“The Front Page” (フロント・ページ), Original Japanese First-Release Movie Poster 1975, Billy Wilder, Jack Lemmon & Walter Matthau, B2 Size (approx. 51 × 73 cm) — ZA50

An original Japanese B2 theatrical poster for the 1975 Japanese release of Billy Wilder’s The Front Page. Its vivid lime-green background, oversized monochrome portraits and playful illustrated montage give this design a distinctive graphic presence.

Film background

Originally released in the United States in 1974, The Front Page reunites Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau under the direction of Billy Wilder. Adapted from the celebrated play by Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur, the film follows reporter Hildy Johnson’s attempts to leave journalism and marry, while his manipulative editor, Walter Burns, schemes to keep him on the biggest story in town.

The supporting cast includes Carol Burnett, Susan Sarandon and Vincent Gardenia. Combining rapid dialogue, professional rivalry and cynical humour, the film brings Wilder’s comic sensibility to the competitive world of Chicago newspaper reporting. It opened in Japan on 3 May 1975.

Poster design

Two large black-and-white portraits of Lemmon and Matthau dominate the upper section, enclosed within a rounded rectangular panel. Their contrasting expressions establish the central partnership, while the coarse graphic treatment recalls the appearance of newspaper reproduction.

Below, illustrated figures, a newspaper, a sheriff’s vehicle and smaller character vignettes form a lively montage. The restrained tones of these illustrations contrast with the bright green background and the sweeping red Japanese title with black shadowing.

The orange headline across the top reads:

「何はさておき…存分に楽しんで下さい!!」
“Whatever else, enjoy yourselves to the fullest!”

Its cheerful tone makes the poster’s emphasis clear: the comic chemistry of its leading men and the entertainment of their increasingly chaotic predicament.

Collecting appeal

A colourful Japanese design for collectors of Billy Wilder, Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, combining prominent star portraiture with the visual language of newspaper comedy.

Condition

Very Good / Excellent condition, with handling creases, light age toning and wear around the edges. 

The green background, red title and principal portraits retain strong visual impact. Please examine the accompanying photographs as part of the condition description.

This is an original vintage Japanese cinema poster, not a reproduction or modern reprint.

Approximately 51 years old.

Certificate of Authenticity included.

Stock reference: ZA50