This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster printed in 1976 for the first-ever Japanese theatrical release of Madeleine—David Lean’s 1950 British drama, which did not receive a cinema release in Japan until 20 April 1976 (a remarkably late debut, explicitly referenced on the poster as his only film previously unreleased in Japan). A scarce and highly collectible example of Japan’s post-war “rediscovery” programming of major European directors.
Film background
Produced in 1950 and directed by David Lean, Madeleine is a dramatic retelling inspired by the famous Victorian-era Madeleine Smith case—centred on romance, social constraint, scandal, and a courtroom storm of suspicion. The film stands apart in Lean’s career as an intense, psychologically driven period drama—quite different in tone from his later epic masterpieces—making this late Japanese release an especially interesting piece of film-history ephemera.
Poster design
A beautifully composed, romantic and melancholic Japanese design that feels closer to art-house exhibition graphics than mainstream studio advertising. A large, luminous black-and-white portrait dominates the sheet, framed by elegant red ornamental linework and a soft “streetlamp” motif—evoking memory, longing, and nocturnal waiting. The bold brush-style title マデリーン 愛の旅路 (“Madeleine—Journey of Love”) anchors the bottom with dramatic flourish, while the typography at the top explicitly positions the film within David Lean’s prestige (“Lawrence of Arabia”, “Brief Encounter”, “Ryan’s Daughter”)—signalling this as a major “finally in Japan” event release.
Condition
Excellent. Please review the photos—they show the exact poster for sale.
It is over 49 years old!
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
