FLUID DRIVE (1974) Movie Poster Daybill, RR76, Original Vintage
Size Custom Size (see Description)
FLUID DRIVE (1974) Movie Poster Daybill, RR76, Original Vintage – Featuring Rory Russell, Barry Kanaiaupuni, Peter Townend, Ian Cairns | Directed by Scott Dittrich Movie Poster Condition Condition: Very Fine+...
FLUID DRIVE (1974) Movie Poster Daybill, RR76, Original Vintage – Featuring Rory Russell, Barry Kanaiaupuni, Peter Townend, Ian Cairns | Directed by Scott Dittrich
Movie Poster Condition
Condition: Very Fine+ condition with faint handling wear and light dog ear crease top left corner.
This original vintage Daybill showcases the iconic visual style of the 1970s surf scene. The poster’s vivid colours and dynamic forms encapsulate the fluid movements and coastal spirit celebrated in the era’s most cherished surf art. Collectors will appreciate the authenticity and careful preservation that makes this Fluid Drive movie poster both a decorative statement and a piece of surfing history.
Movie Synopsis
Fluid Drive (1974) is a seminal film within surf culture, directed by the renowned Scott Dittrich and featuring legendary talents such as Rory Russell, Barry Kanaiaupuni, Peter Townend, and Ian Cairns. When released, the film quickly garnered attention for its immersive storytelling and mesmerising visual style, leading to its re-release in 1976. Fluid Drive is not merely a showcase of surfing expertise, but a vivid chronicle of a golden age in the sport, making it a work of enduring significance for fans and collectors alike.
The documentary transports audiences to the most revered surfing destinations around the globe. From the thunderous breaks at Hawaii’s Pipeline to the sun-baked points of California and the wild coastline of Baja, Mexico, Fluid Drive offers an exhilarating look at the world-class waves that defined the 1970s. Cinematographer Scott Dittrich's use of slow-motion footage brings viewers astonishingly close to the action, revealing the deft athleticism, balance, and boldness required to excel on these waters. The movie’s structure allows viewers to experience the environment, energy, and skill of each surfer, drawing them into the heart of every ride.
Alongside the headline acts, the film features appearances from a remarkable ensemble of surf legends, including Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew, Jeff Hakman, Eddie Aikau, Gerry Lopez, Larry Bertlemann, Miki Dora, and Terry Fitzgerald, amongst many others. These pioneers contributed to a vibrant tapestry of surfing styles, from explosive manoeuvres to graceful, flowing lines. Their unique approaches to the sport are beautifully conveyed, thanks to the film's combination of rare competition footage and candid moments both on and off the waves. Collectors and enthusiasts will recognise the effort put into capturing not only the technical skill but also the comradery and rivalry that has always driven surf culture.
The soundtrack, evocative of the era, complements the film’s visuals with its rhythmic and infectious energy. Each sequence pulses with the sounds and spirit of the 1970s, further immersing the viewer in a bygone era of surf exploration. The candid interviews and subtle humour woven throughout the film help illustrate the community ethos at the heart of surfing, providing rare insights into friendships, challenges, and the pursuit of an unfathomable connection with the sea. Fluid Drive is more than a sports documentary—it is a time capsule and celebration of a unique way of life.
For collectors, the accompanying Fluid Drive movie poster is an authentic memento of this remarkable period. With its bold typography and fluid visual motifs, the poster reflects the dynamic culture of 1970s surfing and adds a touch of vintage flair to any décor. Designed by Steve Core and realised with artistic flair by Hugh McLeod, this original Daybill embodies both the energy of the film and the artistry of surf memorabilia. Whether you are a seasoned surfer, a poster enthusiast, or seeking a nostalgic centrepiece for your space, this piece is a testament to surfing’s enduring legacy.
