Cock of the Air (United Artists, 1932). Three Sheet (41" X 81").
Chester Morris and Billie Dove star in this romantic comedy about a vain French actress who is "set up" with a charming aviation officer in Italy. Dove's character sets out to ensnare and deny the debonair officer and what ensues between the frustrated fellow and the alluring femme is the crux of the film. This lovely stone litho three sheet has art attributed to the famous poster artist Alvan "Hap" Hadley (1895-1976). This was a Howard Hughes release and as with many of the young millionaire's films he printed his own posters as is evidenced by the printer, M.R. Litho of New York and distributed, at least initially, by himself. Evidence survives that the Hays office compiled a list of suggestions for Hughes to bring the film into conformity with the censorship code. But Hughes had already shipped a positive print of the film to every state in the union before even securing an MPPDA approval from the Hays office. Hays learned from the preview that Hughes had ignored all of his suggestions concerning conforming to the code! This very rare three sheet had professional restoration to address pinholes in the corners, fold wear and crossfold separation with slight paper loss. Fine/Very Fine on Linen.