''The General'', 1926 - art by Dolly Rudeman
by Movie World Posters
Title
''The General'', 1926 - art by Dolly Rudeman
Artist
Movie World Posters
Medium
Mixed Media - Vintage Movie Poster
Description
A vintage Dutch movie poster of ''The General'', a silent comedy film directed by Clyde Bruckman and Buster Keaton, and it was released in 1926. It is considered one of the greatest and most influential silent films in cinema history. Buster Keaton also stars in the film as the protagonist, Johnny Gray, alongside Marion Mack as his love interest, Annabelle Lee.
The story is set during the American Civil War and revolves around Johnny Gray, a Southern railroad engineer who loves two things: his locomotive, "The General," and his girlfriend, Annabelle. When the Civil War breaks out, Johnny tries to enlist in the Confederate Army, but he is rejected because they believe he's more valuable as an engineer than a soldier.
However, things take a turn when Union spies steal "The General" while Annabelle is on board, and they kidnap her in the process. Johnny is determined to rescue both his locomotive and his beloved Annabelle, leading to a thrilling and hilarious chase through enemy lines as he tries to catch up with the stolen train.
"The General" is renowned for its breathtaking and daring stunt sequences, many of which were performed by Buster Keaton himself. It's a remarkable blend of action, comedy, and romance, and it showcases Keaton's physical comedy prowess and his ability to turn everyday objects and situations into sources of humor. The film also features impressive period detail and authentic-looking Civil War-era trains, costumes, and settings.
Despite initially receiving mixed reviews upon its release, "The General" has since gained immense critical acclaim and is now considered a classic of silent cinema. It is celebrated for its technical achievements, innovative storytelling, and Buster Keaton's iconic performance. Over the years, it has become a beloved and enduring part of film history, inspiring countless filmmakers and comedians with its timeless humor and thrilling locomotive stunts.
About the artist:
Dolly Rudeman (1902-1980) was a Dutch graphic designer and the only woman in the Netherlands to design film posters in the 1920s. She produced posters for many famous directors and film stars, including Sergei Eisenstein, Charlie Chaplin, and Greta Garbo.
Rudeman is the queen of movie poster design of the 1920s, the only woman in a male-dominated world. The Dutch artist offered the public infinite shades of femininity through the faces and glances of great actresses. In her artworks, there is no longer merely the sensual beauty highlighted by her other illustrious colleagues, but also the strength, the icy and melancholic gaze, the rebellious and determined attitude of the women of her era.
Her style is bold, austere, almost futuristic. She uses geometric shapes and a black and decisive stroke. The color palette is limited to red backgrounds, white, with female faces in the foreground. Looking at her movie posters, it seems to be in front of the Art Deco work of the painter Tamara de Lempicka, for the same clear use of lines and bright colors. In the art of Dolly Rudeman, there is the reflection of all the modernity of the 20s, the unconventionality of female emancipation at the dawn of time.
Rudeman was born in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) to Dutch parents. Her father died before she was born. Her mother took the family back to the Netherlands when Rudeman was a teenager.
Rudeman studied art at the Hague Drawing Institute after her move to the Netherlands. Then, starting in the 1920s, she worked for the Netherlands Cinema Trust. Her poster for Charlie Chaplin's film, The Circus, became the first to win the Dutch government's official seal of approval. By 1932, she had designed more than 150 posters and 70 programs.
Rudeman learned to work quickly on her poster art, typically producing two or three posters per week. Unfortunately, she seldom had time to see the films she illustrated since her posters needed to be displayed before the movie appeared in theaters. However, she was able to create artwork using a selection of photos of the stars and a script of the scene to be illustrated.
In the early 1930s, she produced special assignments and exhibited as a solo artist and in group shows. She expanded her career in design but, concerned about her financial security as an artist, began designing film posters.
Rudeman's work impacted the national press. She became known for her bold, futuristic style, both austere and dynamic. Her employers and the public alike appreciated her work, considering it in tune with the modernity of the 1920s. Her work was recognized for having at least three main identifying features: good taste, a feel for color, and originality.
Unfortunately, work became scarce during the Second World War. With minimal income, she nonetheless was able to aid Jews hiding during the Nazi occupation. After the war ended in 1945, she returned to designing posters.
In the 1950s, she expanded into other design forms such as postcards, chocolate boxes, and ceramics. However, she never regained her pre-war fame and died in relative obscurity in Amsterdam in 1980. As a result, most of her work is lost, save for tracings of some 120 posters dating from 1926 to 1935.
Search "Rudeman" to see her other art.
Uploaded
January 21st, 2022
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