“Le Grand Restaurant” (The Big Restaurant) / 「パリ大混戦」, Original Japanese Movie Poster 1969, STB Tatekan Size (approximately 51 × 145 cm) T116
This is an original Japanese STB tatekan theatrical poster printed for the 1969 first Japanese release of Le Grand Restaurant / 「パリ大混戦」, Jacques Besnard’s lively French comedy starring Louis de Funès, Bernard Blier and Maria-Rosa Rodriguez.
Originally released in France in 1966, the film opened in Japanese cinemas on 4 February 1969, distributed by Towa.
The Japanese poster combines restaurant comedy with the visual language of a spy adventure: a handgun served on a tray, a helicopter, a falling figure and a dramatic car chase surround an enormous portrait of de Funès.
The STB tatekan format consists of two approximately B2-size sheets, displayed one above the other to create a tall composition measuring approximately 51 × 145 cm. Both sheets are included.
Film background
Louis de Funès plays Monsieur Septime, the demanding proprietor of a prestigious Parisian restaurant frequented by politicians and wealthy society figures.
Septime insists on absolute precision from his staff, while carefully flattering the distinguished customers upon whom his establishment’s reputation depends.
His ordered world collapses when Novalès, the president of a South American country, disappears during dinner. The disappearance takes place amid the commotion surrounding an elaborate dessert, transforming a fashionable restaurant into the centre of an international crisis.
Septime becomes a suspect and is drawn into the police investigation led by a commissioner played by Bernard Blier. Meanwhile, conspirators who had their own plans for the president begin pursuing the increasingly desperate restaurateur.
Determined to protect his restaurant’s reputation, Septime becomes entangled in an escalating succession of misunderstandings, disguises and chases, with the action extending into snowy Alpine scenery.
The film was directed by Jacques Besnard, with writing contributions from Jean Halain, Louis de Funès and Besnard.
The principal cast includes:
Louis de Funès
Bernard Blier
Maria-Rosa Rodriguez
Folco Lulli
Venantino Venantini
Noël Roquevert
The music was composed by Jean Marion, with cinematography by Raymond Lemoigne.
Poster design
This energetic Japanese design makes excellent use of the extended tatekan format, balancing oversized portraiture with small action photographs and playful graphic details.
The upper sheet is dominated by a large portrait of Louis de Funès, dressed in a dark suit and tie. His raised eyebrows and knowing expression immediately establish the film’s comic tone.
In the foreground, he presents a silver serving tray carrying a black handgun. This incongruous combination neatly summarises the collision between fine dining and criminal intrigue.
Behind him, green line drawings suggest Parisian buildings and the Eiffel Tower, providing a light-hearted architectural backdrop.
Above the portrait, a yellow helicopter crosses the pale sky, accompanied by a falling figure in a bright orange outfit. These isolated photographic elements introduce the film’s action sequences while preserving the open, uncluttered background.
The French title:
“LE GRAND RESTAURANT”
appears at the left beside French cast and production credits.
The red promotional copy running down the right reads:
「暗殺か？誘拐か？蒸発した大統領を追ってメイ探偵フュネス氏またもモーレツ大作戦開始！」
Translated:
“Assassination? Kidnapping? Pursuing a vanished president, bungling detective Mr. Funès launches another all-out operation!”
The lower sheet continues the action with a yellow car pursued along sharply diagonal tracks. Small circular photographs show further scenes, while scattered red, blue, green and yellow dots give the composition a cheerful rhythm.
The enormous Japanese title:
「パリ大混戦」
runs vertically down the left in vivid red lettering. Its scale gives the lower sheet considerable impact and balances the large portrait above.
At the bottom, Maria-Rosa Rodriguez holds a pistol beside a worried-looking de Funès, who wears a headset and patterned green outerwear.
The central billing block identifies the leading cast, director and composer, alongside the Towa logo.
The combination of expressive portraiture, bold typography and deliberately absurd action imagery makes this a distinctive piece of Japanese publicity for French comedy.
Condition
Very Good+
An attractive complete two-sheet example with strong red lettering, clear photographic detail and very good overall display impact.
Horizontal fold lines, handling creases and age-toning are visible. There is some edge wear, including small tears along the upper edge of the lower sheet.
The main imagery remains highly effective, and once framed, this poster will display very well.
Reference: T116
Please review the photographs carefully, as they show the exact poster for sale.
This is an original Japanese theatrical poster from the film’s 1969 Japanese release campaign.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
It is now over 57 years old.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
