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. With a characteristic use of bold primary colour and childlike stylization, artist Kazimierz Mann captured the jaunty spirit of the adventurous wooden boy on this rare poster for the 1962 Polish re-release of Walt Disney's Pinocchio. Based on the 1883 Italian children's novel The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi, Pinocchio was Disney's second animated feature film, released in 1940 following the enormous success of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937. The fantastical fairy-tale followed the endeavours of a wooden puppet to become a real boy with the help of his conscience Jiminy Cricket. Winning two Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song for When You Wish Upon A Star, the groundbreaking film is now widely regarded as one of the greatest animated features ever made.

Provenance

Excellent (A-)

Conservation backed on linen. Backing has smoothed and diminished machine folds so that they are virtually invisible. Slight darkening to edges. Image and colours otherwise excellent.