The Big Sleep [Utpressning]

Stockholm: AB Svensk Filmindustri / EWES Tryckeri, 1975. Vintage Swedish Stolpe pop art poster for the 1975 re-release of the 1946 film noir, seen here under both the American title and the Swedish title ("Utpressning," or "Blackmail"). Artwork in the revisionist style of Roy Lichtenstein.

Based on Raymond Chandler's 1939 novel, wherein hard-boiled private eye Philip Marlowe investigates the mysterious circumstances surrounding a wealthy young woman's gambling debts. Although the film was completed in 1945, the final version was significantly re-scripted and re-cut to play to the public's fascination with newly married couple Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart, who first appeared onscreen together two years previously, in Howard Hawks' "To Have and Have Not."

Approximately 12 x 27 inches, archivally mounted in an attractive custom black frame measuring 18 x 28 inches. Fine condition.

National Film Registry. Ebert I. Godard, Histoire(s) du cinema. Grant US. Penzler 101. Selby US. Selby US Canon. Selby US Masterwork. Silver and Ward Classic Noir. Spicer US.

[Book #166242]