“The Crimson Curtain” (恋ざんげ), Original Japanese Movie Poster 1954, Anouk Aimée / Jean-Claude Pascal, Very Rare, B2 Size (c. 51 × 73 cm) — T83

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster for the 1954 first Japanese release of The Crimson Curtain, originally titled Le Rideau cramoisi. Now over seventy years old, this beautifully illustrated example combines intimate romantic imagery, rich crimson drapery and an elaborate ornamental border.

Directed by Alexandre Astruc, the film stars Anouk Aimée and Jean-Claude Pascal in an adaptation of a story by Jules Barbey d’Aurevilly. Set during the Napoleonic era, it follows a young officer who lodges with a provincial family and begins a secret affair with their daughter. Desire, silence and the lasting weight of memory shape its tragic narrative.

Completed in 1952 and awarded the Prix Louis-Delluc, this medium-length film holds an important place in Astruc’s career. Its expressive photography and use of first-person narration reflect the director’s interest in cinema as a personal form of writing—ideas that helped prepare the ground for the French New Wave.

The poster presents this atmospheric literary romance through a richly painted composition. Aimée, wearing a soft pink dress, leans into Pascal’s embrace, while his pale green military uniform is picked out with intricate gold braiding and red details. Above them, a smaller, darker vignette introduces the story’s tragic undertones.

A sweeping crimson curtain connects the two scenes, bringing depth and movement to the warm cream background. The surrounding brown scrollwork gives the image the appearance of a framed romantic painting, lending the design a distinctly theatrical character.

The Japanese title, 「恋ざんげ」, descends along the left in bold black brush lettering with fine golden edging. The original French title appears above the central portrait in red, while cast credits and the 新外映 distributor imprint complete the composition.

The prominent Japanese tagline reads:

「世には古傷を胸に秘めた恋の想い出がある！」
“There are memories of love carried in the heart like old wounds!”

The combination of expressive portraiture, decorative framing and dramatic colour makes this an appealing piece for collectors of Anouk Aimée, Alexandre Astruc, French cinema and Japanese film poster illustration of the 1950s.

Condition: Excellent, especially given its age.

Light creasing, gentle age toning and minor edge wear are visible. The painted imagery remains clear, with the crimson drapery retaining a strong visual presence.

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: T83.

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 combinations of illustration, photography, typography and locally written promotional copy preserve a distinctive record of how films were presented to Japanese audiences.