Less Dangerous Than Careless Talk – Albert Dorne (1944) – Patriotic WWII Poster Print

Created in 1944 by illustrator Albert Dorne, “Less Dangerous Than Careless Talk” is a striking World War II security poster warning civilians and servicemen against sharing sensitive military information. Using the image of a coiled rattlesnake with bloodied fangs, the poster delivers a blunt message: loose conversation could be just as deadly as an enemy threat. Posters like this were part of widespread wartime campaigns encouraging secrecy about troop movements, ship departures, and military operations.

Dorne’s dramatic composition relies on stark contrast and minimal text to maximize psychological impact. The snake’s aggressive posture, combined with the blood-red accents and clean white background, creates an unforgettable image of danger and paranoia. Unlike many patriotic posters focused on heroism or unity, this design reflects the atmosphere of caution and wartime vigilance that shaped daily life during the 1940s.

Today, the poster is regarded as one of the most memorable examples of American wartime information-security propaganda. Its bold graphic style and ominous symbolism make it especially sought after by collectors of military history, vintage propaganda, Americana, and mid-century graphic design.

 

🖨️ Print features:

– Made with museum-grade archival paper for excellent printing fidelity and vibrant color reproduction

– Paper weight: 189 g/m2

– For indoor use only

– Care instructions: If the print does gather any dust, you may wipe it off gently with a clean, dry cloth.

– Please note: Due to the production process of these posters, please allow for slight size deviations with a tolerance +/- 1/16″

 

🚚 Fulfillment, Shipping, and Return Policy:

– Printed and shipped from the U.S.

– Ships in a sturdy mailing tube, frame not included

– As our items are unique and made to order, we can only accept a return or exchange in the event that an item arrives damaged or misprinted. We cannot accept returns if you order the wrong size or change your mind. Any return requests must be made within 14 days of receiving the order.

 

💬 Questions? Looking for something else, or want something in a different size? Feel free to reach out anytime; we’ll see what we can do!