Flash Gordon

Research in Progress

Poster for the film “Flash Gordon,” 1980. On a black ground. A red border springs from lightning-bolt-like lines emanating from the high collar of an enlarged central figure with a bald head and exaggerated eyebrows and facial hair. His costume is red and gold, and though only his head and arm are depicted, a flowing red robe falls to the bottom border. At left, several winged figures wearing vaguely Roman costume fly toward the viewer. At right, a blonde man with a large sword stands next to a crowned woman, looking up and alert. Behind them, a gleaming city on pillars of light. At center, below, the film’s title, with a planet bisected by a ring and lightning bolts between the words. At top, in yellow text: “Pathetic earthlings… who can save you now?” and below, film credits, and Music by Queen.