Alessandro Blasetti - Fabiola - 1950s

Original US theatrical one-sheet movie poster for Fabiola (1949), the epic historical drama directed by Alessandro Blasetti and released in the United States by United Artists.

Also known as Fabiola, or the Church of the Catacombs, this lavish Italian-produced spectacle is set in ancient Rome during the persecution of early Christians, blending romance, religious drama, and large-scale action in the tradition of classic mid-century historical epics.

The poster artwork is a striking hand-painted illustration featuring a muscular Roman warrior and a glamorous female figure locked in a dramatic embrace, surrounded by scenes of chaos, gladiatorial violence, and imperial decadence. Bold typography, fiery red and gold tones, and sensational taglines (“A Goddess of Love in a City of Sin!” / “The Mightiest… Most Magnificent Screen Spectacle Ever Made!”) reflect the grandiose marketing style of late-1940s epic cinema.

Details
Film Title: Fabiola (1949)
Alternate Title: Fabiola, or the Church of the Catacombs
Director: Alessandro Blasetti
Cast: Michèle Morgan, Henri Vidal, Michel Simon
Production: Lux Film (Italy)
US Distributor: United Artists
Country: USA / Italy
Poster Type: Original US theatrical release
Format: One-Sheet (folded as issued)
Size: Approx. 27 × 41 inches (69 × 104 cm)
Condition: Original vintage condition – folded as issued; visible fold lines consistent with age, rich colors, no major paper loss or restoration.

Collector’s Note
A classic example of late-1940s historical epic poster art, combining romance, spectacle, and religious drama in a bold illustrated composition.
US one-sheets for Italian epics of this period are increasingly collectible, particularly those with sensational artwork and strong color presence.

An impressive display piece for collectors of biblical and Roman epics, vintage historical cinema, Italian film history, and classic illustrated movie posters.