“The Widow Couderc” (帰らざる夜明け), Original Japanese Movie Poster 1972, Alain Delon / Simone Signoret, B2 Format (c. 51 × 73 cm) L137

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster for the 1972 first Japanese release of The Widow Couderc, originally titled La Veuve Couderc. Released in Japan as 帰らざる夜明け, the film opened in Japanese cinemas on 30 September 1972. This example was displayed in a cinema during its original release, preserving a tangible connection to the film’s Japanese exhibition history.

Directed by Pierre Granier-Deferre, the 1971 French-Italian drama pairs Alain Delon and Simone Signoret in an adaptation of Georges Simenon’s novel. Delon plays Jean, a fugitive who finds shelter and employment on the farm of an older widow. Their growing attachment offers both characters a fragile escape from loneliness, but family hostility, jealousy and the threat of discovery undermine their relationship. Ottavia Piccolo also stars, with music by Philippe Sarde.

The Japanese design places Delon’s enormous, closely cropped portrait at the centre of the campaign. His face fills almost the entire sheet, with his direct gaze providing its strongest visual focus. Dark hair and cool blue-green tones across the upper section gradually give way to amber, orange and golden yellow, merging his features with a glowing sky.

A dark band of clouds along the bottom completes the atmospheric composition. Above it, the Japanese title 「帰らざる夜明け」—approximately “The Dawn of No Return”—appears in sharply drawn purple lettering. Its elongated strokes contrast beautifully with the softness of the portrait and sunset colours.

A small, monochrome inset near the upper right shows an intimate scene from the film. Immediately below it, the English title is stacked as “WIDOW COUDERC.” This compact arrangement gives the enormous portrait space to dominate while retaining a glimpse of the story’s romantic tension.

An unusual printed detail appears directly above the English title: Alain Delon’s name is spelled “ALAIN DERON.” Clearly visible on this example, the misspelling is an intriguing feature of its Japanese advertising design.

The Japanese promotional passage reads:

「あの人は逝ってしまった…… あの美しい想い出を あかね色の空に残して――」
“He has gone… leaving those beautiful memories in the crimson sky—”

The wording connects the warm colour treatment with the film’s themes of loss and remembrance. Japanese cast and production credits occupy the lower section, with MGM distribution wording along the bottom.

With its restrained composition, expressive colour and commanding portrait, this is a particularly attractive example for collectors of Alain Delon, French cinema and Japanese film advertising of the early 1970s.

Condition: Very Good+. Previously displayed in a cinema at the time of release. Horizontal and vertical fold lines, handling creases and some edge wear are visible, particularly along the upper edge. The reverse shows light toning, minor marks and handwritten notations. The front retains strong colour and excellent visual impact. Once framed, this poster will display excellently.

Please review all photographs, including the front and reverse, as they show the exact poster for sale.

Japanese B2 format: approximately 51 × 73 cm.
Stock code: L137.

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.

About Japanese B2 posters
Japanese B2 posters typically measure approximately 51 × 73 cm and were produced for theatrical display. Their distinctive combinations of photography, illustration, typography and locally written promotional copy preserve how films were presented to Japanese audiences.