This lot will be auctioned on Friday, March 6th. The auction will begin at 9:30am PST / 12:30pm EST / 5:30pm GMT. Lots are sold sequentially via live auctioneer; tune in to the live streaming broadcast on auction day to follow the pace. Note other lots in the auction may close on Saturday, March 7th or Sunday, March 8th in the timed online portion of the sale.

Uncut Sneak Preview Poster (39" x 42"); Las Vegas Special Sneak Preview ;
Fine+ Rolled
Universal, 1982

This initial poster was from an early-1980s public preview in Las Vegas of the sci-fi classic and was said to be one of only a few saved. With significant studio apprehension, the marketing following such screenings was virtually changed overnight. The sober, predominantly black-and-white imagery on this poster was replaced with the now-familiar "glow face" artwork by artist Drew Struzan. The tagline "Man Is the Warmest Place to Hide," written by publicist Stephen Frankfort, who famously wrote the Alien tagline "In Space, No One Can Hear You Scream," was replaced by the studio with "The Ultimate In Alien Terror," as the studio suddenly became desperate to display the word "Alien" above the title. An original piece of early marketing that is an auction rarity, this one is a must for sci-fi fans. Printed on a thicker, slick stock, this example is rolled and shows uneven trim along the sides. This copy is believed to be an early prototype before being trimmed to the final size of 30.5" x 45" and has edge wear, a small tear stabilized with cellophane tape on the back, and some smudges in the white field. Another copy of this poster in lesser condition sold in our poster auction in 2023! Director John Carpenter's remake of the classic 1950s original became a massive hit with fans, making this scarce sneak-peek poster a true rarity and a vital collectible from this acclaimed film.

"The Thing" is a sci-fi horror film directed by John Carpenter, based on John W. Campbell Jr.'s, "Who Goes There?." Starring Kurt Russell, it follows an Antarctic team besieged by a shape-shifting alien that breeds paranoia, and is renowned for Rob Bottin's groundbreaking practical effects.

Estimate: $1,500 - 3,000