“Invitation to a Gunfighter” (ガンファイトへの招待), Original Japanese First-Release Movie Poster 1965, B2 Size (c. 51 × 73 cm) ZA1293

This is an original Japanese theatrical poster produced for the 1965 Japanese release of Invitation to a Gunfighter, directed by Richard Wilson, presented as a Stanley Kramer production and distributed by United Artists.

Measuring approximately 51 × 73 cm, the design combines a commanding black-and-white illustration of Yul Brynner with a vivid red background and oversized yellow Japanese lettering. Its bold colour contrasts give the composition exceptional visual impact.

Film background

Released in Japan on 11 February 1965, this 1964 American Western stars Yul Brynner, George Segal and Janice Rule, with Pat Hingle and Brad Dexter among the supporting cast.

Set in New Mexico after the American Civil War, the story follows Confederate veteran Matt Weaver, who returns home to discover that his property has been sold and his former sweetheart has married another man. A powerful local banker hires the enigmatic gunfighter Jules Gaspard d’Estaing, played by Brynner, to eliminate him.

The hired gunman soon challenges the community that employed him. Beneath its frontier setting, the film explores racial prejudice, corruption and the hypocrisy of respectable townspeople, giving its conflict a distinctly psychological dimension.

Poster design

Brynner’s figure occupies almost the entire height of the sheet, his revolver raised and coat sweeping outward. Dense engraved-style linework defines his face, clothing and weapon, creating a forceful silhouette against the red field.

The Japanese title 「ガンファイトへの招待」—“Invitation to a Gunfighter” descends along the right side in brilliant yellow. Compact English billing appears above, while a smaller red-and-black photographic montage across the bottom introduces supporting characters, Western scenery and a horse-drawn stagecoach.

The opening promotional line reads:

「屍臭におびきよせられて無法の町に現われた黒づくめの殺し屋」
“Drawn by the scent of death, a black-clad killer appears in a lawless town.”

The United Artists emblem appears at the lower right. No identifiable illustrator’s signature is visible.

Cultural significance

This poster captures Brynner’s imposing screen presence within the Western genre. Its monumental figure, restricted palette and emphatic Japanese typography make it an especially striking example of 1960s Japanese advertising for American cinema.

Condition

Excellent. The poster retains strong red and yellow colour and crisp graphic detail. Please review the photographs—they show the exact poster for sale.

This is an original Japanese theatrical poster from 1965.
It is not a reproduction or a modern reprint.

It is approximately 61 years old.

Certificate of Authenticity included.