Bullitt (1968), special test poster, US

Unframed: 41 x 27 in. (104 x 69 cm)
Framed: 47 1/2 x 33 in. (120.6 x 83.8 cm)

This exceptionally rare piece has only ever surfaced once before. It is believed to be a test poster for the US advertising campaign. The poster that was eventually used had an orange background, with the same taglines. However, it did not feature the orange bullet, which is shown on this poster.

This action thriller was directed by Peter Yates, and stars Steve McQueen, Robert Vaughn and Jacqueline Bisset. It is undoubtedly Steve McQueen's most famous role, where he plays San Francisco Police Lieutenant Frank Bullitt. Bullitt and his team are given the important task of guarding, who they think is, mobster Johnny Ross over the weekend, as Ross is due to give evidence on the Monday, in a Senate subcommittee hearing on organised crime. Things don't go quite to plan when two hitmen burst in and shoot Ross, who later dies in hospital. Bullitt is then determined to find who was behind killing the witness in his protection, and in doing so a bigger story unfolds. The other star of the film is the 1968 Ford Mustang, which Bullitt drives in the exciting, and now classic car chase scenes.

Condition Report:
Linen backed and conservation framed with UV plexiglass

Material of piece: Paper, backed on linen

Material of frame: Obeche wood, card mount and UV plexiglass

Excellent condition, colours remaining very bright, very minor restoration to folds.