THE BLUE LAMP (1950) POSTER, BRITISH

This British drama was directed by Basil Dearden, and stars Jack Warner as PC Dixon, Jimmy Hanley and Dirk Bogarde. The title refers to the blue lantern that is outside British police stations to signify it as a place of safe refuge. The film inspired the 1955–1976 television series Dixon of Dock Green, where Jack Warner continued in his role as PC Dixon.

This size poster was designed for use on the London Underground. James Boswell was one of Britain's foremost satirical and anti-establishment illustrators, and extensive collections of his work are held by The Tate and British Museum. Most film posters were designed in house by studio artists/designers. However, in the 40s and 50s Ealing Studios broke the mould by commissioning well known British artists of the day to design posters for their films. Boswell was commissioned by Ealing Studios to design posters for films including It Always Rains on Sunday (1947) and Pool of London (1951).