Printed in stunning stone lithography, this extremely rare Argentinian one-sheet poster for quintessential film noir 'Gilda' features similar show-stopping artwork to the coveted US style B one-sheet, focusing on a smouldering full length portrait of Rita Hayworth as the titular femme fatale in slim-fitting satin gown, smoking cigarette in hand. Legendary director Martin Scorsese said of the US one-sheet: "It’s one of the most iconic images in American movies: Rita Hayworth standing in a long, form-fitting, strapless blue satin dress, a wrap dangling from one hand and a lit cigarette held in the other, her head cocked back in something like disdain, carelessness, and maybe superiority. It’s her character, it’s the movie, but it’s also something else. She’s standing against a dark background, on a wash of white and purplish blue over a lighter blue. In other words, she’s a goddess standing on a cloud. There’s some standard promotional language ("There NEVER was a woman like Gilda!") positioned over her head in an arc, and the white letters (only "Gilda!" is red) suggest stars. The imagery is in line with the general idea of movie star, but it’s beyond that. It suggests a kind of enchanted celestial life, far above us." While the US poster - which sells for up to $75,000 at auction - utilised a photograph of the sultry Rita Hayworth in her signature role, the Argentinian one-sheet for this Buenos Aires set production reproduced the same dazzling design as an illustration for printing in traditional stone lithography. Directed by Charles Vidor and debuted at the first Cannes Film Festival in 1946, the film sealed Hayworth's status as a Hollywood legend for her performance as Gilda, the sultry femme fatale with a hidden past who ensnares former lover and small-time crook Johnny Farrell (Glenn Ford) in her toxic web of sexual jealousy, betrayal and murder.

Provenance

Very Good (B+)

Conservation backed on linen. Backing and light colour touching have smoothed and diminished the standard one vertical and three horizontal folds and minor nicks and splits to margins. Small restoration to edge chip at upper right edge. Colour touching to a couple of small surface scuffs lower right and to left arm. Hand highlighting in pencil to décolletage and arms, probably performed at the time of printing. Age toning to paper. Faint moisture stain to lower margin. Image and colours otherwise excellent. Further images available on request.