''San Antonio'' 1945 - art to Luigi Martinati
by Movie World Posters
Title
''San Antonio'' 1945 - art to Luigi Martinati
Artist
Movie World Posters
Medium
Mixed Media - Vintage Movie Posters
Description
A vintage movie poster reprint of ''San Antonio'', a 1945 Western film directed by David Butler and starring Errol Flynn, Alexis Smith, and S.Z. Sakall. The film is known for its action-packed sequences, memorable performances, and its setting against the backdrop of the Texas cattle industry. Here's a description of the movie:
Plot:
"San Antonio" is set in the late 19th century and follows the adventures of Clay Hardin, portrayed by Errol Flynn, a cattleman and trail boss from San Antonio, Texas. Hardin is a charismatic and roguish figure known for his skill in handling cattle and his way with women.
The film's central conflict arises when Hardin's longtime friend, Roy Stuart (played by John Litel), is murdered, and his cattle stolen by a gang of rustlers led by the notorious antagonist Pete D'Amato (played by Anton Walbrook). Clay Hardin is determined to bring the rustlers to justice and recover the stolen cattle.
As Hardin pursues the rustlers, he crosses paths with a beautiful dance hall performer named Jeanne Starr, portrayed by Alexis Smith. Despite initial animosity, a romantic attraction develops between them. Jeanne has her own reasons for wanting to see justice served, as her brother was one of the rustlers.
The film features exciting action sequences, including cattle stampedes and gunfights, as Hardin and Jeanne work together to confront the rustlers and bring them to justice. Along the way, Hardin's quick wit and charm are on full display as he outsmarts his adversaries.
Notable Aspects:
Errol Flynn's Performance: Errol Flynn, known for his roles in adventure films, delivers a charismatic and swashbuckling performance as Clay Hardin, showcasing his trademark charm and action hero persona.
Alexis Smith as Jeanne Starr: Alexis Smith brings depth to her character, Jeanne Starr, a strong-willed and independent woman who becomes a central figure in the story.
Action and Adventure: "San Antonio" features thrilling action sequences, including cattle drives, shootouts, and a climactic showdown between Clay Hardin and the rustlers.
Western Setting: The film captures the spirit of the American West during the cattle-driving era, with its vast landscapes and frontier towns.
Romantic Subplot: The film includes a romantic subplot between Clay Hardin and Jeanne Starr, adding a layer of complexity to the story.
Cinematography: The film's cinematography showcases the beauty of the Texas landscape and the excitement of the action sequences.
Musical Numbers: The film includes musical performances, including songs performed by Alexis Smith's character, Jeanne Starr.
"San Antonio" is a classic Western film that combines elements of action, adventure, romance, and drama. Errol Flynn's charismatic performance, along with the film's exciting set pieces and memorable characters, make it an enjoyable and entertaining addition to the Western genre.
About the artist:
Luigi Martinati (1893-1983), born in Florence, Italy, on Dec. 31, 1893, was a significant Italian illustrator and painter. He spent most of his career creating artwork for film posters.
While growing up in Florence, he attended the Academy of Fine Arts, then moved to Rome in 1911 when he was 18. There, he worked as an apprentice for film poster artist Federico Ballester (1868-1926), the father of Anselmo Ballester, who also became a poster artist.
Between 1923 and 1941, he devoted himself to advertising illustration. He designed posters of various subjects and themes, from commercial advertising billboards to tourist signs to political posters to significant celebratory events.
He later became the director of IGAP (Impresa Generale Affissioni PubblicitĂ ), a leading advertising agency in Rome. In that role, he began collaborating with various film companies, primarily Warner Brothers studios. Soon after World War II, the advertising sector became dedicated exclusively to movie illustrations.
In the mid-1940s, he teamed up with two other painters of Italian film posters, Anselmo Ballester and Alfredo Capitani. Together, they founded BCM studio (using letters from their surnames) and dedicated their efforts exclusively to producing film posters.
Martinati's images typically invoked robust realism. His style was characterized by a foreground depicting a large portrait with a minor scene in the background. He also stands out for his technique, which focused on the strength of the subjects without lingering on details and particulars. The heroes of Martinati posters are realistic and believable, with few exaggerated expressions or poses..
In 1959, he cut back on his partnership with Warner Brothers and other film production and distribution companies. By 1967, he discontinued his successful career as a film poster artist to work primarily as an easel painter.
He died in Rome in 1983 at the age of 90.
To see some of his other posters, enter his last name in the search.
Uploaded
April 24th, 2021
Embed
Share
Comments
There are no comments for ''San Antonio'' 1945 - art to Luigi Martinati. Click here to post the first comment.