malted Milk Candy Bar, a first of its kind in the '20s. And in the '50s, the nougat- and walnut-filled Smooth Sailin' bar floated onto the market. It didn't make as big of a splash as its former or future candy companions, but it's one of many candy wrappers from the '50s that we think deserves a revival. Hollywood Candy Company produced 20 candy bars during its years in the limelight.