''One Foot in Hell'', 1960 - art by George Kerfyser
by Movie World Posters
Title
''One Foot in Hell'', 1960 - art by George Kerfyser
Artist
Movie World Posters
Medium
Mixed Media - Vintage Movie Poster
Description
A vintage French movie poster of ''One Foot in Hell'', a Western film released in 1960, starring Alan Ladd in the lead role. Directed by James B. Clark, the film is a classic example of the Western genre, featuring elements of revenge, redemption, and moral conflict.
The story revolves around Mitch Barrett, portrayed by Alan Ladd, a man who is seeking vengeance for a perceived wrong. The film begins with Barrett and his wife, played by Dolores Michaels, settling down in a new town. However, their peaceful life is disrupted when a corrupt and ruthless land baron, played by Don Murray, manipulates circumstances that lead to the tragic death of Barrett's wife.
Consumed by grief and a desire for retribution, Barrett takes the law into his own hands. He decides to use his newfound position as the town's deputy sheriff to infiltrate the land baron's inner circle and bring him to justice. As Barrett becomes closer to his target, he must grapple with moral dilemmas, alliances, and the cost of his quest for revenge.
"One Foot in Hell" is known for its complex characters and the exploration of themes such as justice, morality, and the consequences of one's actions. Alan Ladd delivers a compelling performance as the brooding and determined protagonist, and Don Murray's portrayal of the antagonist adds depth to the story.
The film combines elements of traditional Western tropes with a more psychological and moralistic approach, making it an interesting entry in the genre. It explores the idea that vengeance can be a double-edged sword, ultimately posing the question of whether it is worth sacrificing one's own soul for the sake of retribution.
Overall, "One Foot in Hell" is a Western film that delves into the dark and morally complex aspects of human nature while delivering solid performances and engaging storytelling, making it a noteworthy addition to the Western genre of the 1960s.
About the poster artist:
George Kerfyser (1923 Paris, France–2001 Sisteron, France) was a leading French movie poster designer.
With a talent early in his life for drawing and painting, he studied art at the Ecole des Arts Decoratifs in Paris. After graduation, he began getting commissions to design movie posters. His style and technical ability caught the attention of leading film studios in France. As a result, he became the Artistic Director at Columbia Pictures. He designed a number of their posters for major films, including "Bridge on the River Kwai" (1957) and "Lawrence of Arabia" (1963).
Kerfyser's use of colors gives a distinct, recognizable impression. The backgrounds are not crowded with scenes and characters but essential and straightforward. They are characterized by plain uniformly spread colors. Blues, azures, greens, occasionally grays, and reds compose a mosaic of colors in wonderfully cool tones.
Among the characteristics of his style was its versatility, using a variety of designs and techniques he felt were appropriate for the type of film. He also used solid colors running to the edges of his posters. In addition, he made unique typography or hand lettering a central feature.
The characters created by Kerfyser stand out against these colored backgrounds. They often contrast figures with marked outlines, black and evocative in their sometimes realistic, sometimes caricatured style. The modernity of Kerfyser's posters is palpable: they seem like unique covers of contemporary graphic novels.
In his later years, he worked with the Cannes film festival, helping it organize events.
Search "Kerfyser" to see more of his art.
Uploaded
February 5th, 2022
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