The promotional artwork for Mike Nichols’s 1967 film The Graduate is a recognizable piece of cinematic history. Typically featuring Dustin Hoffman’s Benjamin Braddock, partially obscured behind Anne Bancroft’s elegantly crossed leg, it visually encapsulates the film’s themes of seduction, societal expectations, and youthful disillusionment. Variations exist, some highlighting Katharine Ross, the object of Benjamin’s affection. These images, employed on lobby cards, one-sheets, and other advertising materials, served to draw audiences into a film that captured the zeitgeist of its era.
This imagery became iconic, instantly associating the film with its themes of generational conflict and forbidden romance. Its bold graphic style, characteristic of the late 1960s, contributed significantly to the film’s marketing success and enduring cultural impact. The artwork’s enduring recognition has made it a sought-after collectible for film enthusiasts and a touchstone for discussions about visual communication in cinema.