BONNIE AND CLYDE (1967) MOVIE POSTER, ORIGINAL AUSTRALIAN DAYBILL, Starring Warren Beatty, Faye Dunaway, Michael J. Pollard, Gene Hackman, Estelle Parsons. Directed by Arthur Penn.

Movie Poster and Condition

This Australian Original Daybill Movie Poster for Bonnie and Clyde (1967) was printed in 1968 for its Australian Theatrical release. It was printed by the renowned Robert Burton Printers Pty. Ltd., known for their quality cinema prints in Australia. This particular vintage movie poster presents in Very Fine+ condition, a highly sought-after grade for collectors. It features 2 original Daybill folds as issued when it was first distributed to cinemas, a common characteristic for Australian daybills of this era. Additionally, there are 2 folds flattened out on the top and bottom of the poster, indicating careful handling and preservation over its long history. This collectible film poster is a rare and striking piece of Australian cinema history, offering a unique opportunity to own a piece of a truly revolutionary film that captivated audiences in Australia and around the world. The crispness of the print and the vibrant colours remain remarkably well-preserved for a poster of its age, making it an excellent display piece for any film enthusiast or collector of significant cinematic memorabilia.

Movie Synopsis

Bonnie and Clyde (1967) isn't just a film; it's a seismic event in cinematic history, a groundbreaking piece of American cinema that tore down established Hollywood conventions and ushered in the rebellious New Hollywood era. Directed by the visionary Arthur Penn, and brought to life by the incisive screenplay from David Newman and Robert Benton, with significant uncredited contributions from Robert Towne, this film masterfully blends exhilarating action, unexpected humour, raw violence, and a deeply romanticised take on a true-crime saga. It tells the electrifying story of the infamous American bank robbers Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow who, along with their gang, terrorised the central United States during the desperate years of the Great Depression. This was a watershed film for its era, fearlessly challenging the restrictive moral guidelines of the Hays Code with its then-shocking depiction of violence and sexuality, proving that audiences were ready for a more complex and visceral cinematic experience. Its controversial yet artistically bold approach irrevocably changed how violence could be depicted on screen, influencing countless films that followed.

Warren Beatty, a true force behind the camera as much as in front of it, delivered an iconic performance as the charismatic, yet profoundly flawed, Clyde Barrow. Beatty was not merely the star; he was a tenacious producer who battled tirelessly to bring this ambitious project to fruition, often clashing with studio executives over the film's controversial tone and unflinching ending. His dedication to the material and his unwavering insistence on maintaining the artistic integrity of the narrative were paramount to its eventual triumph. As Clyde, Beatty perfectly embodies a blend of boyish charm and desperate ambition, a small-time criminal longing for legendary status and a place in history. He's driven by an almost childlike yearning for recognition, even if it comes through violence. Clyde is portrayed as the quiet, observant leader, whose moments of vulnerability and simmering intensity create a fascinating contrast with his fiery and outwardly more expressive counterpart. Beatty's portrayal elevated Clyde from a simple outlaw to a complex anti-hero, resonating with a generation questioning authority.

Paired with Beatty was the electrifying Faye Dunaway as Bonnie Parker. Dunaway's portrayal of Bonnie is nothing short of legendary, earning her an Academy Award nomination and cementing her status as a bona fide movie star. She's far more than a typical gangster's moll or a passive sidekick; Bonnie is an active, ambitious, and equally desperate participant in the duo's criminal spree. She yearns to escape her mundane life as a bored waitress, craving adventure, notoriety, and a sense of purpose that only the thrill of crime seems to offer. Her transformation from a discontented small-town girl to a stylish, gun-toting outlaw who famously wrote poetry about their exploits became an instant fashion and cultural icon, influencing trends for years to come. The undeniable chemistry between Beatty and Dunaway is palpable, igniting the screen with a blend of dangerous allure and tragic innocence. Their on-screen relationship, fraught with longing, loyalty, and a peculiar kind of love despite their violent actions, is one of the film's enduring strengths, making their ultimate demise all the more heartbreaking for viewers who became invested in their desperate flight from reality. Their magnetic presence pulled audiences into their illicit world.

The supporting cast is equally stellar, each contributing significantly to the film's rich and complex tapestry. Michael J. Pollard delivers a memorable, often comedic, and deeply sympathetic performance as C.W. Moss, the gang's bumbling, dim-witted, yet fiercely loyal getaway driver and mechanic. His youthful naiveté and nervous energy provide moments of unexpected levity amidst the escalating violence and tension, making him a crucial element of the group's dynamic. Gene Hackman, in a truly career-making role that brought him to national prominence, plays Clyde's older brother Buck Barrow. Buck is a loud, boisterous, and ultimately deeply tragic figure whose erratic behaviour and often ill-advised decisions add both chaotic humour and unbearable tension to the gang's dynamic, driving much of the internal conflict. And the brilliant Estelle Parsons won a well-deserved Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her hysterical, shrill, and often unsettling portrayal of Buck's high-strung, perpetually screaming wife, Blanche Barrow. Her neurotic antics and constant fear provide a stark and often comic counterpoint to the gang's outwardly cool and collected exterior, making her a truly unforgettable, if not always endearing, character whose presence highlighted the harsh realities of their criminal life.

