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 RKO Insert Poster (14×36) for the Nicholas Ray action war drama, FLYING LEATHERNECKS (1951) starring John Wayne, Robert Ryan, Don Taylor, and Janis Carter. The “leatherneck” in the title refers to early Marine uniforms that had a leather collar, which was intended to protect the throat from knife wounds. Wayne plays the commander of a marine unit sent to Guadalcanal to give support to the ground troops. He is short on planes and pilots and drives his men relentlessly. He gets into a leadership conflict with his executive officer (Ryan) over training methods and the sheer volume of missions. The air combat shots are impressive, and Director Ray gets excellent performances from the entire cast. This original insert poster is folded and in very fine condition.