“The Deep Blue Sea” (愛情は深い海のごとく), Original Japanese Movie Poster 1955, Vivien Leigh, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) — ZA1143

An original Japanese B2 theatrical poster for the 1955 Japanese release of The Deep Blue Sea, directed by Anatole Litvak and starring Vivien Leigh and Kenneth More. Distributed by Towa, the film opened in Japan on 29 October 1955.

Adapted from Terence Rattigan’s celebrated stage play, the drama follows Hester Collyer, a judge’s wife whose relationship with a former RAF pilot brings passion, disappointment, and emotional upheaval. It marked Leigh’s return to the screen following her Oscar-winning performance in A Streetcar Named Desire.

The Japanese design places Vivien Leigh at its centre through an exceptionally large colour portrait. Her thoughtful expression, blue eyes, and softly rendered complexion stand against a deep green background, creating a composition with considerable presence.

Bold red Japanese lettering runs down the left side, while the original English title stretches across the top in pale serif lettering. A narrow blue strip of Japanese promotional copy balances the opposite edge. The contrast between the expressive Japanese title and the restrained English typography is a particularly attractive feature of the design.

At the lower right, Leigh and Kenneth More appear together in a snowy mountain setting, carrying skis against an alpine backdrop. The prominent CinemaScope emblem, Towa diamond, and London Films logo complete the period presentation.

The reverse retains handwritten pencil annotations identifying the film and Towa, alongside its visible folding pattern. These markings add interest to the surviving sheet, although their author and precise date are not documented.

A striking piece for collectors of Vivien Leigh, classic British cinema, and 1950s Japanese film-poster design.

Condition: Very Good+. Previously folded, with visible fold lines and wear, additional creasing, age toning, surface marks, and small edge tears. A small strip of tape and pencil annotations are present on the reverse. The portrait remains attractive, with strong red and blue printing and very good overall display appeal.

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

Format: Japanese B2, approximately 51 × 73 cm.
Stock code: ZA1143.

An original theatrical poster, over 70 years old. It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.