THE BIG STREET (1942) 10445

Original RKO One Sheet Poster (27x41) for the Irving Reis film noir, THE BIG STREET (1942) starring Lucille Ball, Henry Fonda, and Barton MacLane. Based on a Damon Runyon story, this was arguably Ball's first major role -- as an orchestra singer and the arrogant, surly moll of a small-time gangster (MacLane). Fonda plays "Little Pinks," a shy busboy who is in love with Ball. When MacLane beats up Ball and she falls down a staircase, the doctors confirm that she will never walk again even after months of treatment. After she and Fonda hitchhike to Florida, he organizes a big party in her honor. It's all too much for her, and she dies "happy" in Fonda's arms. Lucille Ball's dear friend, Carol Burnett, described this as her favorite of Ball's films, because it demonstrates Ball's extraordinary range, that was not often seen. Combined elements of noir and romantic drama give the love story a sinister edge. This original one sheet poster is linen-backed and in near mint condition.