- This is one of a kind and exciting! For thirty years
now I have owned this wonderful caricature of Mario Lanza that was hand
drawn by cartoonist Al Kilgore. Sadly, Al is long gone but is best remembered
for the character he penned known as Bullwinkle from the old Rocky and
Bullwinkle cartoon strip that later became a TV show.
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- Al was an extremely talented artist and a great friend.
We enjoyed collecting Hollywood movies together in the 16MM format. I decided
recently to share this piece he made for me with the world. From my original,
I commissioned a company to make high quality prints on heavy acid free
stock. It measures a sizable 11 by 14 inches and includes his signature.
The pose is from Mario's first movie "That Midnight Kiss" and
he is dressed in the beautiful blue and gold costume he wore in the finale
with Kathryn Grayson. It is so typical of his singing manner, as it shows
him with arms outstretched and emphasizes his famous 50 inch chest.
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- I am only making 100 prints and they will be individually
pencil numbered and dated 1980. There is a story behind the written dedication
to me that reads "Sam-This is as close as I can come to 'That Midnight
Kiss'. Thanks for all your kindness, Al". You see, Al was trying to
locate an original Technicolor print of the film for me since I am a huge
Mario Lanza fan and have been for 46 years. He failed but drew this as
consolation. Gee, am I glad he failed because I loved this caricature and
have had it hanging prominently in my home all this time. Ironically, he
found the film for me only a year or so later!
-
- So, I offer this wonderful piece to fellow Lanza fans
and others. Note that it is not framed and that the word "SAMPLE"
across the image will not be on the print you purchase. It will be carefully
shipped.
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- $20.00...or $25.00 framed plus shipping
- contact
Sam Samuelian
- sms@bee.net
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