“The Visit”, Original Japanese First Release STB Movie Poster 1965, STB Size (51 × 146 cm) K362

This is an original Japanese STB / Tatekan poster produced for the film’s first Japanese theatrical release in 1965. The Visit (訪れ / Otozure) is Bernhard Wicki’s dark psychological drama starring Ingrid Bergman and Anthony Quinn, adapted from Friedrich Dürrenmatt’s celebrated stage play. Released in Japan by 20th Century Fox, this exceptionally scarce two-panel poster is a superb example of dramatic mid-1960s Japanese theatrical advertising.

Film background

Released internationally in 1964, The Visit follows Karla Zachanassian, an immensely wealthy woman who returns to the impoverished European town that rejected and humiliated her many years earlier. She offers the desperate community an enormous fortune—but only if the townspeople agree to kill Serge Miller, the former lover who betrayed her.

Their initial moral outrage gradually gives way to calculation and self-interest, transforming the story into a chilling examination of revenge, greed, collective guilt, and the ease with which supposedly civilised principles can be purchased.

The international production was directed by Bernhard Wicki, with a screenplay by Ben Barzman, cinematography by Armando Nannuzzi, and music by Hans-Martin Majewski. The film screened in competition at the 1964 Cannes Film Festival, while its costume design received an Academy Award nomination.

Poster design

This spectacular Japanese STB transforms the film’s monochrome cinematography into a richly tinted composition of sepia, burnt orange, cream, indigo, and green.

The upper panel is dominated by an enormous close-up of Anthony Quinn and Ingrid Bergman. Quinn leans over Bergman while holding her face in his gloved hand, creating an intensely claustrophobic image charged with past intimacy, resentment, control, and impending revenge.

Running vertically down the left side is the dramatic Japanese campaign line:

「あなたの命が欲しい…巨万の富を手にした女の愛と憎しみにもえたぎる冷酷な復讐！」

Approximately:

“I want your life… the cold-blooded revenge of a woman possessed of immense wealth, burning with love and hatred!”

The lower section is centred upon a dramatically angled white field bearing the title:

「訪れ」
“The Visit”

The Japanese title is rendered in expressive dark-indigo brush calligraphy, contrasting sharply with the formal photographic imagery surrounding it. Beneath the title, the small English logo incorporates a key motif, suggesting that Karla holds the key both to the town’s survival and to Serge’s fate.

At left, Bergman descends a grand staircase in an elaborate white lace gown, presenting her character as both a returning aristocrat and an almost ghostly figure from the town’s past. Along the bottom, additional scenes depict the community descending into violence and panic.

Armed men are shown carrying Karla’s escaped spotted panther, an important symbol within the story: the supposed hunt for the animal gradually becomes a rehearsal for the pursuit of Serge himself.

The original 20th Century Fox emblem, vertical cast credits, English title device, and CinemaScope branding provide clear period studio provenance.

About STB / Tatekan posters

STBs, or Tatekan posters, are among the most distinctive and desirable Japanese theatrical formats. A complete STB consists of two separately printed B2-sized panels, measuring approximately 51.5 × 145.6 cm overall.

The two sheets were distributed compactly and intended to be aligned vertically for display in standing signboards, theatre entrances, pillars, and other narrow, high-visibility locations.

Because both correctly matched original panels must survive together, complete vintage STBs are considerably rarer than conventional single-sheet B2 posters. Their dramatic proportions and large-scale imagery also give them exceptional display presence.

Condition

Excellent. The two original panels form a complete, correctly matched set. The colours, monumental portrait, cream title field, indigo calligraphy, and green cast lettering retain excellent visual impact. Please review the photographs—they show the exact poster for sale.

This poster is an original Japanese theatrical STB from the 1965 first-release campaign.
It is not a reproduction or a modern reprint.

It is approximately 61 years old.

Certificate of Authenticity included.