In the 1960’s Mario Bava defined the look, tone, and atmosphere of Italian horror. Bava almost single-handedly popularised the genre and spearheaded a rich cycle of gothic horrors that attempted to imitate the luxurious art direction of Hammer, but with an attitude to screen violence far in excess of anything Hammer were allowed to do thanks to a squeamish censor. Bava brought with him a visual sensibility honed throughout the 1950’s due to his work as a cinematographer. Bava possessed a unique eye for atmospheric visuals, often creating beautifully composed scenes in which light and dark became critical players in the unfolding drama. The result was both a visual uniformity (Bava films are unmistakable) and a splendour that belied the low budgets he was forced to work with. In addition to his gothic horrors - Black Sunday (1960 - featuring Barbara Steele), Black Sabbath (1963 - featuring Boris Karloff) and his masterpiece Kill, Baby…Kill! (1966) he also directed westerns - The Road to Fort Alamo (1964) and Roy Colt and Winchester Jack (1970), science-fiction - Planet of the Vampires (1965), spoof spy adventures - Dr. Goldfoot and the Girl Bombs (1966) and Danger: Diabolik (1968) and historical adventures - Erik the Conqueror (1961) and Knives of the Avenger (1966). But arguably his most important contribution to popular Italian cinema was the first exploratory steps he took in the establishment of the giallo. The conceptual brilliance and ravishing colours of Blood and Black Lace (1964) became a defining generic statement and was never really improved upon or added too by the legion of filmmakers who followed in Bava’s wake. Later examples such as 5 Dolls for an August Moon (1970), and Hatchet for the Honeymoon (1970) were derisory and feeble efforts only saved by Bava’s cinematography. Perhaps his most influential film was A Bay of Blood (1971) whose set piece ‘body count’ structure would be imitated by countless slasher films for years to come. Bava’s decision to remain in Italy may have compromised a major international career, but this choice has been vindicated a thousand times over by the uniqueness and brilliance of many of his films. Without further ado The Celluloid Highway is proud to present the filmography of Mario Bava in poster form!
Black Sunday aka Mask of Satan (1960) - US Poster
Black Sunday #2 - Italian Poster
Black Sunday #3 - Spanish/Mexican Poster
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Esther and the King (1960) - Italian version directed by Mario Bava
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The Wonders of Aladdin (1961) - French/Belgian Poster
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Hercules in the Haunted World (1961) - US Poster
Hercules in the Haunted World #2 - French/Belgian Poster
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Erik the Conqueror (1961) - US Poster
Erik the Conqueror # - French Poster
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The Girl Who Knew Too Much aka The Evil Eye (1963) - French Poster
The Girl Who Knew Too Much #2 - US Poster
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Black Sabbath (1963) - US Poster
Black Sabbath #2 - West German Poster
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The Whip and the Body (1963) - French Poster
The Whip and the Body #2 - West German/Austrian Poster
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Blood and Black Lace (1964) - US Poster
Blood and Black Lace #2 - US/UK poster
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The Road to Fort Alamo aka Arizona Bill (1964) - French Poster
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Planet of the Vampires (1965) - US Poster
Planet of the Vampires #2 - Spanish Poster
Planet of the Vampires #3 - Spanish Poster
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Knives of the Avenger aka Viking Massacre (1966) - French Poster
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Kill, Baby...Kill! (1966) - Italian Poster
Kill, Baby...Kill! #2 - US Poster
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Dr. Goldfoot & the Girl Bombs (1966) - US Poster
Dr. Goldfoot & the Girl Bombs #2 - US Poster
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Danger: Diabolik (1968) - US Poster
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5 Dolls for an August Moon (1970) - French Poster
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Hatchet for the Honeymoon (1970) - Spanish Poster
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Roy Colt & Winchester Jack (1970) - US Poster
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A Bay of Blood aka Twitch of the Death Nerve (1971) - Spanish Poster
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Baron Blood (1972) - US Poster
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Lisa and the Devil aka The House of Exorcism (1974) - US Poster
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Shock aka Beyond the Door II (1977) - French Poster
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Note: I was unable to locate decent poster images for Four Times That Night (1972) and Kidnapped aka Rabid Dogs (1974). Bava also contributed uncredited direction to Ulysees (1954), I Vampiri (1956), Caltiki, The Immortal Monster (1959), Giant of Marathon (1959), The Last of the Vikings (1961) and Gunman Called Nebraska (1966).
© Shaun Anderson - 2010
Thanks so much for these! Just like the films they're promoting, almost all of these posters are pure class, and quite a few of them I've never seen before...
ReplyDeleteNot at all Ben, glad to be of service. I totally agree, I think my favourites are the trio of posters for 'Planet of the Vampires', but I do also like the 'Dr. Goldfoot' ones. Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteTelly Savalas looks a little funky in the House of Exorcism poster. Could be the eyes, methinks.
ReplyDeleteHadn't heard of this guy but these are some seriously awesome posters.
ReplyDeleteGreat collection of posters from a great filmmaker! I agree about Bava giving his films a Hammer feel! I also got the feeling that his films were influenced by Universal's Monster films, specifically Dracula.
ReplyDeleteI need to get down and watch Bay of Blood already!
There is an excellent couple of Mario Bava box sets on the market Franco - released by Anchor Bay a few years ago...well worth investing in. 'Bay of Blood' has in the last few months finally been passed uncut here in the UK - it is a film that has received notorious butchery at the hands of our scissor happy censors...Arrow Video are releasing a special edition and a Blu Ray...a must buy!
ReplyDeletehttp://mcdermott2010.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeletePortrait of Boris Karloff art prints
Art prints: 2010 Portrait of Boris Karloff illustration,
Size: paper 12" x 18" image 11 3/4" x 14 1/2" each print hand signed by the artist.
Price: $40.00 each. (includes shipping)
Great assortment! Thanks. Have not seen some of these before.
ReplyDelete