Tom Jung (b.1942)
Star Wars
1977, US one sheet, style A, first printing, uncut printer's proof
41 x 28¹⁄₂ in. (104 x 72.5 cm.)
unfolded, backed on linen

An original uncut printer's proof of the 'style A' US one sheet film poster for the first release of George Lucas' 1977 space opera Star Wars.

While working as a freelance illustrator for motion picture advertising agency Smolen, Smith and Connolly, American artist Tom Jung was chosen to create the first poster artwork for the 1977 release of Star Wars, provided only with set photographs, a plot synopsis and descriptions of the characters and their motivations, along with the general theme of 'Good over Evil,' which he represented through the 'cross' formed by Luke Skywalker's lightsaber against the ghostly background visage of Darth Vader. Although a glamorous Princess Leia poses next to Luke, robes flowing behind her, Han Solo is notably absent. Also omitted from Jung's original design, Droids C-3PO and R2-D2 were only added before the poster went to press by comic book artist Nick Cardy after a second, more fanciful reworking of Jung's composition was completed by the Hildebrandt Brothers, which had included the droids upon Lucasfilm's request (see lot 46).

Before a poster design was printed in large quantities for distribution to theatres, the printer would print a limited number of test ‘proofs’, which would be shown to studio and marketing executives for final approval. As seen on this example, the colour chart would often be left uncut along the edge of the poster, which adds an extra inch to the width of the poster. Printer’s proofs are highly desirable to collectors for their rarity and authenticity, as there are no known fakes or reproductions. Due to the extraordinary success of the film, at least four variations of the 'style A' one-sheet were printed throughout the original theatrical release. The first printing displays the original NSS number of 77-21-0, while subsequent printings used the NSS number 77-21.