Happy Alcatraz Anniversary!

Today marks the 50th Anniversary of the three prisoners who escaped Alcatraz Island Penitentiary back in 1962, but were never found or heard from again — unless you saw Clint Eastwood’s portrayal in Escape From Alcatraz. And the arresting one-sheet was done by 1970’s-80’s star illustrator, Birney Lettick.

So whether you’re stuck in jail today or free as a bird, enjoy this ration of Alcatraz movie posters, including an early Boris Grinsson french poster for the never-before-seen (at least to my eyes), Alcatraz Island

Elizabeth Taylor Lohan?

Will Lindsay Lohan (top left and middle) be able to pull off Elizabeth Taylor in the new Lifetime movie, Liz & Dick? Lohan hasn’t earned her chops yet to become the caliber of actor as the Academy Award-winning drama queen, Ms. Taylor — but she definitely looks the part! (Deadline)

The Beauty of Bradbury

Upon hearing of the passing of science-fiction/fantasy writer extraordinaire, Ray Bradbury, I thought back to when I first moved to Los Angeles in the late 90’s and heard the legend was doing a local neighborhood bookstore signing (which wasn’t that unusual since he was known to graciously sign everything!).

I’m not much of an autograph hound — or a sci-fi geek — but for some reason I got his John Hancock. Such a sweetheart of a guy. Here’s what he wrote…

Eames-y Does It!

If you love modern design, then be sure to check out the rockin’ mid-century doc, Eames: The Architect and The Painter.

Dors Delights!

One of the great things about vintage movie posters is you come across actors and actresses that you never knew existed — for example, take British bombshell, Diana Dors. Considered by many to be England’s answer to Marilyn Monroe, Dors was boffo at the British box office — but her career across the pond never fully took flight (mainly due to an over-controlling first husband and other Hollywood politics, I’m sure). She passed away in 1984 at the age of 52.

Regardless, even if you haven’t seen any of her films, the posters and titles alone are entertaining — Blonde Sinner, The Unholy Wife, Tread Softly Stranger, and Passport to Shame, to name a few. And if Ms. Dors was good enough for the late great Richard Dawson (her second hubby, the kissy-kissy host of Family Feud and The Running Man), then she’s good enough for me!

Some Lick It Hot…

The US Postal Service is celebrating Hollywood directors with a quartet of new stamps featuring Billy Wilder, John Ford, Frank Capra, and John Huston. (Deadline)

French Superhero Remake?

With the box office behemoth that is The Avengers, I’m sure movie studios are scouring the globe for the next big superhero franchise. How ’bout this vintage French Superman — with original poster work done by that evil design genius, Constantin Belinsky?

The Poster Stylings of Yves Thos

With the unique style of Yves Saint Lauren and the drawing power of Thor, French poster artist, Yves Thos, set cinema lovers’ hearts afire for decades with his memorable renderings of La Dolce Vita and other International classics…(EMP)

Scary Houses of Horror!

Now you know why some say it’s better to rent –– especially in this market! (Wrong Side of the Art and ImpAwards)