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. Prominent artist Eryk Lipiński, who founded the Warsaw Museum of Cartoon Art after the Second World War, during which he was imprisoned in Auschwitz for working with the Polish resistance, designed this wacky poster for the first Polish release of the 1965 Beatles romp Help!, with goofy mop-top caricatures of the Fab Four against a bright yellow background. In their second feature directed by Richard Lester, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr go on the run from an evil cult, against a soundtrack of classic Beatles tunes.

Condition

Very good (B+)

Unfolded, backed on linen. A few small nicks and creases to artwork which have been retouched and diminished during backing. Approx 3 ½ in. thin brown diagonal scuff to right edge. Darkening to yellow ground around edges. Image and colours otherwise excellent.