(Universal, 1932) Very scarce color 14 x 22 window card for the classic 1932 Universal film Murders in the Rue Morgue, directed by Robert Florey and starring Bela Lugosi. The poster artwork was designed by classic Universal horror artist Karoly Grosz and depicts Lugosi’s eerie disembodied face above one of his victims, casting a gruesome stare as the deranged Dr. Mirakle. The upper imprint area is printed with information for the showing, reading: “Home Theatre, 6421 Chene St. / Sun., Mon. and Tues. May 15-16-17.” The copyright notice in the lower border reads: “‘Country of Origin U.S.A.’ Morgan Litho. Co. Cleveland, O. U.S.A,” and the poster bears the uncommon and desirable facsimile signature of the artist Karoly Grosz beneath Lugosi’s image. Double-matted to an overall size of 18.75 x 26. In very good condition, with minor touch up and paper restoration, mainly in border area. The film was produced in 1932 following the wild success of Frankenstein the previous year, and is recognized as one of the formative films in the popular ‘mad scientist’ genre of Golden Age Hollywood. Murders in the Rue Morgue was actually produced as a compensatory package for Lugosi and Florey after both were dropped from Frankenstein—Lugosi had originally been cast as Dr. Frankenstein's Monster, and the film was to be directed by Florey, who had been developing the coveted project. A very rare and exceptionally desirable piece from this influential cult classic.
