1980s to Now

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 and sometimes surreal interpretations which often had no reference to the film. Prolific poster artist Jakub Erol's bizarre design for the first Polish release of the anticipated Star Wars sequel The Empire Strikes Back is a perfect example - without the credits for stars Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford, one would struggle to identify this is a Star Wars poster at all, particularly as the film's Director Irvin Kershner has been misspelled as Wershner. A rare example of a sequel that transcends the original, Lucasfilm's The Empire Strikes Back was the highest grossing film of 1980 and has come to be regarded as the best film in the original Star Wars trilogy. The epic space saga continued as the Imperial forces pursue the Rebel Alliance, while Master Yoda trains Luke Skywalker to become a Jedi Knight, despite Darth Vader's determination to turn him to the dark side. One of the greatest plot twists in cinematic history unfolds at the film's climax, when Vader reveals to Luke that he is his father.

Condition

Excellent (A)

Unfolded, backed on linen. Backing has smoothed and diminished a minor crease to lower left corner. Image and colours excellent.