Here are two very different posters for two very different versions of Scarface.

The original 1932 movie is a terrific and hugely influential gangster picture chronicling the rise and fall of Italian immigrant Chicago gangster Tony played by Paul Muni. Directed by the great Howard Hawks and produced by Howard Hughes, the movie faced multiple battles with censors (this in the days of the Hays code), who were concerned that it glorified violence and the gangster lifestyle.

Better known today, perhaps, is Brian De Palma’s bloated 1983 remake, which relocates the action to Miami and makes Tony a Cuban emigre who rises to become a drug lord before getting his inevitable comeuppance. He is played at full throttle throughout by Al Pacino.

De Palma’s ultra-violent OTT take on Scarface got a generally negative critical reception upon release but has since become beloved of gangsta rappers everywhere. It has many cult-quotable scenes (“say hello to my little friend” perhaps being the most famous), but I must admit I found it then and still do all somewhat ridiculous.

These posters are each for French releases. The Muni version is for a 1950s re-release. I bought this with the original intention of flipping it but I really love this poster, so unless someone comes to me with a ridiculous offer, I am keeping it!

The Pacino version is an iconic image that was used worldwide and has been reprinted many times. Oddly, for the French market only co-star Michelle Pfeiffer (who played his wife) is added, which is somewhat strange as she was not a big star at all at the time.  This poster is available to buy here.