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Theatrical movie poster advertising 'The Girl in the Bikini'

Date1958

Object number00042672

NamePoster

MediumColour lithograph on paper

DimensionsOverall: 1045 x 685 mm

ClassificationsPosters and postcards

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionThis theatrical poster for the film The Girl in the Bikini features Brigitte Bardot clad in a white bikini. The film was released in the United States of America by Atlantic Films in 1958. Brigitte Bardot's on screen appearance popularised the bikini in Europe and launched Bardot's career as a sultry screen siren. Bardot, known as 'BB', became the bikini clad wild child of French cinema and the darling of the European jet- set and paparazzi. She become an icon of popular culture and put the fishing port of St Tropez on the map as the French Riviera's summer playground of the rich and famous.HistoryThe film 'The Girl in the Bikini ' (Manina la fille sans voile) was directed by Willy Rozier and was one of Brigitte Bardot's early starring roles. It was a precursor to the James Bond 'bikini girl' phenomenon and beach themed films of the 1960s. Bardot was just 18 years old when the film was shot on the French Riviera. It was released in America in 1958 as 'The Girl in the Bikini' and in the UK as 'The Lighthouse Keeper's Daughter'. Bardot's appearance in this and other films such as Roger Vadim's And God Created Woman (1956) popularised the bikini. Bardot, known as 'BB', became the bikini clad wild child of French cinema and the darling of the European jet- set and paparazzi. She become an icon of popular culture and put the fishing port of St Tropez on the map as the French Riviera's summer playground of the rich and famous. The swimsuit has long been used as an eye catching element in advertising, television, publishing and cinema. The film industry in Hollywood, Europe and Britain was quick to see the potential of promoting their rising stars and leading players in figure hugging swimwear. American film studios tapped into the beach and youth cultures of the 1960s to create surf or beach themed films such as 'Gidget', 'Beach Party', 'How to Stuff a Wild Bikini' and 'Fun in Acapulco' for stars like Elvis Presley, Sandra Dee, Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello. The popularity of bikini clad women in James Bond films was based on the earlier work of Brigitte Bardot and the defining look created for Ursula Andress as Honey Ryder in 'Dr No'. Brigitte Bardot was the original bikini girl and used her film roles to promote her sultry image.SignificanceThis theatrical poster is an early example of the use of the bikini in promoting feature films and was a precursor to the James Bond 'bikini girl' phenomenon and beach themed films of the 1960s.