“The Vikings” (バイキング), Original Japanese Movie Poster 1958, Kirk Douglas / Tony Curtis, B2 Format (c. 51 × 73 cm) — U25

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster for the 1958 Japanese release of The Vikings, titled バイキング (Baikingu) on the poster. The film opened in Japan on 20 September 1958. This striking design combines imposing star portraits, maritime action, and oversized red typography to convey the scale of the historical adventure.

Directed by Richard Fleischer, the film stars Kirk Douglas and Tony Curtis, alongside Janet Leigh and Ernest Borgnine. Its story centres on the bitter rivalry between Einar, the son of a Viking chieftain, and Eric, an enslaved man whose royal ancestry remains concealed. Their competing affections for the captured Princess Morgana intensify the conflict. Jack Cardiff’s colour cinematography and the Norwegian locations give the film much of its expansive visual character.

Printed on one B2 sheet, the composition is dominated by Kirk Douglas as Einar, lunging forward with a sword in hand. His damaged eye, fierce expression, chain-mail sleeves, and decorated tunic establish the character’s formidable presence. Behind him, Tony Curtis as Eric holds an upright sword, creating a contrasting, more restrained portrait of his rival.

The enormous red lettering 「バイキング」 descends along the left edge, with pointed contours and deep black shadows giving the title a sculptural quality. Across the lower section, Viking longships ride through blue-green waves beside a smaller scene of the two men fighting. Janet Leigh’s portrait occupies the lower-right corner, introducing the romantic element into the action-led design.

The English title, “The Vikings,” appears beneath a compact cast block, accompanied by the United Artists logo. Above the central imagery, the Japanese credit 「テクニカラー・テクニラマ」 advertises the film’s Technicolor / Technirama presentation.

The vertical promotional copy concludes:

「七つの海に展開する大海戦！！」
“A great sea battle unfolds across the seven seas!”

The combination of forceful character imagery, maritime spectacle, and distinctive lettering makes this an appealing example for collectors of Kirk Douglas, Tony Curtis, Richard Fleischer, and Japanese posters for Hollywood historical epics.

Condition: Excellent. Light handling creases and age toning are present, more apparent on the reverse. The front retains bold colour and clear detail.

Please review all photographs, including the reverse, as they show the exact poster for sale.

B2 format: approximately 51 × 73 cm.
Stock code: U25.

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.

About Japanese B2 posters
Japanese B2 posters, typically measuring around 51 × 73 cm, were a standard format for theatrical advertising. Designed for temporary cinema display, surviving examples preserve the distinctive artwork, typography, and promotional approaches of their original Japanese releases.