“The River” / 「河」, Original Japanese Movie Poster 1952, Very Rare, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) T131

This is an exceptionally rare original Japanese B2 theatrical poster for The River / 「河」, Jean Renoir’s celebrated 1951 film, which first reached Japanese cinemas in 1952 through joint distribution by Shochiku and United Artists.

Renoir’s first colour feature, The River was filmed on location in India using Technicolor. Adapted from Rumer Godden’s semi-autobiographical novel, it combines an intimate story of adolescence and first love with an exceptionally beautiful portrait of life beside a river in Bengal.

The Japanese poster places the Indian dancer Radha at the centre of its composition, combining her expressive pose with enormous emerald-green title lettering and a quieter photographic view of the riverbank below.

Film background

The story follows Harriet, a young British girl growing up with her family beside a river in Bengal.

Her friendship with the more confident Valerie and the thoughtful Melanie changes following the arrival of Captain John, an American war veteran struggling to adjust to life after losing a leg.

Each young woman responds differently to the visitor. Their developing feelings bring excitement, jealousy and disappointment, while the surrounding community continues its daily work, celebrations and family rituals.

Renoir connects these personal experiences with the broader rhythms of nature, exploring childhood, love, grief and renewal through the river’s continuing presence.

The screenplay was written by Jean Renoir and Rumer Godden, with production by Kenneth McEldowney and cinematography by Claude Renoir, the director’s nephew.

The principal cast includes:

Patricia Walters
Thomas Breen
Radha
Adrienne Corri
Nora Swinburne
Esmond Knight
Arthur Shields

The film remains celebrated for its use of Technicolor and the sensitivity with which Renoir brings together landscape, everyday observation and human emotion.

Poster design

This striking Japanese design is dominated by a large photographic portrait of Radha, who plays Melanie.

Her face, framed by dark hair and floral ornaments, occupies much of the upper half. Her raised hands form expressive dance gestures around her eyes, while jewellery, bangles and red-painted fingernails provide intricate visual detail.

The richly patterned red-and-gold fabric contrasts beautifully with her pale blouse and the subdued blue-green background. This emphasis on dance and colour gives the poster an immediate identity, closely connected to the film’s Indian setting.

At upper left, the enormous Japanese title:

「河」

Translated:

“The River.”

is printed in deep emerald green with a pale outline. Immediately beneath it, the English title “The River” appears in flowing yellow lettering.

Across the top, the yellow headline reads:

「ヴェニス国際映画祭受賞作品」

Translated:

“Venice International Film Festival award winner.”

The vertical colour announcement at left reads:

「總天然色」

Translated:

“Full colour.”

Its individually coloured characters reinforce the importance of the film’s Technicolor presentation.

The prominent vertical advertising copy at right reads:

「驚嘆の色彩美！神秘の映画詩！巨匠ルノアールの描く聖なる河！」

Translated:

“Astonishing beauty in colour! A mysterious cinematic poem! The sacred river portrayed by master Renoir!”

At lower left, a smaller photograph shows Thomas Breen seated beside a young woman in a pink dress, introducing the film’s romantic story beneath the commanding dance portrait.

The lower background opens into a quieter riverbank scene, with thatched buildings and sari-clad figures beside the water. This creates a pleasing contrast between the elaborate foreground costume and the everyday landscape.

The Shochiku and United Artists emblems and joint distribution credit appear along the bottom edge, completing a distinctive early-1950s Japanese presentation of Renoir’s classic.

Condition

Very Good+ condition, especially considering its age.

The poster retains strong colour and an attractive overall appearance. 

The principal image and bold title remain visually striking. Once framed, this poster will display very well.

Reference: T131

Please review the photographs carefully, as they show the exact poster for sale.

This is an original Japanese theatrical poster from the film’s first Japanese release campaign.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

It is now over 74 years old.

Certificate of Authenticity included.