Alright, Rule of Three, we see right through this so-called content strategy - pretending as if you are providing a scholarly study on posters and their impact on societal mores, when, in fact, it is nothing more than a smokescreen for your desire to feature Farrah Fawcett’s iconic, 1976 poster as headline “art.”
On the advice of its legal division, Rule of Three can neither confirm nor deny these allegations, as leveled just above.
But, Farah Fawcett’s poster is undeniably the best-selling poster of all time, with more than twelve million copies sold (six million of them in the first year alone). And, Rule of Three refuses to be accused of “burying its lede” - that’s why this piece about posters leads with details about Farah’s poster, and the headline art is a reproduction of the famous picture.
As an incoming freshman at the University of Kansas in the fall of 1978, I visited every fraternity house on campus, during the formal rush process, a few days before fall classes began. If I were to suggest to you that Farah’s poster was affixed to a wall in every single room I viewed during those three days, that would probably be an exaggeration, but, I believe that I can confidently attest that there was at least one such poster in each fraternity house I visited - that registers as ubiquity, to me.
What other posters belong in the “Poster Hall of Fame?” you ask? Great question!
Rule of Three combed the far reaches of the internet, and has compiled the following list of potential nominees:
“Hang in There, Baby!” cat poster - this one also smacks of the 1970’s - the kitty is so cute, and the message is so inspirational - how could we possibly deny admission to the Hall to this poster?
Jaws movie poster - movie posters are a very big category (perhaps warrants its own separate wing in the Hall), and this one is quite memorable.
Betty Grable “pinup” poster - another potential subcategory: pinup girls. And, Betty Grable’s was one of the first of that genre - it didn’t hurt that the picture was taken in 1943, during World War II, leading to Grable’s picture being included amongst American G.I.’s most treasured possessions, along with their rifles, their K-rations, and their canteens.
“I Want You” - I can’t recall seeing many of these hanging in fraternity houses in the fall of 1978, but, as it first surfaced during World War II, it may have been seen all over back then. If I’m decorating a dorm room in 1943, I’d likely have opted for Betty Grable, rather than Uncle Sam.
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Entitled, “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper,” this 1932 photograph became a recognizable poster. I’m just glad that it wasn’t titled, “Say, Where Did Bobby Go?”
“Einstein Sticks His Tongue Out” was another photo reproduced on posters, taken of Albert Einstein on the occasion of his 72nd birthday, in 1951. Einstein was apparently annoyed at being harassed by the paparazzi, and attempted to ruin the picture by sticking out his tongue. Yes, it’s quite playful, but, for me, a real Einstein picture features a bit more of his wild hair - see the second photo below the tongue one.
Marilyn Monroe “Subway Grate” - this photo, used to promote the movie, “Seven Year Itch” in 1954, is another entrant in the “pinup girl” genre.
“Attack of the 50 Foot Woman” - not being alive in 1958, when this movie was made, I can’t adequately weigh-in on whether this film should be characterized as “camp,” or “kitsch.” But, it made for a killer poster, no?
Che Guevara - an Argentine Marxist revolutionary - if you see one of these posters hanging in a dorm room, my advice to you is to wander down the hall and try to find a different friend - say, somebody with a “Hang in There, Baby!” cat poster, or an Einstein poster (either with the tongue, or with the hair), or even an “Attack of the 50 Foot Woman” poster - they will definitely be safer bets for you.
The Beatles Abbey Road - this photo, used to grace the cover of The Beatles’ 1969 album, “Abbey Road,” truly belongs in the Poster Hall of Fame - classic stuff!
Offering alternative viewpoints is a mission to which Rule of Three is committed, so, in that spirit, we offer here some truly alternative suggestions:
“Dogs playing poker” - yeah, I know, it’s silly, but. . .
“Velvet Elvis with Red Scarf” - the only decision to be made here is: “Velvet Elvis with Red Scarf;” or “Elvis 1968 Comeback Special - Black Leather Outfit;” or “Elvis 1973 Hawaiian Concert” - so many choices. . .
“Motivation” poster from despair.com - these guys clearly enjoy their work - enjoy this sample from their archives. . .
So, what do you think? Did I miss a significant poster, in this inaugural class of the “Farah Fawcett Poster Hall of Fame”. . .er. . .”Poster Hall of Fame?” Feel free to reflect those nominations in the comments section, and the Rule of Three “Farah Fawcett Poster Hall of Fame”. . .er. . .”Poster Hall of Fame” Nomination Division staff will properly vet all candidates for inclusion in next year’s class.
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My vote goes to the Linda Carter poster that kept me company on many a cold night.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-1978-Original-Pro-Arts-LINDA-CARTER-Pin-Up-Poster-DC-Comics-WONDER-WOMAN-/324193913229?_ul=IL
That is a good list. A few others to consider.
Rachael Welch 1,000,000 years BC poster was quite popular.
Jimi Hendrix had a few popular posters, some more brilliant with a Black Light.
Steve McQueen - Bullitt and The Great Escape are two solid additions.
Lange Ski Boots had an entire series that would warrant a standalone column.