“Paris Palace Hotel” / 「幸福への招待」, Original Release Japanese Movie Poster 1957, Henri Verneuil / Françoise Arnoul / Charles Boyer, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) B296
This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster printed in 1957 for the first Japanese release of Paris Palace Hotel (幸福への招待 / Kōfuku e no Shōtai), Henri Verneuil’s French-Italian romantic comedy, released in Japan by Towa on 12 January 1957.
A very rare and especially attractive survivor, this poster is highly prized not only for the film itself but also for its association with the celebrated Japanese illustrator and film critic Hisamitsu Noguchi (野口久光), whose hand-painted poster designs for European and American cinema remain among the most admired achievements in postwar Japanese film advertising.
The film
Directed by Henri Verneuil, Paris Palace Hotel is a light, elegant romantic comedy set against a festive Parisian backdrop. The film stars Françoise Arnoul, Charles Boyer, and Roberto Risso, and reflects the mid-century French taste for stylish, emotionally warm popular cinema. In Japan, it was marketed under the evocative title 幸福への招待 — “Invitation to Happiness” — a title that perfectly captures the film’s tone of romance, charm, and seasonal enchantment.
Poster design
This is a superb example of Noguchi’s painterly poster art. Rather than relying on straightforward photographic reproduction, the design transforms the film into a richly atmospheric, hand-rendered composition.
At right, the central romantic couple is shown in an intimate painted portrait: Françoise Arnoul, elegant in a white strapless gown, leaning gently against Roberto Risso, who appears in a formal black tuxedo. Behind them drift festive streamers, reinforcing the Christmas-party atmosphere of the film.
Dominating the upper left is the softly rendered, enlarged face of Charles Boyer, whose benevolent expression presides over the composition like a guardian figure or matchmaker. Beneath him, the glowing façade of the Paris Palace Hotel is painted at street level, with cars arriving outside the illuminated entrance, giving the whole work a warm Paris-at-night glamour.
At upper left appears the English title:
PARIS PALACE HOTEL
Couleur par EASTMANCOLOR
Across the top runs the lively Japanese promotional line:
「粋で陽気なパリジャンが描く恋と夢とクリスマスの脱線物語！」
A witty and cheerful Parisian tale of love, dreams, and Christmas misadventure!
The lower brown panel carries the large Japanese title 幸福への招待, alongside cast billing and the TOWA distributor mark. The combination of painterly illustration, elegant typography, and rich mid-century color makes this one of the more visually appealing Japanese posters for a European romantic comedy of the period.
Collector significance
This poster holds strong appeal on several levels:
- A very rare original 1957 Japanese B2 release poster
- Original hand-painted artwork by Hisamitsu Noguchi
- A fine example of postwar Japanese design for European cinema
- Strong crossover interest for collectors of French film, Japanese poster art, and mid-century romantic cinema
- A particularly displayable composition, combining romance, Parisian glamour, and festive atmosphere
Collectors of Noguchi’s work know how difficult it can be to find strong examples with desirable imagery, and this poster stands out for both its artistic quality and its rarity.
Condition
Excellent condition. Please review the photographs carefully, as they show the exact poster for sale.
The poster presents beautifully, with strong colour, attractive surface appearance, and excellent overall display impact. It remains a highly appealing example of a scarce 1950s Japanese theatrical poster. There may be minor signs of age and handling consistent with an original poster of this period, but overall it is an unusually well-preserved survivor.
This is an original 1957 Japanese theatrical poster.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
It is over 65 years old.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
