1946 "Joe Palooka, Champ" Starring Joe Kirkwood Jr w/Joe Louis Ltd Ed 46/616 Large Movie Poster
To be the best, you've got to beat the best. Joe Palooka, or Joe Kirkwood Jr, would battle the top name in boxing Joe Louis (playing himself) in the 1946 silver screen motion picture "Joe Palooka, Champ." It was the first of a dozen Joe Palooka films starring the comic-strip boxer. Vibrant color composite design with a comic book style 'JOE PALOOKA CHAMP' in red across the top, this oversize original 27" x 40" poster remains in excellent condition and from the star Joe Kirkwood's own family collection. With the original compact folds in this poster that remains in excellent condition as shown in the accompanying lot photos. Louis is depicted on the right side of the poster in ready position, no match for Joe Palooka however.
Kirkwood Family Collection
The same name and golf DNA, Joe Kirkwood Sr and Jr made history when both names were found above the cut like at the 1948 US Open. The Australian father and son found success no matter what they were doing, so that should come as no surprise. Born in 1897, Joe Kirkwood Sr. was the first from his country to win on the PGA Tour. It wasn't just once, but a lucky 13 times. A handful of top-5 major finishes, Kirkwood carved out a niche as a trick shot exhibitioner with his famous travels bringing him, with Walter Hagen, to Japan in 1930 - growing the sport there through exposure. Joe Kirkwood Jr. (b.1920) was also a victor on the PGA Tour, capturing three winner's trophies and even out-dueling Sam Snead at the 1951 Blue Ribbon Open. All the while the Hollywood actor Joe Kirkwood Jr. starred as boxer Joe Palooka in a popular film series, based off of the comic, from 1945-1951 and then again in 1954. These artifacts from the family tell the tale of Sr.'s travels and life through Jr.'s silver screen work. With thanks to Lark Kirkwood we offer The Kirkwood Family Collection.
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