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In 2005, Kenneth Schacter bought the poster for £433,210 (around A$1 million based on the exchange rate at the time), still the highest ever paid for a film poster. However, collector Schacter has now filed for bankruptcy and liquidators are looking to sell one of his most prized of assets.

Poster dealer Sean Linkenback has called the item 'the crown jewel of the poster world', and it is believed that it could break the USD$1m barrier if put on the open market.

'Metropolis' is often cited as one of the most influential films of all-time. It's dark vision of the year 2000 was seen as ground-breaking when it was released in 1927. Science-fiction writers and filmmakers have often talked about the influence the German film has had on their own work.

Schacter is believed to also have an original poster of the 1933 'King Kong' movie, which is said to be nearly as valuable as the 'Metropolis' poster. Liquidators have found their efforts hampered by bankruptcy collectors refusing to provide a complete inventory of his assets, despite several court orders.

The 'Metropolis' poster from the 1927 film is believed to be only one of four left in existence today.