''The Girl He Left Behind'', 1956, movie poster painting by Luigi Martinati

by Movie World Posters

Title

''The Girl He Left Behind'', 1956, movie poster painting by Luigi Martinati

Artist

Movie World Posters

Medium

Painting - Movie Posters

Description

Base painting of the vintage movie poster for ''The Girl He Left Behind'', a 1956 American romantic comedy film directed by David Butler, starring Tab Hunter and Natalie Wood. Set during the Korean War, the film follows the story of a young soldier named Andy, played by Tab Hunter, who is called up for military service, leaving behind his girlfriend, Susan, portrayed by Natalie Wood.

As Andy struggles to adapt to military life, he faces various challenges and comedic mishaps, including clashes with his drill sergeant and attempts to escape his duties. Meanwhile, Susan anxiously awaits his return, grappling with her own fears and uncertainties about their future together.

Tab Hunter delivers a charming performance as Andy, portraying him as a lovable but bumbling everyman caught up in the chaos of war. Natalie Wood shines as Susan, capturing her character's resilience and determination to support Andy through his ordeal.

"The Girl He Left Behind" is celebrated for its lighthearted humor, endearing characters, and romantic storyline. Director David Butler infuses the film with a sense of warmth and nostalgia, creating a heartfelt tribute to the courage and sacrifices of the men and women serving in the military.

While "The Girl He Left Behind" may not be as well-known as some of Natalie Wood's other films, it remains a beloved classic of the romantic comedy genre, cherished for its timeless themes of love, loyalty, and perseverance in the face of adversity. The chemistry between Tab Hunter and Natalie Wood, combined with the film's witty dialogue and feel-good charm, makes it a delightful and heartwarming cinematic experience.

Base art is the poster artwork after the text has been digitally removed.

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 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.

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October 31st, 2022

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