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 creative freedom from the demands of the big Hollywood studios, offering quirky interpretations which often had more of a symbolic rather than literal reference to the film. Diverging from the film's iconic image of Marilyn Monroe in her billowing white dress above a subway vent, this zany poster for the first Romanian release of Billy Wilder's 1955 comedy The Seven Year Itch depicts an anxious husband amidst three buxom beauties with little resemblance to Monroe. The printed signature 'Setran 64' indicates that the dynamic design was likely the work of Romanian artist and graphic designer Vladimir Setran, although we have been unable to verify this.

Adapted by Wilder and George Axelrod from Axelrod's 1952 play of the same name, the film followed the wandering eye of Manhattan publisher and middle-aged husband Richard (Tom Ewell) when a beautiful blonde (Monroe) moves into the apartment upstairs. Richard fears succumbing to the titular seven year itch, which refers to the idea of waning interest in a monogamous relationship after seven years of marriage.

Provenance

Excellent (A-)

Conservation backed on linen with no restoration. Backing has smoothed one vertical and one horizontal fold and diminished the most minor edge wear and surface wear to crossfold. Some darkening to folds. Image and colours otherwise excellent.