Vintage original 27x41 in. US one-sheet poster from the classic 1930's adventure drama/romance, ANTHONY ADVERSE, released in 1936 by Warner Bros. and directed by Mervyn LeRoy and an uncredited Michael Curtiz. Based upon the novel by Hervey Allen, in 18th-century Italy, an orphan's (Fredric March) debt to the man who
raised him threatens to separate him forever from the woman he loves (Olivia de Havilland).
This original one-sheet was issued by Warner Bros. for the film's 1948 US theatrical re-release. It is unrestored and folded as originally issued in fine- condition with a 2 in. diagonal chip on the bottom left corner; a 1 in. diagonal chip on the top left corner; a small tear with signs of wear around it on the center cross-fold; and a few tiny stains. There are no pinholes or other flaws and the beautiful red color-tinting is fresh and vibrant without any signs of fading.
Warner Bros. paid $40,000 for the screen rights to the
1200-page novel. At the time it the most expensive film Warner Brothers had
ever made--and, at 141 minutes, the longest. The film required 131 sets,
including a 12-acre African compound built on the studio back lot--the largest
set that had ever been constructed. Film debut of Gale Sondergaard. She
won a "Best Supporting Actress" Academy Award (which was a new
category). Humphrey Bogart tested for the role of Napoleon; Bette
Davis and Kitty Carlisle were among the many others who
auditioned for roles. Tony Curtis was a huge fan of
the book. He changed his name from Bernard Schwartz to Tony Curtis in homage to
the lead character and was even buried with a copy of the novel.