''The Merry Widow'', 1952 - art by Rolf Goetze
by Movie World Posters
Title
''The Merry Widow'', 1952 - art by Rolf Goetze
Artist
Movie World Posters
Medium
Mixed Media - Vintage Movie Poster
Description
A vintage German movie poster of ''The Merry Widow'', a 1952 musical comedy film directed by Curtis Bernhardt and starring Lana Turner in the titular role. The film is a glamorous and colorful adaptation of Franz Lehár's famous 1905 operetta of the same name, which had previously been made into several film versions.
The story is set in the fictional European kingdom of Marshovia, where the country's economy is in dire straits, and the government is eager to secure a wealthy bride for the bachelor Crown Prince Danilo (played by Fernando Lamas). Lana Turner plays the role of Crystal Radek, a glamorous American showgirl who becomes the center of attention due to her immense wealth following her recent inheritance of a substantial fortune. She is, therefore, considered a prime candidate to become the titular "merry widow" and save Marshovia from financial ruin.
The film revolves around the romantic tension between Crystal and Danilo, who initially resist their mutual attraction. Their love story is further complicated by political and social intrigues within the Marshovian court, as well as the interference of various other characters vying for their own interests.
"The Merry Widow" (1952) is known for its lavish production values, elaborate costumes, and musical numbers, including some memorable dance sequences. Lana Turner's performance as the charismatic and wealthy widow is a highlight of the film, and she brings her trademark glamour to the role.
Overall, "The Merry Widow" is a delightful and extravagant musical comedy that combines romance, comedy, and music in a classic Hollywood style. It's a film that captures the charm and elegance of the era in which it was made, making it a timeless classic for fans of classic Hollywood musicals.
About the poster artist:
Rolf Goetze was a German illustrator and painter who painted film poster art for about 30 years. His early works began in the 1930s, when he did a number of posters for Greta Garbo films, including "Queen Christina" (1934), "Anna Karenina" (1935), and "Camille" (1936). He continued creating German poster artwork of mostly American films through the 1960s.
From a stylistic point of view, Goetze's posters are characterized by a great compositional structure; the German designer was capable of blending incredibly realistic, close-up portraits, with elaborate scenes in the background. An undisputed master of portraiture, Goetze created numerous posters using monochrome, black and white, or sepia palettes. His posters look like realistic, vivid charcoal drawings. They are able to represent faces and expressions of their protagonists, as mirrors faithful to reality.
Search by the artist's last name to see more of his art.
Uploaded
February 9th, 2022
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