“The Bolshoi Ballet” (バレエへの招宴), Original Japanese Movie Poster 1957, Galina Ulanova, Hisamitsu Noguchi Artwork, B2 Size with Theatre Snipe — T76

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster for the 1957 first Japanese release of The Bolshoi Ballet, released in Japan as バレエへの招宴. Featuring artwork by Hisamitsu Noguchi, this example retains an attached Osaka Shōchiku-za theatre snipe, preserving the local cinema’s own screening publicity alongside the original design.

Directed by Paul Czinner and distributed in Japan by Towa, the film records performances associated with the Bolshoi Ballet’s celebrated 1956 London visit. Its programme combines a selection of ballet excerpts with Galina Ulanova’s Giselle, partnered by Nikolai Fadeyechev. Presented in Eastmancolor and widescreen, the production brought these stage performances to cinema audiences beyond the theatre.

Noguchi’s illustration places the dancers at the centre of a spacious, softly coloured composition. Ulanova’s pale skirt sweeps across the foreground, balanced by her partner’s dark blue costume and outstretched arm. Their joined, raised hands create an elegant vertical movement, while fine strokes of blue and green suggest atmosphere around the figures. The artist’s printed “h. noguchi” signature appears at the lower right.

The Japanese title stretches across the top in expressive burgundy lettering, with “The Bolshoi Ballet and Giselle” beneath it in flowing English script. The red Towa logo occupies the upper-left corner, while the programme and production credits are arranged to the right. Printed red endorsements include special selection by Japan’s Ministry of Education, reflecting the film’s presentation as a cultural event.

The attached blue-and-white strip names 松竹座 — Shōchiku-za, with accompanying text identifying Dōtonbori, Osaka. This supplementary advertisement, commonly called a theatre snipe, extends below the main sheet and carries local screening information.

Its prominent announcement reads:

「全関西独占公開」
“Exclusive engagement for the Kansai region.”

The surviving snipe adds a particular connection to the poster’s exhibition history. Combined with Noguchi’s graceful illustration, it makes this an appealing example for collectors of Hisamitsu Noguchi, Galina Ulanova, ballet, Japanese cinema advertising and Osaka theatre history.

Condition: Very Good+ for its age; theatre used.

Horizontal and vertical folds, handling creases, fold wear, edge wear and age toning are visible. The attached theatre snipe remains present, and the central artwork retains its delicate colour and strong visual appeal.

Please review all photographs, including the front, reverse and attached theatre snipe, as they show the exact poster for sale.

Japanese B2 format: approximately 51 × 73 cm, excluding the attached theatre snipe.
Stock code: T76.

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.