Old Movie Poster
Using an old movie poster is a great way to brighten up a room or office. Old movies often have arresting and memorable images that will bring immediate recognition from visitors. The picture of Clark Gable cradling Vivien Leigh from Gone with the Wind has become almost as familiar as the Mona Lisa. An old movie poster not only can lift up a drab room, but it also shows your friends what kind of movies you appreciate.
You Can’t Go Wrong with Audrey
Audrey Hepburn’s films have created unforgettable stills that can be found reproduced in hundreds of posters. Her most iconic image is from Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Hepburn in the little black dress, with the cigarette holder in one hand, has been mass-produced to the point where most people who haven’t seen the film, can recognize the picture.
Another good example of an old movie poster, if you’re a Hepburn fan, is an old movie poster print of My Fair Lady. The picture hat and the parasol, along with the familiar gamine face, will bring recognized smiles from anyone who happens to see it. Slightly less familiar, but worth seeking out is a poster from Funny Face, which includes a close-up of Hepburn’s face, and a full body shot of the actress, as well as the Eiffel Tower at a jaunty angle, superimposed on the portrait.
Not a Fan of the Waif? Monroe Is Also a Great Choice for an Old Movie Poster
As with Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe’s images have been produced and shown so many times, that they are no longer attached to the films they’re from. Most people today know who Marilyn Monroe is, but few have actually seen her films.
Her most iconic image is, of course, standing over the subway grate in The Seven Year Itch. Getting this old movie poster would be very obvious and unimaginative. A more interesting choice would be a poster from The Prince and the Showgirl – Monroe’s collaboration with Sir Laurence Olivier. The easiest poster of this small film to find is that of Olivier holding Monroe to his body from behind, while nuzzling her neck.
Another less-known choice for an old movie poster with Monroe would be one from Bus Stop. There are quite a few options, but the best and most memorable is of Monroe and her costar, Don Murray embracing – though a smiling Monroe seems to be pulling away from Murray. Also good would be choosing Some Like It Hot.
Any poster from this movie would be good, as the images are so arresting and hilarious, though the most fun is that of Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis in drag holding up a winking Monroe on their shoulders. Not only is this an old movie poster, but the element of drag adds an edgy and humorous edge.
There are, of course, other old movie posters to choose from, away from Hepburn’s and Monroe’s bodies of work. The Wizard of Oz has some great posters, including a full shot of the Emerald City, with the four characters walking up to it, framed by the field of poppies.
The stark simplicity of the poster for West Side Story, with its bold red background and the silhouettes of dancers on fire escape ladders, is a great choice for an old movie poster, as is the famous image of Judy Garland framing her face with her hands for a close-up for A Star Is Born. Whatever choice you make, just make sure it’s a film and image that you enjoy.