“The Great Awakening / One Romantic Night - A.K.A New Wine” (永遠の調べ), Rare Original Japanese First-Release Movie Poster 1951, B2 Size (c. 51 × 73 cm) T11

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster for the first Japanese release of The Great Awakening, advertised on this sheet under its alternative English title One Romantic Night and the Japanese title 永遠の調べ (Eien no Shirabe / Eternal Melody). The film opened in Japan on 8 June 1951, distributed by 映画配給社. 

Film background

Originally released in 1941, and also known as New Wine, this American musical drama presents a romanticised account of the life of Franz Schubert. Directed by Reinhold Schünzel, it stars Alan Curtis as the composer and Ilona Massey as Anna. 

The story follows Schubert’s struggles for recognition, his romantic attachments, and his wavering commitment to music. Binnie Barnes, Billy Gilbert, and Albert Bassermann complete the principal supporting cast, with Bassermann appearing as Beethoven. The film’s musical credits include Miklós Rózsa, whose name also appears prominently on the poster.

Poster design

A richly coloured illustration places Schubert at the piano, with Anna holding an open musical score behind him. Cream-coloured candles and decorative stars rise across a soft mauve background, while warm brown and golden tones give the piano and portraits depth.

The English title ONE ROMANTIC NIGHT appears in white serif lettering at the left. Below, an elaborate crimson cartouche edged with purple scrollwork contains the large Japanese title 永遠の調べ, accompanied by シューベルト物語—“The Schubert Story.”

Vertical Japanese copy emphasises the young composer’s romance and enduring music. A repertoire list names the Unfinished Symphony, Ave Maria, Serenade, Military March, and The Lark, making the musical programme an integral part of the design.

The lower margin carries the presentation credit 映画配給株式会社提供, alongside the circular 映・配 emblem. These details complement the sheet’s distinctive combination of painted portraiture, ornamental lettering, and musical imagery.

Rarity and significance

A rare surviving example of early post-war Japanese film advertising, this poster brings together Hollywood musical cinema, classical music, and Japanese illustrated design. Its expressive portraits and unusual mauve-and-crimson palette give it particular appeal for collectors of Schubert memorabilia, vintage musical posters, and 1950s Japanese cinema ephemera.

Condition

Very Good vintage condition, particularly considering its age. The sheet shows age toning, scattered spotting, creasing, edge wear, small tears and minor paper losses. Small repair patches are visible on the reverse. The central portraits and decorative title retain strong visual impact, and the poster should display beautifully once framed.

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

It is approximately 75 years old!

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.