Widely regarded as the greatest film ever made, Orson Welles revolutionised cinema with his first feature film in 1941, co-writing, producing, directing and starring in the masterful Citizen Kane. Narrated principally through flashbacks, the film examines the life and legacy of Charles Foster Kane, a character based in part upon American newspaper magnates William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer, as idealistic youth evolves into a ruthless pursuit of power. The rise from innocence to vanity and corruption is illustrated in this superb poster for the film's first Japanese release, with the hazy yellow portrait hinting at the haunted megalomaniac the young Kane would become. The story is told through the research of a newsreel reporter searching for the meaning of Kane's cryptic dying word Rosebud. Nominated for nine Academy Awards, Welles and co-writer Herman J. Mankiewicz won the award for Best Writing (Original Screenplay). Welles' Academy Award has since sold at auction for over $800,000. Voted the greatest film ever made in five consecutive BFI Sight & Sound polls of critics and topping the AFI's 100 Years... 100 Movies list, the influence of the film's cinematography, lighting, editing, music and narrative structure can be seen in the work of countless filmmakers and directors since its release.

Condition

Very good (B+)

Unfolded, backed on linen in the European style with no restoration whatsoever. Backing has smoothed and diminished minor nicks and creases to corners and edges, one ½ in. vertical tear to lower edge and one ¾ in. tear to left edge. One small brown spot 1½ in. from right edge in background area which is barely noticeable as part of the pattern. Image and colours otherwise excellent.