“Romeo and Juliet” (ロミオとジュリエット), Original Japanese Movie Poster 1954, Laurence Harvey / Susan Shentall, B2 Format (c. 51 × 73 cm) — T122
This is a very rare original Japanese B2 theatrical poster for the 1954 first Japanese release of Romeo and Juliet, directed by Renato Castellani and starring Laurence Harvey and Susan Shentall. Opening in Japan on 13 November 1954, this British-Italian adaptation brought Shakespeare’s tragedy to the screen in richly detailed Technicolor.
The film follows the young lovers of Verona, whose devotion to one another unfolds against the bitter rivalry between the Montague and Capulet families. Castellani’s adaptation places particular emphasis on the story’s Italian surroundings, period architecture and elaborate costumes, giving the familiar tragedy a distinctive visual character.
Alongside Harvey and Shentall, the cast includes Flora Robson, Mervyn Johns and Norman Wooland, with John Gielgud delivering the prologue. The film’s international recognition is central to the poster’s appeal: its victory at the 1954 Venice Film Festival, where it received the Golden Lion, is celebrated with both a trophy illustration and prominent Japanese publicity text.
The composition centres on an intimate image of Romeo lifting Juliet’s hand towards his lips. Their lowered gazes and clasped hands give the design a quiet tenderness, while Juliet’s braided hair, jewelled ornaments and embroidered pink costume provide intricate decorative detail. Romeo’s dark clothing and pale patterned sleeve contrast with the soft blue-green background.
Across the upper left, the English title “Romeo and Juliet” appears beneath the J. Arthur Rank Organisation presentation credit, accompanied by the wording “Colour by TECHNICOLOR.” These original English credits sit alongside the Japanese campaign’s locally designed lettering.
An ornate cream title panel occupies the lower centre, bordered by flowing green flourishes and illustrated gold studs. The Japanese title 「ロミオとジュリエット」 is rendered in large, deep-red characters, with the multicoloured wording 「総天然色」, meaning “Full Colour,” beside it.
Smaller scenes frame the panel: a cloaked figure stands against stone architecture at the lower left, while Juliet appears in a sweeping pink gown on the right. The dark lower background gives these details and the pale title panel particular clarity.
The vertical red inscription reads:
「ヴェニス映画祭グラン・プリに輝く最高の名作」
“A supreme masterpiece honoured with the Venice Film Festival Grand Prix.”
The red circular NCC logo appears at the lower right, completing a design that combines romantic portraiture, award recognition and the decorative richness of 1950s Japanese film advertising.
Condition: Very Good+, especially considering its age. The poster retains attractive colour and strong overall presentation. Visible wear includes fold lines, handling creases, edge wear, a section of paper loss along the upper edge and a tear extending down from the top into Romeo’s hair. Tape repairs and reinforcement are present on the reverse, together with age toning and marks. The central romantic image and Japanese title remain highly effective, making this a compelling piece for framed display.
Please review all photographs, including the front, reverse and close-ups, as they show the exact poster for sale.
Japanese B2 format: approximately 51 × 73 cm.
Stock code: T122.
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 widely used for theatrical display. Their combinations of photography, illustration, typography and locally written promotional copy preserve how films were introduced to Japanese audiences.
