“La Mort du Cygne / Ballerina” (白鳥の死), Original Japanese Movie Poster Release 1941, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) T3
This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster for La Mort du Cygne, also known internationally as Ballerina. The film first opened in Japan as 白鳥の死 on 29 May 1941.
Film background
Produced in France in 1937, the film was directed by Jean Benoît-Lévy and Marie Epstein, adapting a story by Paul Morand. It stars celebrated dancers Yvette Chauviré, Mia Slavenska, and Janine Charrat, with choreography by Serge Lifar.
Set within the world of the Paris Opéra ballet, the story follows a young student whose devotion to her favourite ballerina turns destructive when a rival threatens her idol’s position. Combining backstage drama with performances by professional dancers, the film explores ambition, jealousy, guilt, and the emotional intensity of childhood.
Poster design
A gracefully posed illustrated ballerina in a white tutu and small jewelled crown dominates a pale mint-green background. Her lowered head, outstretched arms, and crossed legs create a sweeping diagonal, while softly shaded folds give the costume a sense of movement.
The French title LA MORT DU CYGNE stretches across the top in bold red capitals. Japanese promotional copy beneath it celebrates the elegance and poignancy of the dance, presenting the film as an enduring work of cinematic art.
At the foot of the composition, 白鳥の死 appears in large pale lettering with dark dimensional shadows against a deep crimson panel. Blue cast names and black production credits balance the delicate central illustration.
The lower margin credits Cinatlantica and distributor 三映株式會社.
About B2 posters
Measuring approximately 51 × 73 cm, this poster follows the familiar Japanese B2 theatrical format. Its vertical proportions give the full-length dancer a commanding presence, with generous space around the illustration.
Rarity and significance
A remarkable survivor of vintage Japanese film advertising, this sheet brings together French cinema, classical ballet, and Japanese illustrated poster design. It has particular appeal for collectors of ballet imagery, European cinema, and Japanese theatrical posters.
This poster is over 85 years old!
Condition
Good+ / Very Good for its age. The poster shows age toning, creasing, edge tears, and small paper losses, including a noticeable loss along the right edge. Repair strips are visible on the reverse. The central ballerina illustration remains substantially intact. Once framed and mounted, this historically significant poster will display very well.
Please review all photographs, including the close-ups and reverse, as they show the exact poster for sale.
It is not a modern reproduction.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
