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. Displaying one of the simplest yet most effective representations of the Western genre we have seen on a movie poster, Karel Vaca's bold and colourful design with crossing pistol motif tells us everything we need to know about Howard Hawks' classic 1959 Western Rio Bravo. In one of his greatest performances, John Wayne starred as a brave small-town Sheriff who, with the help of his alcoholic deputy Dean Martin, holds off the hired guns of a ruthless rancher in order to keep his murderous brother in custody. The second highest-ranking Western (63rd overall) in the 2012 Sight & Sound critics' poll of the greatest films ever made, renowned critic Roger Ebert called Rio Bravo a masterpiece. Issued for the first Czech release in both a large and small format, this is the small format version of the poster.

Condition

Unfolded, not backed. Minor bumps to corners and nicks to edges, with a small 0.5in. vertical tear to lower edge. A couple of tiny faint brown splashes. Image and colours excellent.