{"product_id":"55-days-at-peking-1963-movie-poster-original-vintage-daybill","title":"55 DAYS AT PEKING (1963) Movie Poster, Original Vintage Daybill","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e55 DAYS AT PEKING (1963) Movie Poster, Original Vintage Daybill, Starring Charlton Heston, Ava Gardner, David Niven, and Directed by Nicholas Ray is in Very Fine+ Condition.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMovie Poster and Condition.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e This\u003cstrong\u003e Original Daybill, Movie Poster\u003c\/strong\u003e is presented in\u003cstrong\u003e Very Fine+ condition\u003c\/strong\u003e, 2 Daybill folds as issued, a little edgewear right hand side and bottom, otherwise, this poster presents in excellent condition with a colourful clean presentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an original Australian \u003cstrong\u003e55 Days at Peking (1963) movie poster\u003c\/strong\u003e, a wonderful piece of vintage cinema memorabilia celebrating one of the great historical epics of the early 1960s. Featuring the legendary stars Charlton Heston, Ava Gardner and David Niven, this original \u003cstrong\u003e1960s movie poster\u003c\/strong\u003e is an appealing collectible for fans of classic Hollywood films, historical war dramas and vintage Australian movie advertising. Its colourful presentation and distinctive original Daybill format make it an attractive addition to a collection of classic movie posters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMovie Synopsis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e55 Days at Peking (1963)\u003c\/strong\u003e is a spectacular historical war epic set during the \u003cstrong\u003eBoxer Rebellion in China in 1900\u003c\/strong\u003e, a turbulent period when foreign diplomatic communities found themselves under attack amid growing hostility towards Western influence and intervention in China. Directed primarily by acclaimed filmmaker \u003cstrong\u003eNicholas Ray\u003c\/strong\u003e, the film stars Charlton Heston, Ava Gardner and David Niven in an ambitious production that combines military action, political intrigue, romance and large-scale historical drama.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe story begins in Peking, where representatives of eleven foreign nations are living within the diplomatic quarter. Tensions are escalating as the Boxer movement, a powerful anti-foreign organisation, gains momentum. Determined to drive foreign influence out of China, the Boxers begin attacking foreigners and threatening the diplomatic establishments. Their growing influence receives encouragement from the Dowager Empress Tzu Hsi, played by \u003cstrong\u003eFlora Robson\u003c\/strong\u003e, and her adviser, Prince Tuan, portrayed by Australian-born actor \u003cstrong\u003eRobert Helpmann\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs the situation deteriorates, the foreign diplomats must decide whether to abandon Peking or remain and defend their communities. British Ambassador Sir Arthur Robertson, played by \u003cstrong\u003eDavid Niven\u003c\/strong\u003e, believes that leaving would mean surrendering to the uprising. He persuades the other representatives to stay, despite the enormous danger and the limited military resources available to protect them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe responsibility for organising the defence falls largely to American Marine Major Matt Lewis, portrayed by \u003cstrong\u003eCharlton Heston\u003c\/strong\u003e. A determined and experienced military officer, Lewis must bring together the different national contingents and prepare them for an increasingly desperate siege. With only a relatively small force available, the defenders face overwhelming opposition and must rely on discipline, courage and cooperation if they are to survive until international reinforcements arrive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlongside the military storyline is a romantic subplot involving Major Lewis and Baroness Natalie Ivanoff, played by \u003cstrong\u003eAva Gardner\u003c\/strong\u003e. Natalie is a Russian aristocrat whose complicated personal circumstances have left her vulnerable and uncertain about her future. Her relationship with Lewis develops against the backdrop of the escalating violence, adding a more intimate human dimension to the enormous historical events unfolding around them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe film also explores the political manoeuvring within the Chinese imperial court. The Dowager Empress and Prince Tuan have their own motivations, while General Jung-Lu, played by Leo Genn, represents another important figure in the complex struggle for power. The competing interests of the various factions create uncertainty about who can be trusted as the siege intensifies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs the Boxers launch increasingly determined attacks, the diplomatic compound becomes a battleground. The defenders face shortages, casualties and mounting pressure, while Major Lewis struggles to maintain morale and organise an effective resistance. The film builds towards a dramatic confrontation in which the survival of the foreign community depends upon holding out long enough for an international relief expedition to reach Peking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProduced by \u003cstrong\u003eSamuel Bronston\u003c\/strong\u003e, the filmmaker behind other major historical spectacles including El Cid (1961), 55 Days at Peking was an ambitious undertaking. Filmed in Spain, the production used enormous sets and elaborate recreations to bring the architecture and atmosphere of turn-of-the-century Peking to the screen. The film was photographed in \u003cstrong\u003eTechnirama and Super Technirama 70\u003c\/strong\u003e, giving it an impressive widescreen presentation suited to its epic scale. The music was composed by Dimitri Tiomkin, whose dramatic score further enhances the film's sweeping atmosphere.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough Nicholas Ray is the principal director credited with the film, production difficulties resulted in other filmmakers, including Andrew Marton, becoming involved during filming. The screenplay was written by \u003cstrong\u003ePhilip Yordan and Bernard Gordon\u003c\/strong\u003e, with additional dialogue contributions from Robert Hamer. The film received two Academy Award nominations, recognising its achievements in the technical and musical categories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its celebrated cast, spectacular battle sequences, elaborate production design and dramatic interpretation of a significant historical conflict, \u003cstrong\u003e55 Days at Peking\u003c\/strong\u003e remains an impressive example of the large-scale Hollywood historical epic. For collectors, this original vintage Australian Daybill movie poster represents a memorable piece of 1960s cinema history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca title=\"55 Days at Peking (1963) - to find out more about the movie, posters, and movie trailers, go to IMDB.com\" href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt0056800\/\"\u003eTo find out more about 55 Days at Peking (1963) click here to go to IMDB.com.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Notes.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImages may have a small 'MPA' digital watermark and this does not appear on the poster. Posters are being held by magnets in the corners to take photographs, so you may see some magnet and shadows from the magnets in these areas. The magnets are not included in the sale of the item.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePostage, Insurance \u0026amp; Your Country Taxes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePostage costs are quoted for this item, include insurance up to AUD$100, but if you reside outside of Australia, the price does not include any import taxes\/fees that you may be required to pay when the item reaches your borders. Please check with your local authorities for any additional taxes or fees. If you would like full insurance coverage for your purchase, please message me and I would be happy to quote the additional cost (estimate is AUD$2.50 p\/AUD$100 or 2.5% of the item value, up to a maximum item value of AUD$5,000).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Movie Posters Australia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41485680083008,"sku":"55DYAPKNG-63-DB-FLD-PB","price":199.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0569\/7699\/8464\/files\/55DaysatPeking_1963_DaybillVF.webp?v=1794272908","url":"https:\/\/moviepostersaustralia.com\/products\/55-days-at-peking-1963-movie-poster-original-vintage-daybill","provider":"Movie Posters Australia","version":"1.0","type":"link"}