Orange Mad Max
in Australian
A rumour has been going around for a very long time that only 75 - 100 orange one sheets were printed, which seems convenient and advantageous, yet appears to have absolutely no basis in fact.
The question I ask is what evidence exists to support this in any form or fashion other than pure hearsay?
I have seen at least 12 different copies for sale, making the figure extremely dubious in my mind.
The question I ask is what evidence exists to support this in any form or fashion other than pure hearsay?
I have seen at least 12 different copies for sale, making the figure extremely dubious in my mind.
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http://auctions.emovieposter.com/Bidding.taf?_function=detail&Auction_uid1=4337509
Mad Max was classified and passed for release by the Australian Censor on the first of April 1979. I doubt very much if the film was, as IMDB states, released in Australia on the 12th of April 1979, being only 12 days later. The date of general release is obviously incorrect. I suppose possibly a preview screening was held on this the 12th explaining this date or as a lot of information is often is, just incorrectly recorded.The poster advertising the opening at the State Theatre on the 5th of July would be the Sydney first release date.
Different copies. A little birdy told me you sneakily picked one up off ebay, plus the one currently being auctioned brings the total closer to 15. Obviously there must be others I don't know about, so realistically we must be at 20+ / 75-100.
IMO, the hype is misleading and has grown to mythical status. Both the mauve 1sht & R80s photosheet appear less often.
I like how they are apparently all slightly different in colour, suggesting some kind of hand-crafted exclusivity. Who has ever compared them all? I saw one that looked suspiciously faded.
The "after hours print run" theory could explain the survival rate. Unfortunately, that would make every one a bootleg that never saw light of day in any Aust cinema!!
A bunch of elves broke into MAPS and got into the machinery!
Last year I found another one that has been stored away since 1979. The cinema employee took it from the George St cinemas in Sydney where he worked.
Still highly desirable, but is this poster actually any rarer than Aust one sheets for Moonraker, Halloween and Rocky II released in the same year?
You decide ...
You might call that a vested interest.
I remember a conversation I had with a dealer years ago and he didn't recall the orange version being the first to appear in cinemas. Just a reminder that it possibly could of been a re-issue because the film with such a low budget and didn't expect the amount of success. Therefore more were printed. Just a story but it seems plausible.
Bruce's
John had 4 over time (any recall if they have been resold?) - 4
Charlie - 1
Heritage - 0
So that is 8 - I am missing 7. Mark can you add yours?
I have a feeling that many of these are being resold with the new movie and higher prices. 15% survival is still low for such a big movie. The bigger question is where have all the purple ones gone...
Unfortunately, Charlie, it's no holy grail. Just a later printing produced in the same quantity as other Australian one sheets of the period. The story is a ruse.
There is no doubt in my mind that mauve came first. The lobby cards are mauve as is the media invite above. That was sent out to press all over Australia to attend advanced screenings in the different states. I have seen the letter that went with it. The tale about a tiny wilding poster ordered by George Miller is ridiculous. Whoever thought that up has a vivid imagination!
As a bit of trivia, when I worked at the Aust Film Commission (now Screen Aust) there was a framed blue poster on display in the foyer.
I have never seen a blue matt daybill myself.
A woman here in WA had the local media invite framed along with the accompanying letter. That's how I know what it is.