*The Emperor Palpatine is supreme ruler of the Galactic Empire. A small, shriveled old man, he uses a gnarled cane to support his bent frame. But appearances deceive, for he has enormous powers drawn from the dark side of the Force.
The 12 character studies commissioned for The Star Wars Ensemble were rendered by Joe Smith, one of the most respected painters of Hollywood movie posters and portraits. His celebrated work ranges from epics like DR. ZHIVAGO, JULIUS CAESAR and BEN-HUR ("After that one," Joe recalls, "everybody wanted their logos chiseled in rock!") to fantasy thrillers like HORROR OF DRACULA, GORGO, and THE DAY OF THE TRIFFIDS. *Source: Back of card