KERMESSE ROUGE

Original French 93 inch x 63 inch Poster for the 1947 Paul Mesnier Drama LA KERMESSE ROUGE starring Albert Prejean, Andree Servilanges, Jean Tissier, Germaine Kerjean, Lucas Gridoux and Emile Drain.

La Kermesse Rouge has a spectacular ending depicting the Bazar de la Charite fire of 1897, depicted in this poster. This notorious conflagration was started by the projectionist equipment of the Lumiere brothers’ recently invented cinematographe, which was being exhibited at the event. The fire claimed 126 lives, the most high profile victim being the Duchess of Alencon, sister of the Empress Elisabeth of Austria.

The film’s other point of interest is its authentic recreation of Belle Epoque Paris, a halcyon time of peace and prosperity that would be brutally torn asunder by the outset of the First World War.

The poster art is by Herve Morvan (1917 – 1980). Hervé Morvan studied at The School of the Applied Arts in Paris. His career began in 1942 by designing posters for “Feu Sacre” and “Now Voyager” and has since designed over 500 posters including the classic brands of Bally, Gitanes and Perrier.

The poster is in very good folded condition in 2 separate sheets with slight fold separation.