The film's production was a remarkable journey, fraught with creative and financial challenges, yet these tribulations ultimately forged its revolutionary and distinctive style. Director Arthur Penn faced considerable pressure and contention regarding the script's dark themes, its morally ambiguous characters, and the film's unflinching depiction of violence. The initial critical and studio reception was notoriously lukewarm, even overtly hostile, leading to a disastrously limited initial release by Warner Bros. However, thanks to the sheer persistence and unwavering conviction of producer-star Beatty, and a groundbreaking re-evaluation by influential critics (notably Pauline Kael) who hailed its artistic merits, the film slowly found its audience. It began to gain significant momentum, eventually becoming a massive box office hit and a critical darling, proving that bold, unconventional storytelling could resonate deeply with the public. One interesting production tidbit: Gene Wilder actually auditioned for the role of C.W. Moss before Michael J. Pollard was cast. The choice of location shooting across Texas, often using smaller towns and authentic period settings, further grounded the film in realism, contrasting with its more fantastical elements of romanticized crime. Penn’s careful direction fostered an environment where improvisation could occur, adding to the film’s spontaneous feel.

The controversial ending, depicting the brutal ambush and slow-motion, balletic death of Bonnie and Clyde, was particularly significant. Penn's innovative use of slow-motion and multiple camera angles to depict the hail of bullets was unprecedentedly shocking for its time and had a profound, lasting impact on future cinematic depictions of violence. It was a conscious artistic decision to make the audience feel the visceral horror and finality of their demise, rather than merely romanticise it, forcing viewers to confront the grim reality of their choices. This stark realism was a deliberate break from earlier, sanitised Hollywood portrayals of crime. The scene's technical brilliance, combined with its emotional gut-punch, cemented its place as one of the most iconic and frequently studied sequences in film history.

Beyond its narrative prowess, Bonnie and Clyde was a stylistic marvel, a masterclass in blending gritty realism with moments of lyrical beauty. The stunning cinematography by Burnett Guffey, who rightly won an Oscar for his exceptional work, perfectly captured the sun-drenched, dusty, and often desolate landscapes of the Depression-era American South, artfully contrasting them with the dark, claustrophobic interiors of the banks they robbed. Guffey's decision to shoot mostly with available light and to allow for a naturalistic, almost documentary feel contributed immensely to the film's raw authenticity. The film's meticulous and authentic period details, from the iconic costumes designed by the incredibly influential Theadora Van Runkle (whose work directly inspired fashion trends of the time, bringing back the cloche hat and long skirts) to the meticulously recreated classic automobiles, completely immerse the viewer in the tumultuous 1930s. The thoughtfully curated soundtrack, primarily featuring period bluegrass and folk music, adds another layer of Americana and raw authenticity, perfectly setting the mood for each scene and underscoring the rural, impoverished setting. The contrast between the gang's stylish clothing and the poverty around them served as a subtle commentary on their escapist lifestyle.

The lasting legacy of Bonnie and Clyde (1967) is undeniable. It was nominated for an astonishing ten Academy Awards, ultimately winning two (Best Supporting Actress for Estelle Parsons and Best Cinematography). More importantly, it heralded a new era in American cinema, where filmmakers were afforded greater artistic freedom to explore complex themes, push boundaries in storytelling, and experiment with visual style, paving the way for a generation of auteur directors like Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese. The film's depiction of outlaws as anti-establishment heroes resonated profoundly with the burgeoning counter-culture movement of the 1960s, turning Bonnie and Clyde into unlikely symbols of rebellion against a stagnant and seemingly unjust system. Their doomed romanticism, coupled with their violent defiance, struck a powerful chord with a generation seeking to challenge societal norms and question authority. This original Australian daybill for Bonnie and Clyde (1967) is therefore not just a rare piece of advertising; it's a tangible piece of this transformative cinematic moment. Owning this vintage film poster is like owning a slice of Hollywood history, a testament to a film that truly changed the game and remains profoundly relevant today, captivating audiences and inspiring filmmakers decades after its release. It's an essential item for collectors of rare movie posters, enthusiasts of New Hollywood cinema, and anyone who appreciates the enduring power of iconic storytelling and its bold impact on popular culture.

For more information about the movie and its posters click here.

Special Notes

Images 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.

Postage, Insurance & Your Country Taxes

Postage 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).