Further images
An exceedingly rare British quad for the first UK release of classic fifties sci-fi Invaders From Mars in 1954, following its US release in 1953. Screenprinted in blue, red and green with the tagline From Out of Space come hordes of green monsters, this poster can be definitively identified as a first release from the original British campaign book for the film which pictured the posters and other advertising materials made available to UK cinemas. This is the only example of this poster we have seen surface for sale.
Produced during the sci-fi boom of the 1950s and released just before George Pal's seminal War of the Worlds, Invaders From Mars was the first alien-invasion film to be filmed in full colour. The eerie story is told from the perspective of a young boy who witnesses a Martian flying saucer disappear in a sand pit behind his home. As his parents and local police succumb to the martian mind control techniques, the boy enlists the help of a psychologist and astronomer in convincing the military of the alien invasion, who ultimately destroy the malevolent green aliens and their leader, who turns out to be a disembodied head in a glass sphere. The original ending of the US release revealed that it was all just a recurring dream, whereas the British distributors requested that additional scenes and a new ending be shot to replace the dream sequence with a more straightforward conclusion. Film historian Paul Meehan considered Invaders from Mars as one of the best of the 50s invasion cycle and one of the most influential of the period, setting the scene for other abduction films.
Condition
Very good (B)
Backed on linen with sensitive restoration. Prior to backing this poster had one vertical and three horizontal fold lines with wear and creasing to folds and crossfolds, minor losses to borders, pin holes to corners of artwork, and some spots of discolouration to blue ink. Backing has smoothed the folds and creases, while light colour touching has dimished fold lines, pin holes and spots of discolouration to blue ink within the alien figure. Areas of airbrush to borders and white ground has improved their appearance for display. Image and colours otherwise excellent.