“In Search of the Castaways” (難破船), Original Release Japanese Movie Poster 1964, Walt Disney, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) T96
This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster for the 1964 first Japanese release of Walt Disney’s In Search of the Castaways, released in Japan as 難破船 (Nanpasen). The film opened in Japanese cinemas on 14 March 1964, presented by Nippon RKO.
Directed by Robert Stevenson, this colourful live-action adventure stars Hayley Mills, Maurice Chevalier, George Sanders and Wilfrid Hyde-White. Adapted from Jules Verne’s Captain Grant’s Children, it follows a brother and sister searching for their missing sea-captain father. A mysterious message launches an expedition across the Southern Hemisphere, where earthquakes, floods, dangerous animals and treacherous encounters threaten their progress.
With songs by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, the film combines musical warmth with elaborate adventure spectacle. Its ambitious production recreated mountain landscapes, ports and volcanic terrain at Pinewood Studios, bringing Verne’s far-reaching journey to the screen.
The Japanese poster captures this sense of adventure through a densely arranged montage of dramatic scenes. At its centre, Maurice Chevalier raises his hand beneath a broad straw hat, smiling beside Hayley Mills, who is wrapped in a patterned blanket. Their cheerful expressions provide a warm focal point amid the surrounding dangers.
Across the upper panels, a condor soars beside a crumbling mountainside, the travellers hurtle through an icy tunnel, and enormous green waves advance beneath a volcanic landscape. Further scenes show a jaguar crouching in a tree, a crocodile below, and figures caught in a violent storm. Short Japanese captions turn each image into its own promise of cinematic excitement.
One particularly vivid caption reads:
「頭上にジャガー、足下に大鰐！」
“A jaguar overhead, a giant crocodile below!”
The lower half is dominated by an unfurled parchment graphic carrying the enormous red title 難破船, rendered with deep three-dimensional shading. Blue Walt Disney lettering appears above, while a sailing ship, additional character scenes and the original English title complete the busy composition.
The combination of bright colour, storybook framing and energetic Japanese lettering makes this an engaging example of early-1960s Disney publicity, with particular appeal for collectors of Hayley Mills, Jules Verne adaptations and vintage Disney adventure films.
Condition: Very Good+ (Theatre used)
Previously folded, with visible horizontal and vertical fold lines, handling creases, fold wear and small edge tears. Age toning, scattered marks and browned paper remnants along the lower reverse edge are also visible. The front retains vivid colour and strong display appeal.
Please review all photographs, including the front, reverse and close-up details, as they show the exact poster for sale.
Japanese B2 format: approximately 51 × 73 cm.
Stock code: T96.
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 offer a fascinating record of how films were presented to Japanese audiences.
