The Empire Strikes Back (20th Century Fox, 1980). British Royal Charity World Premier Double Crown (20" X 30") Ralph McQuarr...

Description

The Empire Strikes Back (20th Century Fox, 1980). British Royal Charity World Premier Double Crown (20" X 30") Ralph McQuarrie Artwork.
Collectors take note, posters for George Lucas' second space saga don't come any rarer than this! Showcasing a version of Ralph McQuarrie's unique "Vader in Flames" design, this truly unique Empire Day double crown was used exclusively for the film's British premier. For all intents and purposes, London's grand Royal Charity Premier of the picture also served as the World Premier, preceded only by smaller screenings in the days before May 20th. The marketing department took full advantage of the film's release date, which fell close to the Britain's May 24th Empire Day holiday, called Commonwealth Day after 1958. An army of Stormtroopers besieged London, marching through the streets holding placards of McQuarrie's minimalist design, stoking the crowd's already rampant excitement. This, however, is one of the few actual posters printed for the event, and significantly fewer remain 38 years later. Signs of handling in this coveted piece include slight edge and fold wear, pinholes in the corners, unobtrusive smudges, and mild creasing, especially in the corners. There is a small gouge in the lower right background, and paper lifts in the corners on the verso that show through. The poster also has some pieces of cellophane tape on the verso, and there is a bit of light touchup in the image folds. Overall, the poster displays well with an interior mainly free of flaws, and would be the envy of any serious collector. Folded, Fine/Very Fine.

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