Based on Lawrence's autobiography The Seven Pillars of Wisdom, David Lean's sweeping historical epic Lawrence of Arabia followed the Arabian adventures of idealistic British army officer T.E. Lawrence in his mission to unite the Arab tribes in their revolt against the Ottoman Empire during the first World War. In his first major role, Peter O'Toole starred as the enigmatic hero alongside Alec Guinness, Jack Hawkins, Anthony Quinn and Omar Sharif. Widely considered one of the greatest films ever made, it received ten Academy Award nominations and seven Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Picture. Issued for the first German release in 1963, only a few months after the world premiere in December 1962, this rare poster features the same iconic artwork as the highly sought after US Roadshow Style B One Sheet, with it's looming silhouette of Lawrence in white robes, his face in shadow, against a sumptuous desert sky. The similarly rare US One Sheet routinely sells for upwards of $5,000.
Condition
Excellent (A-)
Backed on linen. Prior to backing this poster had one vertical and three horizontal machine folds as issued. Backing and light colour touching has smoothed and diminished the fold lines. There is a 1 ½ in. light crease to white ground in lower left portion. The linen has been trimmed at some point for framing, leaving only ¼ in. at left and right edges. Faint writing to verso just visible in white ground below chin. Image and colours otherwise excellent.