1960s

Although Western films were shown during the Soviet era in the Communist Bloc, American publicity materials were banned, allowing the state-commissioned artists to operate with total creative freedom from the demands of the big Hollywood studios, offering quirky interpretations which often had little reference to the film. This rare poster for the first Czech release of Billy Wilder's 1955 romantic comedy The Seven Year Itch, with staggeringly contemporary artwork by Zdeněk Kaplan, features only a sultry black and white portrait of Marilyn Monroe with a pop of bold colour on her bright red lips alongside a discarded packet of cigarettes and an upturned champagne bottle, barely hinting at the film's plot which follows the wandering eye of Manhattan publisher and middle-aged husband Tom Ewell when a beautiful blonde moves into the apartment upstairs. 

Condition

Very good (B+)

Unfolded, not backed. Some light staining. A few very minor nicks and creases to corners and edges. Colours bright.