Athletes seen in the movie: Rorry Russell, Barry Kanaiaupuni, Peter Townend, Ian Cairns, J Riddle, Paul Nielson, Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew, Howard Farrrant, Larry Bertlemann, Jeff Hakman, Jeff Crawford, Eddie Aikau, Bill Hamliton, Mike Lalley, Gerry Lopez, Tom Padaka, Mike Armstrong, Ben Aipa, Edward McQuilken, Pat O'neill, Mark Angel, Terry Fitzgerald, Miki Dora, George Trafton, Mike Purpus, Keith Paull.
To find out more about Fluid Drive (1974) click here to go to IMDB.com.
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).

FAQ
At Movie Posters Australia, the love and conservation of movie posters comes first, and we like to share this passion. Our commitment to quality means we will provide high quality memorabilia to our customers. Posters are carefully chosen and authenticated to ensure originality and value. We want our customers to trust MPA, so we always try to be as open and transparent as we can, provide detailed condition information and images, to ensure customers are comfortable and confident in their purchase.
While the industry does have a few condition rating standards, there is no movie poster condition rating system that has become the accepted standard world wide. This unfortunately makes condition terms vary from movie poster dealer to movie poster dealer. Terms like Mint, Near Mint, Very Fine, Fine, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor, seem to be universal to most condition rating standards, but most standards still lack definition about what and how many flaws/defects/damage defines a specific condition level. For more information on how Movie Posters Australia grades the condition of its movie posters, daybills, lobby cards and other ephemera please see out Movie Poster Condition and Grading page.
In the early days of cinema, posters were primarily hand-drawn and printed in various sizes, often tailored to fit the available space in theaters or promotional areas. In the United States, the "One Sheet" size (some times called '1 Sheet' or '1SH' approximately 27" x 41", became the standard during the 1930s. This size was manageable for theater display and suited the needs of a growing film industry.
Different countries developed their own poster sizes and styles, which also changed sometimes over the decades, and were influenced by local preferences and practical considerations, like available paper sheet sizes and how many posters could be printed on one sheet.
In Australia, the most popular size, the Daybill, has evolved over the decades. Australian Daybills sizes in chronological order are:
- Long Daybills (15" x 40"), from 1920's to pre-WW2 or pre-1941, were printed two to a sheet, longer than current Daybill versions. There were size variances in width from 14.5" to 15" and in height from 39.5" to 40".
- War Time Daybill (10" x 30"), during WW2, for a short time to conserve paper during a war time shortage, four Daybills were printed on one sheet. Information from Press Sheets also referred to these War-Time sizes as "New Size Daybills".
- Post-War Daybill (13" x 30"), this 13" x 30" Post-War size carried through until the 1980's, but also varied in size from 13"-14" x 29.75"-30.25".
- Post-80's Daybill (33cm x 66cm, or 13" x 26"), over a few years in the late 80's, the size changed again to a metric 33cm x 66cm, although these have also varied from 32-33cm x 64.5-66cm. New sizes from the late 80's were created, sometimes called a Mini Daybill or Mini Poster, in 9" x 12", 11" x 17" and 13" x 20".
In the UK, the somewhat unique 'Quad' poster, measuring 30" x 40", became popular, offering a larger landscape format that allowed for more elaborate designs.
In Japan, movie poster sizes were smaller, such as the "B2" (20" x 28"), which suited the more compact living environment of larger cities, smaller advertising spaces, and unique aesthetic sensibilities.
The 1970s and 1980s, witnessed the rise of the "six-sheet" (81" x 81") format, reflecting a trend towards larger and more visually impactful advertising.
Overall, the variation in movie poster sizes across different countries and decades highlights the interplay between technological printing advancements, paper resource availability, paper sheet size changes, cultural preferences, and the evolving nature of movie marketing.
At Movie Posters Australia we tag each poster we sell with a 'size' and 'condition' description at the very top of the page for our customers to easily see. There may however be some slight variations to sizes by up one inch due to variations in production and guillotine methods by printers over the decades.