“Quai des Orfèvres” (殺人河岸), Rare Original Japanese First-Release Movie Poster 1949, B2 Size (c. 51 × 73 cm) T13

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster for the first Japanese release of Quai des Orfèvres, directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot and starring Louis Jouvet, Suzy Delair, and Bernard Blier. Originally released in France in 1947, the film opened in Japan on 5 July 1949. This sheet carries the Japanese title 殺人河岸 and the distribution credit 東宝株式會社 — Toho Co., Ltd. 

Film background

Set among the music halls and police offices of post-war Paris, Quai des Orfèvres follows singer Jenny Lamour, her jealous pianist husband Maurice, and the investigation into a wealthy businessman’s murder. Louis Jouvet’s Inspector Antoine brings persistence, dry humour, and compassion to a story shaped by ambition, suspicion, and conflicting loyalties.

The film marked Clouzot’s return to directing following the controversy surrounding Le Corbeau. Its detailed portrayal of backstage life and complex relationships gives the murder investigation a powerful human dimension. 

The poster prominently announces the film’s Best Director award at the 1947 Venice International Film Festival, placing its international recognition above the cast credits.

Poster design

A bold palette of yellow, red, and dark brown-black gives this Japanese design exceptional visual presence. At the upper left, Bernard Blier and Suzy Delair appear against a bright yellow field. Delair’s flowing red garment forms the central sweep of colour, with matching accents on her lips, fingernails, and jewellery.

A large, shadowed portrait of Louis Jouvet in a hat occupies the upper right, while another portrait of Blier anchors the lower left. The arrangement conveys the film’s atmosphere of watchfulness, anxiety, and emotional tension.

White promotional lettering cuts across the centre, invoking a deadly singing voice and alarm bells at Paris police headquarters. Below, 殺人河岸 appears in enormous yellow brush-style characters, divided by the original French title QUAI DES ORFEVRES in red capitals. SEF and Toho credits and emblems remain visible at the lower left.

Rarity and significance

This design has documented scarcity at auction. In its catalogue notes, eMoviePoster stated that it had auctioned only two distinct examples of this Japanese poster. The copy then being offered was a reconsignment of an example last sold nine years earlier—a repeat appearance of an already recorded sheet.

That limited auction history adds context to a remarkable surviving piece of early post-war Japanese film advertising. Its expressive portraiture and forceful typography make it particularly appealing to collectors of Henri-Georges Clouzot, French film noir, Louis Jouvet, and vintage Japanese graphic design.

Condition

Very Good vintage condition, particularly considering its age. The sheet shows age toning, vertical and horizontal folds, surface creasing, and edge wear, including several small tears and minor losses along the lower edge. Localised repairs are visible on the reverse. The portraits, strong colours, and main title retain considerable visual impact, and the poster should display beautifully once framed.

Please review all photographs, including the close-ups and reverse, as they show the exact poster for sale.

It is approximately 77 years old!

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.