The Blue Gardenia, 1953 - art by Luigi Martinati Mixed Media by Movie World Posters

''The Blue Gardenia'', 1953 - art by Luigi Martinati

by Movie World Posters

Canvas Print

$60

Framed Print

$78

Art Print

$17

Poster

$17

Metal Print

$66

Acrylic Print

$74

Wood Print

$45

Tapestry

$41

Throw Pillow

$27

Fleece Blanket

$51

Duvet Cover

$105

Shower Curtain

$73

Bath Towel

$35

Jigsaw Puzzle

$40

Tote Bag

$24

Weekender Tote Bag

$45

Zip Pouch

$23

Portable Battery Charger

$49

Yoga Mat

$65

Greeting Card

$4.95

Spiral Notebook

$15

Sticker

$4.00

iPhone Case

$26

Beach Towel

$35

Round Beach Towel

$75

Weekender Tote Bag

$45

Coffee Mug

$14

Men's Clothing

$28

Women's Clothing

$28

Youth Clothing

$24

Toddler Clothing

$22

Baby Clothing

$26

Title

''The Blue Gardenia'', 1953 - art by Luigi Martinati

Artist

Movie World Posters

Medium

Mixed Media - Vintage Movie Poster

Description

A vintage Italian movie poster of ''The Blue Gardenia'', a 1953 film directed by Fritz Lang and starring Anne Baxter in the lead role. The movie is a classic example of film noir, a genre known for its dark and mysterious atmosphere, morally ambiguous characters, and crime-driven plots.

The story revolves around Norah Larkin, played by Anne Baxter, a young and naive telephone operator living in Los Angeles. Norah's life takes a dramatic turn when she becomes entangled in a murder mystery. After going on a blind date with a soldier named Harry Prebble, played by Raymond Burr, she has a few drinks and passes out at his apartment. When she wakes up the next morning, she finds Harry dead and fears that she may have killed him in a drunken blackout.

Panicked and unable to remember the events of the night, Norah becomes the prime suspect in the murder case. She decides to go on the run and takes refuge with her two roommates, Crystal Carpenter (Ann Sothern) and Sally Ellis (Jeff Donnell), who work at the same telephone company. The film follows Norah's attempts to evade the police, clear her name, and uncover the real killer, with the help of a newspaper columnist named Casey Mayo, played by Richard Conte.

"The Blue Gardenia" is known for its suspenseful and tense atmosphere, as Norah tries to navigate the dangerous world of crime and deception. The film explores themes of innocence, guilt, and the dark side of urban life, all typical elements of the film noir genre. Anne Baxter delivers a compelling performance as the vulnerable and conflicted Norah, and the film is notable for its stylish cinematography and Fritz Lang's direction.

Overall, "The Blue Gardenia" is a classic film noir that combines elements of mystery, suspense, and drama, making it a notable entry in the genre's rich cinematic history. It remains a classic example of the genre and is remembered for its engaging story and memorable performances.

About the poster 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 Pubblicità), 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.