Movie poster creator Alvin dead at 59

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y., Feb. 10 (UPI) -- John Alvin, the man behind some of Hollywood's most memorable movie posters, has died of a heart attack in Rhinebeck, N.Y., at the age of 59.

The Los Angeles Times said Sunday that Alvin gained notoriety for his film posters for films such as "Blazing Saddles" and "E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial."

Walt Disney Pictures executive John Sabel said Alvin, who died last Wednesday at his New York home, was a key reason for the success of several popular Disney films.

"There was a reason why 'Hunchback (of Notre Dame)' became a big success," the executive vice president of creative print advertising said. "It's because of the images that were produced, and a lot of those were John Alvin's paintings."

In a 2006 interview, Alvin detailed his goal in creating such memorable movie posters.

"With any of my cinematic art, I want the viewer to embrace and relive the magic that we all felt when we go to the movies," the cinematic worker said.

The Times said Alvin is survived by his wife Andrea; his daughter, actress Farah Alvin; and a sister.