“Bullitt”, Original Japanese First Release STB Movie Poster 1968, STB Size (51 × 146 cm) F118

This is an original Japanese STB / Tatekan poster produced for the film’s first Japanese theatrical release in 1968. Directed by Peter Yates, Bullitt (ブリット) stars Steve McQueen, Robert Vaughn, Jacqueline Bisset, Robert Duvall, and Don Gordon. Celebrated for its lean storytelling, uncompromising realism, and legendary San Francisco car chase, the film established one of McQueen’s most enduring screen personas.

This exceptionally scarce two-panel poster is a superb example of late-1960s Japanese large-format theatrical advertising, dominated by an enormous image of McQueen and bold, purpose-designed Japanese typography.

Film background

Steve McQueen plays Lieutenant Frank Bullitt, a reserved and fiercely independent San Francisco police detective assigned to protect a key witness in a politically sensitive organised-crime investigation. When the witness is attacked, Bullitt pursues the truth while resisting pressure from ambitious politician Walter Chalmers, played by Robert Vaughn.

The film is renowned for its understated dialogue, location photography, procedural realism, and McQueen’s controlled, minimalist performance. Its centrepiece is the celebrated pursuit through the steep streets of San Francisco involving Bullitt’s Ford Mustang GT Fastback and the criminals’ Dodge Charger, widely regarded as one of the most influential car chases in cinema history.

Directed by Peter Yates, photographed by William A. Fraker, and scored by Lalo Schifrin, Bullitt won the Academy Award for Best Film Editing for Frank P. Keller’s exceptional work.

Poster design

This spectacular Japanese STB uses the format’s extreme vertical proportions to transform Steve McQueen into a towering figure of modern action cinema.

The upper section is dominated by a large portrait of McQueen as Frank Bullitt, dressed in his characteristic dark roll-neck and shoulder holster. His raised arm and intense expression give the composition immediate movement and physical force. Behind him, cars leap and race through the steep streets of San Francisco, directly referencing the film’s celebrated pursuit sequence.

Running vertically along the left side is the Japanese campaign copy:

「華麗な男の魅力と行動がさらにエスカレートした―
スピード最高！スリル満点！大追跡の面白さ！」

Approximately:

“The style, magnetism, and action of this remarkable man escalate even further—maximum speed! Maximum thrills! All the excitement of a great pursuit!”

The upper credits prominently announce:

「テクニカラー」
“Technicolor”

together with the names of Robert Vaughn, Jacqueline Bisset, and Robert Duvall.

The lower panel is dominated by the enormous red Japanese title:

「ブリット」

Beside it, Steve McQueen’s name appears vertically in vivid yellow:

「スティーブ・マックィーン」

Robert Vaughn occupies the lower-right foreground, while smaller action imagery below shows an armed Bullitt moving through a crowded airport terminal, recalling the film’s tense concluding pursuit. The contrasting red, yellow, black, and cream typography gives the poster exceptional graphic power and immediate display presence.

The original Warner Bros.-Seven Arts identification and period Japanese production credits remain visible at the foot of the design.

About STB / Tatekan posters

STBs, or Tatekan posters, are among the most distinctive and desirable Japanese theatrical formats. A complete example consists of two separately printed B2-sized panels, each measuring approximately 51.5 × 72.8 cm, which combine to form a poster measuring approximately 51.5 × 145.6 cm overall.

The sheets were designed to be aligned vertically for display in standing signboards, cinema entrances, pillars, and other narrow, high-visibility locations.

Because both correctly matched original panels must survive together, complete vintage STBs are considerably rarer than conventional Japanese B2 posters. Their elongated proportions also allowed Japanese designers to create unusually dramatic, near life-size compositions.

Condition

Very Good+ / Excellent. The two original panels form a complete, correctly matched set. Original fold lines, light handling creases, minor edge wear, and gentle age-related toning are consistent with an authentic theatrical poster of this period. The colours, monumental McQueen portrait, and oversized title lettering retain excellent visual impact. Please review the photograph—it shows the exact poster for sale.

This poster is an original Japanese theatrical STB from the 1968 first-release campaign.
It is not a reproduction or a modern reprint.

It is approximately 58 years old.

Certificate of Authenticity included.