Rebel Without a Cause (1955) – Original 2005 BFI 50th Anniversary UK Quad Cinema Poster

Rebel Without a Cause (1955 / 2005) — Original BFI 50th Anniversary UK Quad

UK Quad cinema poster, British Film Institute re-release, 2005.

Issued to mark the 50th Anniversary theatrical re-release of Nicholas Ray’s Rebel Without a Cause, this striking BFI UK Quad celebrates one of the most enduring icons in cinema history: James Dean.

Designed specifically for the 2005 BFI nationwide revival, the poster features bold, modernised artwork combining Dean’s iconic red jacket pose with a montage strip of original film stills along the base. Clean typography, vibrant colour blocking, and contemporary layout clearly distinguish this as an official cinema-issued anniversary quad, not a reproduction or later decorative print.

The top banner “50th Anniversary Re-Release – New Print” and the printed opening date “Opens Friday 6 May 2005” precisely date the poster to the BFI’s landmark restoration and theatrical programme.

Film Significance

Released in 1955, Rebel Without a Cause became the defining youth film of the 20th century and cemented James Dean’s image as cinema’s eternal outsider. Directed by Nicholas Ray, and co-starring Natalie Wood, Sal Mineo, and Dennis Hopper, the film remains a cornerstone of American cinema and youth-culture iconography.

The BFI’s 2005 re-release introduced the film to a new generation on the big screen, making this quad both a modern cinema artefact and a continuation of the film’s exhibition history.

Poster Details

• Title: Rebel Without a Cause

• Year of poster: 2005

• Film year: 1955

• Format: UK Quad (30 × 40 inches), Single Sided, Rolled

• Release: British Film Institute (BFI) 50th Anniversary re-release

• Printer / Distributor: BFI / UK theatrical distribution

• Condition: Listed in Very Fine condition with some handling wear (priced accordingly)

• Authenticity: 100% genuine UK cinema-issued quad

Collector Notes

BFI anniversary quads are increasingly sought after, particularly for canonical titles like Rebel Without a Cause. Unlike original 1950s UK quads—which are extremely scarce and command significant prices—this official 2005 release offers collectors an accessible, display-ready alternative with strong visual impact and clear provenance.

An excellent choice for collectors of:

• James Dean memorabilia

• BFI / UK revival cinema posters

• 1950s American cinema classics

• Youth-culture and counter-culture film history