El Cid (1961), starring Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren

Movie poster for the film “El Cid,” signed by Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren.
Poster. Italian edition.
Features a handwritten signature.
Measurements: 64.5 x 87.5 cm.
“El Cid” (1961) was one of the greatest epic blockbusters in the history of cinema, directed by Anthony Mann and starring Charlton Heston as Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar and Sophia Loren as Doña Jimena. The film recreates the life of the legendary Castilian hero, combining history, romance, and adventure in a grand production that brought one of the great myths of medieval Spanish tradition to the screen.
Produced by Samuel Bronston and filmed in Spain with spectacular staging, *El Cid* featured vast natural settings, thousands of extras, and a meticulous recreation of the Middle Ages, making it one of the most ambitious films produced in the country during the 20th century. Anthony Mann’s direction lent the story an epic dimension and brought a human touch to the main character.
Charlton Heston’s portrayal of El Cid became one of the most iconic images of his career, while Sophia Loren brought depth and elegance to the character of Doña Jimena. The film received widespread international acclaim, earning several Oscar nominations, including Best Art Direction, Best Original Score, and Best Original Song, composed by Miklós Rózsa.