''Blue Gardenia'', 1953 - art by Rolf Goetze

A vintage German movie poster of ''Blue Gardenia'', a 1953 film noir directed by Fritz Lang and starring Anne Baxter in the lead role. The movie is... more

by Movie World Posters

Title

''Blue Gardenia'', 1953 - art by Rolf Goetze

Artist

Movie World Posters

Medium

Mixed Media - Vintage Movie Poster

Description

A vintage German movie poster of ''Blue Gardenia'', a 1953 film noir directed by Fritz Lang and starring Anne Baxter in the lead role. The movie is known for its suspenseful plot, dark atmosphere, and its exploration of the consequences of a seemingly ordinary woman's actions.

The story revolves around Norah Larkin, played by Anne Baxter, a young and somewhat naive telephone operator living in Los Angeles. After breaking up with her soldier boyfriend, she goes out for a night on the town with her friends, where she meets a charming but persistent man named Harry Prebble, portrayed by Raymond Burr. They share drinks and have a good time, but Norah becomes intoxicated and has little memory of the evening. When she wakes up the next morning, she discovers that Harry has been murdered, and she is horrified to find herself with blood on her clothes.

Panicked and confused, Norah becomes the prime suspect in the murder investigation. She struggles to remember the events of that fateful night and desperately tries to clear her name. As the police close in on her, she receives help from Casey Mayo, a journalist played by Richard Conte, who believes in her innocence and sets out to uncover the truth.

"Blue Gardenia" is notable for its themes of identity, guilt, and the consequences of one's actions. The film explores the vulnerability of its female protagonist and her journey from being a seemingly ordinary woman to a fugitive facing the harsh reality of the justice system.

Fritz Lang, known for his contributions to film noir, brings his signature style to the movie, creating a tense and atmospheric experience. The film's title, "Blue Gardenia," is derived from a song that is central to the plot and serves as a recurring motif throughout the film.

Overall, "Blue Gardenia" is a classic example of the film noir genre, featuring strong performances, a compelling storyline, and the dark, moody cinematography that characterizes the era. Anne Baxter's portrayal of Norah Larkin is particularly noteworthy, as she navigates the complexities of her character's predicament and moral dilemmas.

About the poster artist:

Rolf Goetze was a German illustrator and painter who painted film poster art for about 30 years. His early works began in the 1930s, when he did a number of posters for Greta Garbo films, including "Queen Christina" (1934), "Anna Karenina" (1935), and "Camille" (1936). He continued creating German poster artwork of mostly American films through the 1960s.

From a stylistic point of view, Goetze's posters are characterized by a great compositional structure; the German designer was capable of blending incredibly realistic, close-up portraits, with elaborate scenes in the background. An undisputed master of portraiture, Goetze created numerous posters using monochrome, black and white, or sepia palettes. His posters look like realistic, vivid charcoal drawings. They are able to represent faces and expressions of their protagonists, as mirrors faithful to reality.

Search by the artist's last name to see more of his art.

Uploaded

February 9th, 2022