Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Draft Poster for 'The Empire Strikes Back' Sells for $26,400

by Associated Press

   DALLAS --

   A rare draft poster for the "Star Wars" sequel "The Empire Strikes
   Back" has sold at auction for $26,400.

   Heritage Auctions says a long-time pop culture collector who wished to
   remain anonymous made the winning bid Sunday in the Dallas auction.
   The poster features Han Solo and Princess Leia in an embrace similar to
   one from a "Gone With the Wind" poster featuring Rhett Butler carrying
   Scarlett O'Hara while surrounded by flames.
   Grey Smith, Heritage's director of vintage posters, says the draft
   poster for the 1980 movie "The Empire Strikes Back" is unique because
   it shows Roger Kastel's complete artwork in the original color palette.
   After final revisions, the poster had a darker color scheme than the
   draft's vibrant reds and oranges. It was also more streamlined with
   fewer characters.