“The Cheyenne Social Club” (テキサス魂), Original Japanese Movie Poster 1971, James Stewart / Henry Fonda, STB Tatekan Two-Sheet Format (c. 51 × 145 cm) — U15
This is an original Japanese STB tatekan theatrical poster for the 1971 Japanese release of The Cheyenne Social Club, released as Tekisasu Tamashii, meaning “Texas Spirit.” Over fifty years old, this complete two-sheet example combines imposing star portraits, a montage of Western action, and expansive frontier scenery.
Produced and directed by Gene Kelly, with a screenplay by James Lee Barrett, the film stars James Stewart and Henry Fonda, supported by Shirley Jones and Sue Ane Langdon. Stewart plays a cowboy who travels to Wyoming with his longtime companion after inheriting a business from his brother, only to discover that the respectable-sounding Cheyenne Social Club is a brothel. The resulting complications provide the basis for a Western comedy built around the two leads’ friendship.
Printed on two sheets arranged vertically, the design makes dramatic use of the tall tatekan format. The upper section is dominated by Stewart holding a revolver and Fonda gripping an upright rifle, its barrel extending to the top edge. Smaller scenes of armed confrontations, mounted action, and a woman aiming a handgun surround the portraits, carrying the photographic montage across the central join.
The oversized red brush lettering 「テキサス魂」 descends along the left side of the lower sheet. Beside it, a steam locomotive crosses open grassland beneath a plume of dark smoke. At the bottom, Stewart and Fonda appear on horseback against a glowing red and gold sky, bringing a quieter sense of companionship to the composition. Green cast lettering, the pink English title “THE CHEYENNE SOCIAL CLUB,” and a blue 20th Century Fox logo complete the design.
The prominent blue tagline reads:
「2大名優が激突する壮絶なガン・アクション！」
“Two great stars clash in spectacular gun action!”
The Japanese campaign’s emphasis on gunplay and fighting spirit gives this comedy a forceful visual identity. Its combination of star portraits, expressive calligraphy, and sunset imagery makes it an especially appealing example for collectors of James Stewart, Henry Fonda, Gene Kelly, classic Westerns, and Japanese film poster design of the 1970s.
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: U15.
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.
