“City Beneath the Sea” (海底都市), Original Japanese Movie Poster 1971, Stuart Whitman / Robert Wagner, STB Tatekan Two-Sheet Format (c. 51 × 145 cm) — U8

This is an original Japanese STB tatekan theatrical poster for the 1971 Japanese release of City Beneath the Sea, released locally as Kaitei Toshi. Over fifty years old, this complete two-sheet example combines colourful science-fiction illustration with sweeping blue typography and an elaborate vision of an underwater metropolis.

Produced and directed by Irwin Allen, the film stars Stuart Whitman, Robert Wagner, Rosemary Forsyth, and Robert Colbert, with supporting appearances by Richard Basehart and Joseph Cotten. Set in the futuristic underwater city of Pacifica, the story combines an approaching celestial threat with a plot to steal the city’s gold reserves. Originally made for American television, the film received a Japanese theatrical release through Warner Bros. in 1971.

Printed on two sheets arranged vertically, the design makes imaginative use of the tall tatekan format. The upper section shows missiles rising from beneath the ocean towards a brilliant explosion in the sky. White trails cut through deep green water, surrounding a submarine caught in an underwater blast. Below, illuminated towers and domed structures establish the sprawling city on the seabed.

The artwork continues across the join into views of futuristic interiors, figures thrown off balance, and a dramatic romantic embrace. The enormous dark blue title 「海底都市」 dominates the lower sheet, its elongated characters crossed by pale blue strokes suggesting flowing water. The English title “CITY BENEATH THE SEA”, Japanese cast and production credits, and Warner Bros. shield complete the composition near the bottom.

The prominent red tagline reads:

「宇宙圏からの地球攻撃か　秒きざみに迎撃する海底都市大作戦！」
“Is Earth under attack from space? An undersea city fights back in a race against time!”

The combination of futuristic architecture, underwater action, and expressive lettering gives this poster a distinctive presence. It is an especially appealing example for collectors of Irwin Allen, classic science-fiction cinema, retro-futuristic illustration, 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: U8.

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.