''The Return of Frank James'', 1940, movie poster painting by Alfredo Capitani
by Movie World Posters
Title
''The Return of Frank James'', 1940, movie poster painting by Alfredo Capitani
Artist
Movie World Posters
Medium
Painting - Movie Posters
Description
Base painting of the vintage movie poster for ''The Return of Frank James'', a 1940 Western film directed by Fritz Lang. It is a sequel to the 1939 film "Jesse James," with Henry Fonda reprising his role as Frank James, and Gene Tierney appearing as a new character. The film continues the story of the James brothers, focusing on Frank James' quest for justice and revenge.
The film opens with Frank James, the famous outlaw and brother of Jesse James, attempting to live a peaceful life on a farm after Jesse's death. However, when Frank's brother is killed by a member of the Ford gang, he sets out on a mission of vengeance. Along the way, he encounters Eleanor Stone (Gene Tierney), a sympathetic woman who becomes entangled in his pursuit of justice.
"The Return of Frank James" is a classic Western that explores themes of justice, revenge, and the moral complexities of the Old West. Frank James' character undergoes a transformation from a reformed outlaw to a man seeking justice for his brother's murder.
Henry Fonda delivers a stoic and compelling performance as Frank James, portraying the character's determination and inner conflict. Gene Tierney adds depth to the film as Eleanor Stone, offering a sympathetic and conflicted presence in the midst of the revenge-driven narrative.
Fritz Lang's direction emphasizes the film's action sequences and dramatic tension, making it a gripping Western with elements of both vengeance and redemption.
While "The Return of Frank James" may not be as celebrated as some other Western classics, it remains a solid and engaging entry in the genre, continuing the story of the infamous James brothers and their pursuit of justice in the lawless American frontier.
Base art is the poster artwork after the text has been digitally removed.
About the artist:
Alfredo Capitani (1895–1985) was born in Ciampino, Italy, and attended the English Academy of Fine Arts in Rome. After graduating, he began working in theaters, setting up stage backdrops.
The new art styles he was surrounded by inspired his creativity in the first decades of the 20th century. He witnessed the dynamic advances in pictorial art, including the post-Impressionism era and experimentation into Expressionism and Abstraction.
In 1919, he opened a studio producing advertising posters, fostering collaborations with other painters. His work included preparing cinema set-ups, such as large wall posters and paintings. His movie posters became among the most famous in Italian design. His experience with theaters, stages, and spotlights was essential to highlight his flashy but synthetic style. Extremely concise in delineating figures, Capitani consistently innovated.
His lines are immediate and well-defined, like outlining theatrical spaces. Even the impact of colors is intense and full of contrasts. Capitani’s posters are a synthesis between forms and graphic lettering.
He created posters for Italian and American producers, including MGM, Fox, and Columbia Pictures. Some of his well-known posters were those for "Gilda," "Moby Dick," "Blood Alley," "My Darling Clementine," and "The Loves of Carmen." He also formed the design company BCM, (an acronym of surnames,) with two other prominent Italian poster artists, Anselmo Ballester and Luigi Martinati
By the early 1960s he no longer did movie posters, and instead dedicated himself to easel painting until his 1985 death in Rome at 90.
Search "Capitani" to see his other works.
Uploaded
November 2nd, 2022
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