Here are an interesting pair of posters for the Belgian release of Sergio Leone’s spaghetti western classic A Fistful Of Dollars.

The first poster is from the first release in 1964 and is interesting because while it name-checks star Clint Eastwood (in his first leading role), the image is that of a generic cowboy, with no attempt to feature Clint at all. Leone’s name is also notably absent – instead the director is billed as one ‘Bob Robertson’! 

One can only assume that at the time the idea of an Italian making a western would be seen as off-putting for audiences, hence the ruse. The second poster is from an early re-release in the 60s. and this time the movie must have had enough traction already to showcase both Clint and Leone’s names prominently.

A Fistful Of Dollars set a template both for its direct sequels and numerous other spaghetti westerns, and is one of the most iconic westerns of all time. I sold both these posters last year, however, because whilst I love the movie, I have better Clint spaghetti western posters in my collection which I am more likely to frame and display. (Of which, more to follow in coming months…)

As I have written elsewhere, I once owned the UK quad poster for this movie but sold it (stupidly cheaply in retrospect) at auction years ago…sigh. I do also have the French grande poster above, which is from a 1970s re-release, and now Leone’s name is the key selling point (finally!) This one is for sale here.

I also recently acquired several Spanish lobby cards from (I think) the first release. Oddly, most of the set that was produced did not feature images of Clint (so I passed on buying them). Those that I have are also available for sale here.