“The Brain” (大頭脳), Original Japanese Movie Poster 1969, Jean-Paul Belmondo / David Niven, STB Tatekan Two-Sheet Format (c. 51 × 145 cm) — U1
This is an original Japanese STB tatekan theatrical poster for the 1969 release of The Brain, originally titled Le Cerveau and released in Japan as 大頭脳. Over fifty years old, this complete two-sheet example combines an imposing Statue of Liberty composition with oversized red typography and a colourful ensemble of international stars.
Directed by Gérard Oury, the French-Italian heist comedy stars Jean-Paul Belmondo, David Niven, Bourvil, and Eli Wallach, with Silvia Monti. The story follows competing criminals attempting to steal $12 million in NATO funds being transported by train from Paris to Brussels. Elaborate schemes, double-crosses, and large-scale visual comedy bring together the traditions of the caper film and French popular comedy. The film opened in Japan on 9 August 1969.
Printed on two sheets arranged vertically, the design makes striking use of the tall tatekan format. An enormous Statue of Liberty dominates the upper section, her tablet bearing a conspicuous dollar sign while a small figure hangs from one of the spikes of her crown. A passenger train cuts diagonally across the composition, accompanied by dockside imagery, a ship, and a red crane. The exaggerated scale captures the film’s combination of international spectacle and absurd humour.
The oversized red lettering 「大頭脳」, the film’s Japanese title, dominates the upper portion of the lower sheet, with “THE BRAIN” printed immediately above it. Below, large portraits of Belmondo, Niven, Bourvil, and Wallach form a lively montage, accompanied by a bikini-clad woman, a suspension bridge, and the two separated halves of a car. The Paramount logo appears in the lower-right corner, while the production and direction credits run along the bottom edge.
The prominent red tagline reads:
「面白さ群を抜く」
“Entertainment in a class of its own!”
The combination of monumental imagery, playful action scenes, and vivid red lettering gives this poster a distinctive presence. It is an especially appealing example for collectors of Jean-Paul Belmondo, David Niven, Gérard Oury, European heist comedies, and Japanese film poster design of the 1960s.
Condition: Excellent.
Please review all photographs, including the individual sheets and reverse, as they show the exact poster for sale.
STB tatekan format: approximately 51 × 145 cm when assembled.
Stock code: U1.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
About STB (Tatekan) posters
Japanese STB / tatekan posters were tall standing-board advertisements, printed in two pieces to be joined vertically for cinema display. Typically measuring around 51 × 145 cm, their elongated proportions offered considerable scope for distinctive compositions. Designed for temporary theatrical use, complete surviving examples preserve an important part of Japan’s cinema advertising history.
