Dvenadtsataya notsh (Twelfth Night). A Soviet-era lithograph movie poster, 1956

An original Finnish release poster for Dvenadtsataya Noch (Twelfth Night), the Soviet film adaptation of Shakespeare’s play. Screened in Finland in 1956 with no subsequent theatrical runs. Titles in Finnish and Swedish. 

Measures approximately 23.25 × 16.25 inches. Although printed for Finnish release, this poster almost certainly originates from the USSR rather than Finland. The evidence: the paper stock is exceptionally high quality - almost Arches-like and quite unlike the cheaper stock used in Finnish printing of this period; the poster appears to be a lithograph rather than the offset printing standard for Finnish posters of the era; and there is neither printer information nor artist name anywhere on the sheet. It is well documented that the Soviet Union heavily promoted its own film industry and invested significantly in its marketing materials. This poster is a compelling example of that. 

Condition: C9.5. Rolled. A small ½ cm nick to the left edge at centre; faint crease to the lower right corner. Otherwise outstanding, Near Mint. A superb piece of cinema advertising art and a striking item of wall art.