King Kong

RKO Pictures, 1933,

RKO Pictures, 1933,
Czech one-sheet poster, the artwork identical to that used for the U.S. one-sheet (Style B). Artwork by S. Barret McCormick and Bob Sisk, linen-backed, framed and glazed, 50in x 37in (127cm x 94cm)

This rare and iconic poster for the timeless American monster-horror film King Kong is one of only two copies of the Czech poster known to exist. Starring Fay Wray, Bruce Cabot and Robert Armstrong, the film tells the story of a huge, ape-like creature named 'Kong' who perishes in an attempt to possess a beautiful young woman (Wray). King Kong is widely regarded as one of the most important movies ever created. Based on the production sketches of Mario Larrinaga and Byron Crabbe, poster artists S. Barret McCormick and Bob Sisk have created a design that captures the instantly recognisable scene in the film when 'Kong' is in the New York city streets with the object of his affection (Wray).

King Kong is well known for its ground-breaking use of special effects, such as stop-motion animation, matte painting, rear projection and miniatures, all of which were conceived decades before the digital age. It is also especially noted for its ground-breaking musical score by Max Steiner.

Provenance:
From a private collection