ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN MARVEL, THE (1941) 29449 Rare Original Republic Studios Six Sheet Poster

Original U.S. Six-Sheet Poster (81x81) Linen Backed Very Fine Condition

Republic Studios Original U.S. Six-Sheet poster (81x81) for the John English / William Witney directed serial THE ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN MARVEL (1941). This very rare six sheet is linen-backed and we have graded it in fine plus to very fine condition. Marvelous!! The most popular movies on the screen today are the super-hero adaptations from comic books which form the Marvel Universe and the characters from DC comics. But before these films were created, the first superhero to appear on the big screen was Captain Marvel. Republic Studios, who created some of the best serials to ever appear on the screen had originally wanted to produce the first live-action version of DCÕs Superman. However, since the publisher had already licensed the character to Paramount Studios, where an animated cartoon series was in production, Republic had to give up the idea of acquiring Superman and so turned their attention to other characters. Fawcett Publications Captain Marvel was the perfect choice as the characters powers were so similar to DCÕs Man of Steel. The alterations to Republics script would be minor and the studio would be able to go into production immediately. Ê The Adventures of Captain Marvel has long been regarded as one of the best serials ever created by Republic, loaded with action, an evil and mysterious villain (The Scorpion) and a young teen who could change into Captain Marvel simply by saying the name ÒShazam!Ó Each chapter featured flying effects, impossible stunts and lots of mystery as Billy Batson (aka Captain Marvel), attempts to keep the Scorpion from locating the lenses to complete the death ray device found in an ancient cave. Western star Tom Tyler was recruited to perform as Captain Marvel due to his physique and his resemblance to the character in the comics.Ê One sheets for Chapter one routinely bring over $30,000 when they appear at auction and are extremely scarce. However, they are not as scarce as this incredible large format six sheet. It is believed that this is the only copy of this poster known to exist and it has only changed hands a few times since itÕs discovery in the late 1980s. The significance of this poster is huge as it represents the first time Hollywood was to use a superhero in the cinema. MovieArt Original Film Posters in Austin, Texas guarantees that this poster is an authentic U.S. six-sheet poster for this film. MovieArt Austin does not sell reproductions.

JOHN ENGLISH - Director
WILLIAM WITNEY - Director
Tom Tyler - Actor
George Magrill - Actor