“Ryan’s Daughter” (ライアンの娘), Original Japanese First-Release Movie Poster 1971, Artwork by Ron Lesser, B2 Size (c. 51.5 × 72.8 cm) ZA1247

An original Japanese B2 theatrical poster for David Lean’s Ryan’s Daughter, released in Japan by MGM on 24 April 1971. American illustrator Ron Lesser drew on a moment from the film’s opening sequence for his painting of a lace parasol swept out over the Irish Sea. His printed signature appears on the sand at the lower left.

In Excellent condition, with the pale pink of the parasol and the fine white lines of the breaking surf clearly defined against the deep blue water.

Film background

Written by Robert Bolt, Lean’s 1970 romance takes place in the Irish coastal village of Kirrary during the First World War. Sarah Miles plays Rosy Ryan, a publican’s daughter who marries the village schoolmaster, Charles Shaughnessy (Robert Mitchum). When Rosy falls in love with a British officer (Christopher Jones), the affair leaves her exposed to the suspicions of her neighbours. Freddie Young won the Academy Award for his cinematography, and John Mills won Best Supporting Actor for his wordless performance as Michael.

Poster design

Lesser gives almost the entire sheet to the sea. A lace-edged parasol hangs above the waves, its curved handle picked out against the dark water. Far below, Rosy stands alone on a narrow strip of sand, casting a long shadow beside the Japanese title. Ryan’s Daughter was Lesser’s first film-poster assignment. His wife, Claudia, modelled for both colour paintings he submitted to MGM.

Across the top, the Japanese publicity text recalls the grandeur of Lawrence of Arabia and the love story of Doctor Zhivago. A quieter inscription beside the parasol reads:

「想い出深きキラリーの海辺に　愛のかたみは、光り、きらめき　潮騒の中を消えていった」
“On the shore of Kirrary, so full of memories, a keepsake of love caught the light, shimmered, and vanished into the sound of the surf.”

Condition

Excellent overall. Please review the front and reverse photographs for the full condition.

An original vintage Japanese theatrical poster from MGM’s 1971 first release.
Over 55 years old.
Certificate of Authenticity included.