“Backfire” / 「黄金の男」, Original Japanese Movie Poster 1965, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) T110
This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster printed for the 1965 first Japanese release of Backfire / Échappement libre / 「黄金の男」, directed by Jean Becker and starring Jean-Paul Belmondo and Jean Seberg.
Originally produced in 1964, the film reached Japanese cinemas through Towa on 27 May 1965. Reuniting the celebrated stars of Breathless, it combines international intrigue, gold smuggling, sports cars, and romantic adventure.
The Japanese poster captures this mixture through a colourful montage of Mediterranean locations, motoring action, and Belmondo’s unmistakable screen presence.
Film background
The story follows David Ladislas, a professional smuggler whose charm and confidence help him move comfortably between respectable society and the criminal underworld.
Posing as a journalist, David accepts an assignment involving 300 kilograms of gold and a sports car travelling towards Beirut. Accompanying him is Olga, an attractive woman posing as a photographer whose loyalties are tied to the organisation behind the operation.
David’s interest in his companion soon becomes entangled with a more dangerous ambition: taking the valuable shipment for himself. His decision draws the pair into a succession of deceptions, pursuits, and confrontations across Europe and the Mediterranean.
Directed by Jean Becker, the film was adapted from a novel by Clet Coroner.
The principal cast includes:
Jean-Paul Belmondo
Jean Seberg
Gert Fröbe
Jean-Pierre Marielle
Enrico Maria Salerno
Renata Ewert
The cinematography is by Edmond Séchan, while the Japanese poster prominently credits music by jazz pianist and composer Martial Solal.
Belmondo and Seberg’s reunion gives the film particular appeal, placing their familiar chemistry within an international crime adventure.
Poster design
This lively Japanese composition brings together a travel map, oversized star portrait, and numerous photographic scenes against a pale cream background.
Across the upper section, a blue map connects locations around Europe and the Mediterranean, including Barcelona, Bremen, Beirut, Aleppo, and Damascus. The map establishes the geographical reach of the story before the viewer reads the promotional text.
Suspended above it is a bright red Triumph TR4 sports car, bearing the number 28 and hanging from crane slings. Its unusual position creates an immediate sense of danger and introduces the vehicle central to the smuggling plot.
A large, warmly coloured portrait of Jean-Paul Belmondo dominates the centre. His broad smile and raised hand emphasise the confidence and irreverence associated with his adventure films.
The surrounding photographs introduce the romantic and criminal complications: embracing couples, confrontations, supporting characters, and further views of the sports car. A prominent close-up of Jean Seberg at right balances Belmondo’s central portrait.
The green promotional headline reads:
「300キロの金塊を追って ヨーロッパをつっ走る 好調ベルモンドの大活躍 痛快アクション最新作」
Translated:
“Racing across Europe in pursuit of 300 kilos of gold! Belmondo in top form in his latest thrilling action adventure!”
The upper-right billing also references That Man from Rio, connecting the release with Belmondo’s growing popularity as an action star.
Across the lower portion, the enormous red Japanese title:
「黄金の男」
Translated:
“The Man of Gold”
provides the composition’s strongest colour accent. Its angular, expressive lettering overlaps the surrounding imagery, bringing the busy montage together.
The original French title, Échappement libre, appears above Belmondo’s portrait, while the blue TOWA emblem and 東和提供 distribution credit sit at the bottom right.
Condition
Very Good+ condition. Previously folded and subsequently stored flat.
There is visible creasing and surface wear along the original fold lines, particularly the central vertical fold, together with light edge wear and handling marks. The reverse carries a handwritten pencil notation and some light marks.
The colours remain attractive, with the bold red title and large central portrait retaining strong display impact.
Once framed, this poster will display very well. We have taken the condition into consideration when pricing.
Reference: T110.
Please review all photographs carefully, including the close-up and reverse, as they show the exact poster for sale.
This is an original Japanese theatrical poster from the film’s 1965 first Japanese release campaign.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
It is now over 61 years old.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
