Eight Original 20th Century-Fox British Front of House Cards (8×10) for the Carol Reed historical biography, THE AGONY AND THE ECSTACY (1965) starring Charlton Heston, Rex Harrison, Diane Cilento, and Harry Andrews. Based on the novel by Irving Stone, this film chronicles Michelangelo’s (Heston) commission to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel by Pope Julius II (Harrison). Heston and Harrison are wonderful in their parts, and the film had many other fine qualities that resulted in five Oscar nominations. These original British front of house cards are fine plus to very fine.

Original Set of 8 British Front of House Cards (8×10) for the Raoul Walsh and Mario Bava Biblical epic, ESTHER AND THE KING (1960) starring Joan Collins, Richard Egan, and Dennis O’Dea. Supposedly based on the Biblical story, the film does preach a vaguely Christian message that religious tolerance is preferable to sectarian genocide, but the message is mixed in with a generous helping of as much female flesh as the censors would allow at the time. In a turnabout from her usual sultry vixen roles, Collins plays Esther as an innocent girl-next-door suddenly and unexpectedly raised to royal status. Francesco Lavagnino’s excellent score compliments the mood of every scene. This set of original British front of house cards vary from fine plus to very fine condition.

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.

We think of Charlton Heston as the Moses Of The Movies, but his peer Burt Lancaster played Moses as well in the CBS Television mini series, MOSES THE LAWGIVER, done in 1974. This was a prestigious effort on the part of CBS. Joseph E. Levine released a two hour theatrical version as MOSES in 1976. Blessed with a competent cast, the movie is no THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, but the story relies on character development and biblical detail to move it along. The mini series version, which one might be able to catch on a cable movie channel, is the better version to watch as the theatrical release is a bit truncated. Also starrring Anthony Quayle, Ingrid Thulin and Irene Papas. Directed by Gianfranco De Bosio. This poster is folded a bit irregularly, so we have graded it as fine plus. Otherwise in very fine shape.

Original MGM insert poster for the Mervyn LeRoy Roman/Christian epic, QUO VADIS (1951) starring Robert Taylor, Deborah Kerr, Leo Genn, and Peter Ustinov. Originally cast in 1949 with Elizabeth Taylor and Gregory Peck, the lead actors were changed to Robert Taylor and Kerr when production delays led to Taylor being unavailable, being committed to George Stevens for A PLACE IN THE SUN. Elizabeth Taylor is said to have made a cameo appearance at the end of the movie. Originally John Huston was supposed to direct but walked out following arguments about the script. This film was Louis B. Mayer’s final big-budget production, and the film’s huge box office success is credited with saving MGM from bankruptcy. This stunning spectacle had 110 speaking parts, used 32,000 costumes, and employed over 30,000 extras. The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards—including Best Picture, Best Musical Score for Miklos Rozsa, and Best Supporting Actor for both Ustinov and Genn. MGM tried to move the Christian / Roman epic from the flesh-pandering films of DeMille to something more serious. Nevertheless, the spectacle overwhelms the spiritual. This idea would not be accomplished until William Wyler directed BEN-HUR for MGM in 1959. QUO VADIS is now available on Blu-Ray DVD! This colorful epic poster is folded and was definitely theater-used. Some pin-holes exist.