Al Hirschfeld was perhaps the most famous caricaturist in American life, known especially for his light, comical black-and-white portraits of Broadway theatre stars prior to his death in 2003. But during the 1930’s and 40’s, he got his start working on movie posters and did quite a number of them featuring The Marx Bros. His career was so illustrious in fact that in 1996, they even made an Oscar-nominated documentary about him called The Line King!
I would like to pay my respects to the life of Peter Graves (who died yesterday at the age of 83) by showcasing one of his most oft-quoted movies, Airplane, whose poster was designed by acclaimed New York artist, Robert Grossman. Who could believe that lines like “Joey, do you like movies about gladiators?” would still resonate after all these years? Godspeed, Mr. Graves.
Upon hearing of Burt Reynolds‘ recent heart surgery (and expected full recovery!), I got a little wistful recalling some of his more popular movies from the 70’s and 80’s. Other than Clint Eastwood, I can’t think of another movie star who was featured in so many cool posters — if not, entirely successful movies. And I’m not talking about the macho, rugged, respectable Deliverance Burt or The Longest Yard Burt — I mean the funny, goofy, cheesy Burt from Paternity (by of my faves, Birney Lettick) and Stroker Ace…Get well, Burt. We love ya!
Jack Rickard may not have been as well-known as Jack Davis at MAD Magazine, but he was just as important to the wise-cracking weekly. No famous movie star or TV personality got away from the wrath of his wicked pen…
Here’s the nominees for Best Poster Picture for this year’s 82nd Annual Academy Awards…
Phil Roberts is yet another contemporary artist who draws in that humorous Jack Davis style. In fact, he not only draws like him — he actually did the poster for The Bad News Bears remake in 2005. But what’s interesting is that he also happens to be a very well known surf artist, too!
Moviegoods is counting down the Top 25 Christmas posters…and guess what A Christmas Story is ranked (art by Robert Tanenbaum)?
If you’re in the 90210, you should check out this exhibit of sweet old-school movie posters by Paul Crifo at the AMPAS…
Movie Poster Museum 