The offered banner, promoting the 1960 film Flaming Star, is dominated by a shirtless Elvis Presley brandishing a shotgun, flanked by co-stars Barbara Eden and Dolores Del Rio--the dark blue text set against an orange background make for a visual impact as big as this 82-inch wide banner.
In Flaming Star, his first Western, Elvis Presley is cast as Pacer Burton, son of a Kiowa mother and a Texan father with a half brother, Clint, played by Steve Forrest. As the peacemaker, Pacer finds himself caught in a battle of two cultures and being drawn into the deadly violence. Originally Frank Sinatra and Marlon Brando were set to be cast for the role of the Burton brothers, but after the executive producer’s death, the rights were assumed in 1958 by 20th Century Fox, which chose Presley for the main role. The film was distributed by 20th Century Fox in December of 1960. As a result of his desire to be taken more seriously as an actor and this role providing the ideal format, Elvis insisted that two songs be removed from the four he had recorded for the film. This created Elvis’ first movie to have so few musical numbers.
The banner measures 82 x 24 inches and presents with moderate to heavy wear to edges, especially the left side, with several heavy wrinkles and tears that have been improved by tape on the reverse. Surface scuffing and staining is evident but minimal. All that said, the chipping to the silkscreen artwork so prevalant on these banners is minimal, and the colors remain bold. Excellent condition.