“TILLIE’S PUNCTURED ROMANCE” (チャップリンの百万長者) — Original Japanese Release Poster, 1954, B2 Size c. 51 × 73 cm O852

This is an original Japanese B2 poster printed in 1954 for the Japanese release of Tillie’s Punctured Romance—marketed locally as チャップリンの百万長者 (“Chaplin’s Millionaire”). A wonderfully characterful, mid‑century Japanese illustration poster for an early silent‑era Chaplin feature, it’s the kind of paper that virtually never survives in strong, displayable condition.

Unlike the more common post‑war posters for Chaplin’s later classics, this title sits in the “deep catalogue” zone—making an authentic 1950s Japanese release sheet especially desirable for collectors who want something outside the usual City Lights / Modern Times / The Great Dictator orbit.

The Film & Why It Matters
Originally released in 1914, Tillie’s Punctured Romance is one of the key early feature‑length vehicles from the Keystone era, pairing Charles Chaplin with Marie Dressler and Mabel Normand in a broad, anarchic comedy of grifts, romance, and sudden wealth. It’s historically significant as an early step in feature‑length comedy storytelling, and it captures Chaplin at a fascinating moment—still close to the rough‑and‑tumble Keystone style, but already unmistakable as a screen presence.

A uniquely Japanese touch appears right on the artwork: the poster credits a Japanese “解説” (live commentary / narration) by 山野一郎, a reminder that silent films in Japan often carried an additional performance layer through narration—making this not just a film advertisement, but a document of how Chaplin was presented to Japanese audiences.

Poster Design
This is pure Japanese hand‑painted poster craft, built for maximum street impact. A huge, grinning Chaplin portrait dominates the sheet—eyes wide, expression manic, rendered in warm creams and browns with bold brush texture. Across the top, cast names sit in striking, paint‑stroke bands (black, teal, brown), while the English title “TILLIE’S Punctured Romance” anchors the mid‑section like a prestige billing.

The Japanese title 「チャップリンの百万長者」 explodes across the lower half in oversized, blocky green lettering with blue shadowing, with “チャップリンの” in vivid red—classic mid‑century Japanese typographic showmanship. Supporting vignettes of the characters (including a full‑figure Chaplin with cane) add narrative tease without cluttering the composition. Distributor/credit marks along the bottom margin—including ニッポン・シネマ配給—complete a wonderfully period‑specific piece of cinema ephemera.

Condition
Overall condition is Very Good for its age—a genuine, theatre‑handled example that still presents extremely well. The poster is was folded and subsequently stored flat, fold/handling creases visible under light, but nothing that overwhelms the artwork. Colours remain bold and attractive, and the illustration retains excellent visual punch on the wall.

There are small pinholes from cinema display along the margins (most notably near the top corners and at points along the right edge). The upper‑right corner shows a small area of edge wear with minor paper loss/tear at the corner, consistent with vintage venue handling. Light surface wear and minor scuffing/toning are present, along with faint smudging in places (visible in close‑ups). The bottom margin shows light soiling/residue consistent with vintage handling/mounting; the reverse shows expected age‑toning. Please review the front and back photos—they show the exact poster for sale.

It is over 73 years old.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.