Original Set (11) of British Front of House Cards (8×10) for the Nicholas Ray epic film KING OF KINGS (1961) starring Jeffrey Hunter, Rip Torn, Siobhan McKenna, Harry Guardino, Hurd Hatfield, Robert Ryan, Rita Gam, Brigid Bazlen, Frank Thring, and the amazing Viveca Lindfors. Cinema versions of the life of Christ are not that uncommon worldwide. One of the most interesting is Samuel Bronston’s epic production KING OF KINGS from 1961. Over the years the film has taken some considerable derision, yet there is something lively about it that is often missing from other versions. It is certainly more lively than the other Jesus movie of the sixties, THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD (1965), which has a certain majesty on the giant Cinerama screen but can also be rather portentious at times, laced as it is with a huge cast of well known actors. Two elements stand out about KING OF KINGS. The first is its direction by Nicholas Ray, a seemingly odd choice for a sixties-style 70mm epic. But Ray brings something special to the film – a sense of the interior life of the characters. This was his great talent. The second thing is a fabulous film score by Miklos Rozsa. It’s a beautiful score and within it is a setting of the Lord’s Prayer that is much more beautiful than the famous one which is normally heard. And this cast is comprised of some great actors from Hollywood’s B-list, actors who were unafraid to collaborate with Ray in giving the story some verve. These 8×10 color stills from Britain are vivid and hard to find. There are 11 in this group, but this may not be a complete set. Very Fine Plus.

Original Warner Brothers One Sheet Poster (27×41) for the George Sherman western, MURIETA! (1965) starring Jeffrey Hunter, Arthur Kennedy, Diana Lorys, and Sara Lezana. The film chronicles a Mexican peasant named Joaquin Murieta (Hunter) and his wife (Lezana) who go north to California to prospect for gold. But after he is beaten, robbed, and his wife killed by bandits—Murieta takes out his vengeance by forming a gang of outlaws who rob and terrorize the countryside. This original one sheet poster is folded and in very fine plus condition.

Original Warner Brothers One Sheet Poster (27×41) for the John Ford iconic western adventure, THE SEARCHERS (1956) starring John Wayne, Jeffrey Hunter, Vera Miles, Ward Bond, and Natalie Wood. In 2007, the American Film Institute ranked this film as the 12th Greatest Movie of All Time, and in 2008 the AFI ranked the film as the number one greatest western. John Wayne gave the most winning and memorable performance of his career, and the film is reputed to have been his most favorite role. While the film is driven by racist hatred of Native Americans, both races are portrayed as ruthless and barbaric. The film was shot in Utah’s magnificent Monument Valley, and the Technicolor cinematography is simply stunning. Also, the score by Max Steiner is exceptional, and without it the impact of the film would be considerably diminished. This original one sheet poster is linen-backed and in very fine condition.