''Viva Las Vegas'', 1964, movie poster painting by Silvano Campeggi

Base painting of the vintage movie poster for ''Viva Las Vegas'', a rollicking musical romp released in 1964, stars the King of Rock 'n' Roll... more

by Movie World Posters

Title

''Viva Las Vegas'', 1964, movie poster painting by Silvano Campeggi

Artist

Movie World Posters

Medium

Painting - Movie Posters

Description

Base painting of the vintage movie poster for ''Viva Las Vegas'', a rollicking musical romp released in 1964, stars the King of Rock 'n' Roll himself, Elvis Presley, alongside the vivacious Ann-Margret. Directed by George Sidney, this iconic film captures the vibrant energy and excitement of the Las Vegas Strip during its heyday, serving up a tantalizing blend of music, romance, and dazzling spectacle.

Set against the glittering backdrop of Sin City, "Viva Las Vegas" follows the electrifying rivalry and burgeoning romance between Lucky Jackson, played by Elvis Presley, and Rusty Martin, portrayed by Ann-Margret. Lucky is a talented race car driver with dreams of winning the Grand Prix, while Rusty is a sassy and spirited swimming instructor who catches his eye. Their paths collide in a whirlwind of fast cars, flashy performances, and smoldering chemistry, as they compete for victory on the racetrack and in matters of the heart.

As Lucky and Rusty navigate the high-stakes world of professional racing and showbiz glamour, they find themselves drawn together by their shared passion for music, dance, and adventure. Against a backdrop of pulsating musical numbers and glittering stage shows, their romance ignites into a fiery crescendo, fueled by Elvis's signature charisma and Ann-Margret's magnetic presence.

"Viva Las Vegas" is renowned for its infectious soundtrack, featuring iconic songs such as the titular track "Viva Las Vegas," "What'd I Say," and "The Lady Loves Me." With Elvis Presley's electrifying performances and Ann-Margret's sultry vocals, the film's musical sequences sizzle with energy and excitement, capturing the spirit of the era's rock 'n' roll revolution.

Beyond its toe-tapping tunes and sizzling chemistry, "Viva Las Vegas" also offers a vibrant portrait of mid-century Americana, celebrating the glitz, glamour, and boundless optimism of the era. Through its colorful characters, dazzling cinematography, and dynamic choreography, the film invites audiences to experience the thrill of the Las Vegas Strip in all its dazzling splendor.

As a beloved classic of the musical genre, "Viva Las Vegas" continues to enchant audiences with its irresistible charm, timeless music, and electrifying performances. With its enduring appeal and universal themes of love and adventure, the film stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Elvis Presley and the enduring magic of the silver screen.

Base art is the poster artwork after the text has been digitally removed.

About the artist:

Silvano Campeggi, nicknamed "Nano," has a unique style characterized by a sharp simplicity. The line of his drawings is distinct and thick, with few colors and elements. This essentiality is not an obstacle as it led him to create endless scenarios and combinations.

The style is vaguely reminiscent of Japanese prints and etchings: there is the same pursuit of cleanliness, balance, and graphic directness. Campeggi in some movie posters even reaches the conceptual style, choosing for the representation of the film just iconic objects, a face, an expression, a title. There is truly essential modernity in Campeggi's posters.

Silvano "Nano" Campeggi (1923–2018), born in Florence, Italy, was a painter and poster designer, today considered one of the most influential graphic artists in the history of American cinema. While living in Hollywood, he designed and produced the posters for many classic Hollywood films. As a result, he became known as "The Artist to the Stars".

Campeggi returned to Florence in the late 1990s after a long career in the United States, where he had created cinematic billboards for historical films such as 'Gone with the Wind," "Casablanca," "Singing in the Rain," "An American in Paris," "West Side Story," "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," "Winners and Losers," "Exodus," and "Breakfast at Tiffany's."

His father, a printer and typesetter, introduced him to the world of graphics and design at an early age. Campeggi attended the Art School at Porta Romana, studying under accomplished painters such as Ottone Rosai and Ardengo Soffici.

Campeggi's first career breakthrough arrived in the form of a World War II commission from the American Red Cross to paint the portraits of American soldiers before they returned home. After the war, he moved to Rome, where he was engaged by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Following, he produced the poster for "Gone with the Wind," featuring a painting of Clark Gable holding Vivien Leigh in a passionate embrace.

Over the course of his career, Campeggi designed posters and advertising graphics for over 3000 films, designing for the likes of MGM, Warner Brothers, Paramount, Universal, Columbia Pictures, United Artists, RKO, 20th Century Fox, and several other movie studios. Sixty-four of the films he illustrated for won Oscars.

By the 1970s, film poster illustrations packed less of a punch due to the emergence of television and newspaper advertising. In response, Campeggi returned to Florence, Italy around that time. Various private and public organizations soon commissioned him to do paintings, including a postage stamp in 1975.

In 2008, for the 150th anniversary of Giacomo Puccini’s birth, Campeggi was commissioned to produce a special tribute titled "The Girls of Puccini." The same year, he began working on a Napoleon series to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the emperor's association with the island of Elba. The "Napoleon at Elba" exhibition opened in September 2008 at Portoferraio.

Search "Campeggi" to see his other posters.

Uploaded

October 29th, 2022