“Exodus” (栄光への脱出), Original First Release Japanese Movie Poster 1961, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) Q232
This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster printed in 1961 for the first Japanese release of Exodus (栄光への脱出), Otto Preminger’s epic historical drama based on the bestselling novel by Leon Uris. Produced and directed by Otto Preminger, with a screenplay by Dalton Trumbo, the film stars Paul Newman, Eva Marie Saint, Ralph Richardson, Peter Lawford, Lee J. Cobb, Sal Mineo, John Derek, and George Maharis.
Original Japanese posters for major early-1960s Hollywood epics are increasingly collectible, and this example is especially attractive for its large Paul Newman image, dramatic Japanese title treatment, and sweeping collage design.
Film background
Released in 1960 internationally and in Japan in 1961, Exodus is an ambitious historical epic centred on the events surrounding the founding of the State of Israel. The film follows the journey of refugees, resistance fighters, political leaders, and civilians caught in the upheaval of the post-war Middle East.
The film became one of Otto Preminger’s most widely recognised productions and is remembered for its large scale, international ensemble cast, political subject matter, and celebrated music by Ernest Gold. In Japan, the film was promoted as a major roadshow-style war romance, combining spectacle, romance, and historical drama.
Poster design
This Japanese B2 uses a strong early-1960s epic collage composition. At the centre, Paul Newman dominates the poster, shown in military dress holding a weapon, his image towering over the surrounding action scenes. The background incorporates views of Jerusalem and desert landscapes, while the lower section brings together camels, soldiers, vehicles, and character imagery, including a prominent portrait of Eva Marie Saint.
The English title EXODUS appears at upper left beside a torch-like emblem, while the Japanese title 栄光への脱出 — literally “Escape to Glory” — stretches dramatically across the centre in large pink lettering with a shadowed three-dimensional effect.
The upper Japanese copy reads:
「全世界一千万の読者を感動させた愛と戦乱の大長篇小説を空前のスケールで描く大戦争ロマン！」
roughly:
“A great war romance on an unprecedented scale, adapted from the sweeping novel of love and conflict that moved ten million readers around the world!”
The poster also highlights the film’s principal cast, Cinemascope presentation, and full-colour production, while the lower credits identify Otto Preminger as producer-director and note the film’s Academy Award-winning music.
The result is a richly period Japanese release design: grand, romantic, politically charged, and highly cinematic.
Condition
Excellent vintage condition. Please review the photos carefully, as they show the exact poster for sale.
This poster is an original Japanese theatrical B2 from the 1961 first-release campaign.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
It is over 60 years old!
Certificate of Authenticity included.
