This is an original French cinema poster for “Les Pionniers du Rire” (The Pioneers of Laughter), featuring caricatures of the greatest legends of silent and early sound comedy: Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Laurel & Hardy, Andy Clyde, and Billy Bevan.
Designed by the French poster artist Harfort, the artwork depicts each comedian in his iconic guise, capturing their instantly recognisable personalities in a playful cartoon style. The bold typography and vivid colours evoke the exuberant spirit of slapstick cinema and 1930s-50s film programming in France.
This poster was produced for a “Réunis au même programme” retrospective screening, promising “1 ½ hours of mad gaiety” (1h½ de folle gaité) celebrating these pioneers who laid the foundations of modern comedy. Their timeless influence continues to inspire directors, animators, and comedians to this day.
Charlie Chaplin – creator of The Tramp, cinema’s most famous silent character.
Buster Keaton – “The Great Stone Face”, genius of deadpan physical comedy.
Stan Laurel & Oliver Hardy – beloved double act whose clumsy antics remain legendary.
Andy Clyde – prolific silent and sound era comic actor.
Billy Bevan – Australian-born silent film comedian known for Mack Sennett comedies.
Cinema
Printed by Hartfort
Good condition, creases, tears
Sign up & benefit from discounts or exclusive offers.