1960s

A young Steve McQueen is pitched as the main event on this incredibly rare B2 poster for the first Japanese release of the cult drive-in era classic The Blob in 1965, cashing in on the king of cool’s box office draw at the height of his popularity. A relative unknown only seven years prior, McQueen had not been pictured on anything but the theatrical lobby cards at the time of the original US release in 1958 and was credited as ‘Steven McQueen.’ Perfectly epitomising the schlock sci-fi B movie, The Blob starred a 28-year old McQueen in his first leading role as a rebel teen who discovers the gelatinous alien invader wreaking havoc throughout his small Pennsylvania community and tries to warn the sceptical townspeople before it is too late. Distributed by Paramount as the B movie to I Married a Monster from Outer Space, the positive audience reception soon pushed The Blob up to the main feature. Produced as cheap fare for the newly established teen drive-in market on a $100,000 budget, the film was an unexpected hit, making $4 million at the box office. This is the only example of this poster we have seen surface for sale outside of Japan.

Condition

Very Good (B+)

Conservation backed on linen. Backing has smoothed and diminished two light horizontal folds and a few minor nicks to edges. Spots of sensitive restoration to pinholes at corners. Image and colours otherwise excellent.