Retro Stud: Muscle Movie Posters from Around the World (Hardcover)

by David Chapman (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Let's face it, sex sells. Posters that teem with muscle-rippling heroes in skimpy loincloths, frail beauties in diaphanous gowns, pointy-bearded tyrants, and evil queens with heavy makeup and beehive hairdos were all classic lures that used to tempt patrons into theaters to see the sword-and-sandal movies of forty years ago. The posters advertising the films were every bit as dramatic and alluring as the movies themselves, and theater patrons lined up to SEE these "surging spectacles of savagery and sex!" Studio marketing departments learned quickly how to keep the public interested in this distinctive genre. Retro Stud displays beautifully reproduced artwork from around the world—replete with the sly sexuality and lithographed excitement that was typical of these posters.

About the Author
David Chapman is an author and historian who has studied the history of strength and physique display for the last quarter century. He has written several books on the history of physique photography and is a regular contributor to such popular magazines as Muscle & Fitness and Ironman. Chapman has amassed a collection of bodybuilding photographs, books, magazines, and other memorabilia that numbers in the thousands. Chapman lives in Seattle, Washington, and teaches English and history.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Collectors Press (October 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1888054697
• ISBN-13: 978-1888054699
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 8.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #248,007 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars RETRO STUD is a work of art!, January 4, 2003

By	classicmoviefan (Rancho Mirage, CA) - See all my reviews

I was pleased when I heard this volume was being released... I have loved the old Italian Muscle Movies and the posters were part of the mystique of those films. I was delighted because I did not expect the book to be so beautifully designed. It has a hard cover, slip cover, and thick coated paper, all finished in full colour throughout. An impressive opus on a the lost art of bodybuilding art from the classic gladiator film genre! Not only was I was thrilled at the great quality of the book, but also David Chapman's insightful and thoughtful writing, which is a joy to read. This is clearly one coffee table book that will delight my guests for quite a while.... I enjoy it over and over and see things in it that I did not see on previous viewings... a real treasure!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Era of The Gladiator Movie Posters!, April 9, 2003

By	Joseph J. Hanssen "Joe" (Upstate New York) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Who could ask for more? This book is a stunning achievement and a must for any collector or fan of Gladiator movie posters that were produced during the period of 1959-1965. Chapman had his work cut out for him in gathering this comprehensive collection, and he did a terrific job. These color posters are from around the world and feature complete descriptions and author's commentary about each poster that is quite fascinating. Who can forget "Hercules" Steve Reeves, the first to debut in a gladiator movie, in his skimpy loincloth, his muscles rippling, and the frail beautiful women he had to save from the evil tyrants. People all over the world couldn't wait for the next Gladiator movie to be released to their theaters; they were new, sexy, dramatic, erotic, and filled with many different musclemen who followed in Steve Reeve's shoes. This was an era that was fresh and new to everyone who wanted something different and exciting to watch at the movies. They were our heroes, and our fantasy. Take a look at this collection of posters, and re-live history, and remember when Gladiators ruled the earth! Enjoy this collection, I know I did!

Joe Hanssen

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For classic movie fans and bodybuilding enthusiasts, March 4, 2003

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Compiled by David Chapman, Retro Stud: Muscle Movie Posters From Around The World is an impressive full-color showcase of "Gladiator" era movie posters from 1959 to 1965, a cinematic trend that was initiated by the American debut of the 1959 movie "Hercules" starring bodybuilder and physical hunk Steve Reeves. The eroticism, muscular posing, and sexual symbols of these international posters are discussed in thoughtful detail. Retro Stud is a thoroughly enjoyable reference and a highly recommended presentation for all classic movie fans and bodybuilding enthusiasts.