''The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse'', 1938 - art by Luigi Martinati
by Movie World Posters
Title
''The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse'', 1938 - art by Luigi Martinati
Artist
Movie World Posters
Medium
Mixed Media - Vintage Movie Poster
Description
A vintage Italian movie poster of ''The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse'', released in 1938, is a unique blend of crime drama and dark comedy, directed by Anatole Litvak. The film stars Edward G. Robinson as Dr. T.S. Clitterhouse, a respected and affluent physician who becomes fascinated with the physiology of criminals. This fascination leads him down an unusual path: he decides to become a criminal himself in order to study the physiological reactions during criminal activities.
The plot thickens as Dr. Clitterhouse joins forces with a gang of thieves led by the suave and cunning 'Rocks' Valentine, played by Humphrey Bogart, and his associate, Jo Keller, portrayed by Claire Trevor. As Clitterhouse delves deeper into the criminal underworld, he meticulously records his physical responses to the thrill and stress of committing crimes, all in the name of scientific research.
The character of Dr. Clitterhouse is complex and intriguing; he remains a sympathetic figure despite his unethical actions. His dual life creates a tension between his respectable social status and his secret criminal activities. Edward G. Robinson's portrayal of this multifaceted character is both convincing and engaging, adding depth to the film.
The interplay between Robinson, Bogart, and Trevor adds another layer of intrigue to the film. While Bogart's character is initially skeptical of Clitterhouse, he eventually becomes an unwilling participant in the doctor's experiments. The dynamic between these characters, coupled with the film's sharp dialogue and witty humor, makes for an engaging narrative.
"The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse" stands out for its original premise and its blend of crime and comedy. It is a notable example of the crime genre from the late 1930s, showcasing the versatility of its lead actors and offering a unique take on the motivations behind criminal behavior. The film is remembered for its unusual plot, strong performances, and its ability to mix humor with a darker crime narrative.
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
December 27th, 2021
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