A simplified adaptation of Homer's 'Odyssey,' the 1954 Italian fantasy-adventure film Ulysses follows the warrior king on his wandering ten year journey home to Ithaca after the Trojan War, where his loyal queen and son pray for his safe return. Kirk Douglas starred as the titular Greek hero, alongside producer Dino De Laurentiis' wife Silvana Mangano in a double role as both the faithful wife Penelope and mysterious sorceress Circe. Shot over seven months on a budget of $3 million, with almost a year in post-production, Ulysses earned $124 million at the US box office alone and provided a template for Italian productions to come, igniting the sword-and-sandal craze for lavish Greco-Roman historical and mythological epics which would dominate the Italian film industry until the dawn of the Spaghetti Western in 1965. With an atmospheric muted palette, artist Wiktor Gorka's exceedingly rare poster for the first Polish release of the film focuses on a painterly illustration of the beautiful Mangano, set against a commanding silhouette of the titular Ulysses in the style of classic Greek pottery.

Condition

Very good (B+)

Unfolded, conservation backed on linen. Backing and a few spots of sensitive colour touching have smoothed and diminished minor nicks, creases and a handful of small tears to edges, the largest ¾in. Tiny restoration to tip of upper left corner. Some uneven darkening to teal blue ground.