BB17-045 — ABBOTT AND COSTELLO GO TO MARS
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YEAR: 1953
FILM STUDIO / PRODUCTION: Universal-International Pictures
TAGLINE: “They’re on an outer-space spree!!”
DIRECTOR: Charles Lamont
CAST: Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Mari Blanchard, Robert Paige, Martha Hyer, Horace McMahon, Jack Kruschen, Jean Willes, Anita Ekberg
PRODUCER: Howard Christie
GENRE: Science Fiction / Comedy / Family
POSTER PRINTER:
FORMAT: Australian Daybill

POSTER DESIGN FEATURES: A striking and unusually minimalist Australian Daybill printed almost entirely in blue and red against white. Large illustrated portraits of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello dominate the upper half, with their surnames incorporated into an oversized hand-lettered title treatment. The lower section uses bold red typography, stars and the Australian “For General Exhibition” triangle. Unlike many international posters for the film, this Australian design concentrates almost entirely on the instantly recognisable comedy duo rather than spaceships, planets or female characters.

COLLECTOR'S NOTE: This is a particularly appealing Australian poster for one of cinema's most famous comedy partnerships, combining Abbott and Costello with the hugely collectible 1950s science-fiction genre. The film also contains an early appearance by Anita Ekberg, several years before La Dolce Vita. Australian Daybills for the title are documented in specialist Abbott and Costello poster collections, including more than one Australian Daybill design.