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Lot # 1096: Cassius Clay AKA Muhammad Ali "Buck White" Theater Poster by Mozelle Thompson

Starting Bid: $500.00

Bids: 4 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Summer 2015 Catalog Auction",
which ran from 6/18/2015 9:30 AM to
7/17/2015 9:00 PM



Incredibly rare, in fact this is the only one we have seen in 40+ years as this short-lived Broadway show closed after only seven performances. Ali moved into this unsuccessful and ironic musical theater role as a slave simply because he needed the money after being stripped of the title and having his boxing license taken away. Ali refused military service during the Vietnam War era and took his fight to avoid imprisonment all the way to the United States Supreme Court. The Champ famously won that fight, his greatest victory. Thrilling graphics are courtesy of important African American artist Mozelle Thompson (1927-1969). This Pittsburgh artist's work has had a huge revival of late and he is noted for his 80 album covers, book jackets (Shaft 1st edition) and now this poster. The huge "Cassius Clay" headline is surprising after all those years as Muhammad Ali and with Ali seemingly having some control in the starring role. Some creasing and other defects are a clue into this poster's rarity and source. Instead of it being from a mint find along with a slew of others it is instead a "one of." Perhaps taken off the wall of the George Abbott Theater on closing night by a lucky patron. Now you too can be that lucky patron. Measures 14" x 22".

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