LGBTQ+ Film History The Killing of Sister George 1969 Poster Documenting Early Lesbian Representation in British Cinema

Robert Aldrich Frank Marcus

Broadside

Aldrich, Robert (director). The Killing of Sister George, 1968, introduced one of the earliest explicitly lesbian-centered narratives into mainstream English-language cinema, expanding upon the 1966 stage play by Frank Marcus and advancing visibility of lesbian identity at a time when such representation remained heavily censored or coded. The film centers on June Buckridge, a performer known for portraying the radio character “Sister George,” whose off-screen life with her partner Alice McNaught foregrounds themes of sexuality, dependency, and professional instability. Its adaptation made lesbian relationships more explicit than the stage version, situating the production within late 1960s shifts in film censorship and public discourse on sexuality. Released just prior to the broader expansion of LGBTQ visibility following events such as the Stonewall riots, the film occupies a transitional moment in queer media history when depictions of same-sex relationships began to enter wider distribution, though often framed through controversy.

The Killing of Sister George. United States: Palomar Pictures International, 1969. Original vintage film poster measuring approximately 41 x 27 inches. Poster features red titling and a black and white illustrated portrait of a woman’s face, with cast names printed across the lower portion. Design emphasizes the central character while promoting the film’s dramatic tone; verso blank.

Issued during a period of loosening film censorship standards in both the United States and the United Kingdom, the poster reflects the marketing of a film that challenged prevailing norms around sexuality and gender presentation. The character of June, described as a masculine lesbian figure, marked a departure from earlier coded portrayals, even as the narrative retained elements shaped by contemporary attitudes toward queer identity. As promotional material, the poster documents how studios navigated the tension between emerging visibility and lingering social stigma. Fold lines from original distribution, with minimal additional wear; overall excellent condition.

Item #19476

Price: $880.00