A one sheet film poster for a 1944 re-release of John Ford's classic Western Stagecoach (United Artists, 1939) starring John Wayne and Claire Trevor.

Ford had trouble financing Stagecoach because A-level Westerns were not considered highly desirable at the time and because Ford insisted on casting Wayne as the film's star. Wayne's first A-level Western star vehicle, The Big Trail (Fox Film Corporation, 1930), had flopped, and he had been relegated to small roles in A-level pictures since. After the major studios turned down the film, independent producer Walter Wanger agreed to offer partial financing if Claire Trevor, than a bigger star than Wayne, was cast opposite him. The film was a huge critical and financial success, earning seven Academy Award nominations (including Best Picture and Best Director), and winning two (Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Thomas Mitchell and Best Music, Scoring). It was a watershed film for Wayne, making him a bonafide film star.

Because Wayne was not considered a box office draw when the film was first released, the original one sheet poster did not include his picture. This 1944 re-release poster features images of him and Claire Trevor, and gives their names greater prominence.

Please note: This poster exhibits tearing around its white border and splitting at several folds.

41 x 27 inches; 13.5 x 10.5 inches (folded);