“The Threepenny Opera” (三文オペラ), Original Japanese Movie Poster 1964, Curd Jürgens / Hildegard Knef, Hisamitsu Noguchi Artwork, B2 Size (c. 51 × 73 cm) — T82

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster for the 1964 first Japanese release of The Threepenny Opera, originally titled Die Dreigroschenoper. Distributed by Towa, this illustrated design features artwork by Hisamitsu Noguchi, whose expressive drawing and distinctive lettering bring the film’s musical and theatrical character to the page.

Directed by Wolfgang Staudte, the 1963 production adapts Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill’s celebrated stage work. Curd Jürgens stars as Macheath, supported by Hildegard Knef, June Ritchie, Gert Fröbe and Lino Ventura, with Sammy Davis Jr. appearing as the ballad singer. Set in London’s criminal underworld, the story follows Macheath’s marriage to Polly Peachum and the schemes that bring him into conflict with her father and the police.

Noguchi’s composition is dominated by Sammy Davis Jr. singing in a green coat and matching hat, one hand raised against his chest. Behind him, loosely drawn crowds, placards, a street lamp and ships’ rigging establish the bustling waterfront setting. Broad strokes of blue-green colour surround the figures, while fine black outlines give the scene the spontaneity of a theatrical sketch.

In the lower foreground, Jürgens appears in a brown bowler hat, his sideways glance and gloved hand introducing a more watchful mood. A blonde female portrait completes the grouping to the right. Noguchi’s printed signature appears along the lower-right edge.

The German title runs vertically down the right margin in burgundy Gothic lettering. Across the lower-left section, the Japanese title 「三文オペラ」 combines red, green and purple hand-drawn characters, adding colour and rhythm to the design. The Towa emblem, production credits and Franscope presentation notice complete the layout.

The musical appeal is highlighted by the line:

「サミー・デービス・Jrの歌う『マック・ザ・ナイフ』」
“‘Mack the Knife,’ sung by Sammy Davis Jr.”

A separate text block lists featured songs and soundtrack releases from London, Victor and Toshiba Records, connecting the cinema campaign with the musical’s recording history.

The combination of characterful illustration, lively typography and musical subject matter makes this a particularly appealing example for collectors of Hisamitsu Noguchi, Kurt Weill, Bertolt Brecht, Sammy Davis Jr. and Japanese film poster design.

Condition: Excellent+

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

Japanese B2 format: approximately 51 × 73 cm.
Stock code: T82.

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.

About Japanese B2 posters
Japanese B2 posters typically measure approximately 51 × 73 cm and were produced for theatrical display. Their distinctive combinations of photography, illustration, typography and locally written promotional copy offer a fascinating record of how films were presented to Japanese audiences.