Fort Apache, the Bronx (1981) - movie poster painting (prototype)

Vic Fair's conceptual artwork for the 1981 movie, FORT APACHE, THE BRONX. Fair revised his prototype art by repainting Paul Newman's face, the revision being done by way of a paste-up on the acetate overlay (which also carries the movies title). Interestingly, another artist (Brian Bysouth) was given the task of re-painting Vic Fair's artwork for use as the finished poster design, closely staying faithful to Fair's work.

"Fort Apache, The Bronx is a 1981 American crime drama film directed by Daniel Petrie. The film is about a hard-drinking, lonely veteran cop, Murphy, (Paul Newman) and his young partner Corelli (Ken Wahl), who work in a crime-ridden precinct in The Bronx. Although Murphy's life takes a good turn when he falls in love with Isabella (Rachel Ticotin), a young nurse, the arrival of a new, law-and-order-minded police chief, Connoly (Ed Asner) threatens to tip the neighborhood's delicate balance into anarchy. Danny Aiello, Kathleen Beller, and Pam Grier play supporting roles. It was written by Heywood Gould and produced by Martin Richards, Thomas Fiorello, with David Susskind as executive producer.

It was filmed on locations in the Bronx. Author Tom Walker sued Time-Life Television, alleging that the film infringed on his book Fort Apache, but lost after a lengthy court battle. At the time of its release, the movie caused controversy, as Hispanic and African-Americans objected to their depiction as drug dealers and criminals. The film received mixed reviews; however, Newman's acting was noted as a strength of the film."