"tom thumb", Original Release Japanese Movie Poster 1959, Very Rare, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) N246
This poster comes from a carefully kept private Japanese collection of 1950s–60s American cinema (including Rear Window 1954, Roman Holiday, BB, Hammer and Disney). The archive was stored in the dark for decades, so most pieces—this one included—survive in unusually fresh condition.
This is an original Japanese poster printed in 1959 by M-G-M (Loew’s Inc.) for the first Japanese release of tom thumb (「親指トム」), George Pal’s fantasy musical based on the Brothers Grimm tale, starring Russ Tamblyn, Alan Young, June Thorburn, Terry-Thomas, and Peter Sellers. The film won the Academy Award for Best Special Effects.
Printed for the film’s initial theatrical run, this scarce original B2（半裁）is sought after by collectors of George Pal, classic fantasy musicals, and early Peter Sellers appearances—a superb mid-century paper piece now well over six decades old.
Why this example is extraordinary (rarity & market)
Japanese B2s for tom thumb surface infrequently, and high-grade copies are especially elusive. Demand is driven by the Oscar win, Pal’s pioneering effects work, and the playful Japan-only typography.
Poster design
A joyous, larger-than-life concept: Russ Tamblyn stands arms-outstretched on a colossal golden hand floating against a rich emerald ground. The lowercase English logotype “tom thumb” sits left of center with Japanese copy touting “総天然色メトロスコープ.” A vertical band at right features an Oscar statuette and the legend 「アカデミー特殊効果賞受賞」. The bold lemon-yellow Japanese title 「親指トム」 anchors the base, with cast credits in vivid red, “製作・監督ジョージ・パル,” and the M-G-M lion mark at lower right. A tiny LOEW’S INC. 1958 copyright appears near the wrist—perfect period detailing.
Condition
Excellent. Colors remain strong and saturated; paper retains great integrity. Please review the photos (front and back); they show the exact poster for sale.
Please also review the close up images!
It is over 66 years old!
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
