“Gator” (ゲイター), Original Japanese First-Release Movie Poster 1976, Burt Reynolds / Lauren Hutton / Jerry Reed, B2 Size (51.5 × 72.8 cm) — T32

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster for the 1976 Japanese release of Gator, issued under the title 「ゲイター」. Starring Burt Reynolds in his return as Southern moonshiner Gator McKlusky, the film combines crime, humour, and spectacular chase sequences.

Film background

A sequel to White Lightning (1973), Gator marked Burt Reynolds’ feature-film directing debut. The story follows the recently released ex-convict as federal agents pressure him into investigating his former friend Bama McCall, whose criminal operations dominate a small Georgia community.

Lauren Hutton plays television reporter Aggie Maybank, with Jack Weston as federal agent Irving Greenfield and Jerry Reed as McCall. The film’s mixture of Southern settings, dangerous stunts, and Reynolds’ screen personality places it firmly within his distinctive run of 1970s action films. The score is by Charles Bernstein. 

Poster design

This Japanese B2 uses a dynamic photographic montage, combining large star portraits with dramatic vehicle action. At the upper left, Reynolds aims a gun towards the viewer, with a smaller portrait of Lauren Hutton beside him. The orange English lettering “BURT REYNOLDS IS ‘GATOR’” stands out against the darker imagery.

The oversized Japanese title 「ゲイター」 descends through the upper centre in bold white lettering against a solid black panel. Its strong vertical arrangement anchors the surrounding action scenes.

A vehicle overturns beside an explosion at the upper right, while a low-flying police helicopter banks across the centre. Below, Reynolds pilots a speedboat directly towards the viewer, its red underside cutting through white spray. The dramatic perspective gives the lower half an especially powerful sense of movement.

The promotional copy reads:

「ヘリコプターの超低空追撃！
爆走トラックの大激突！
陸・海・空に展開する
一匹狼の爽快大アクション！」

Which translates approximately as:

“An ultra-low-flying helicopter pursuit! A spectacular speeding-truck collision! Exhilarating lone-wolf action across land, sea, and air!”

Additional red lettering promotes the motorboat stunt with a 180 km/h speed claim and an Alfa Romeo engine reference. The lower section includes the Japanese credits, TODD-AO 35 lettering, and United Artists / ユナイト映画 distribution branding, with the Eirin mark at the bottom right.

Collector significance

An energetic example of 1970s Japanese action-film advertising, with striking typography, strong star imagery, and an unusually prominent speedboat composition. Particularly appealing to collectors of Burt Reynolds, Jerry Reed, and the stunt-driven action cinema of the period.

Condition

Excellent. The poster presents beautifully, with strong colour, clear detail, and excellent overall display appeal. Light handling creases and gentle paper undulation are visible, particularly on the reverse, with minor edge wear.

Please review all photographs, including the reverse, as they show the exact poster for sale.

Japanese B2 format: approximately 51.5 × 72.8 cm.
Stock code: T32.

This poster is an original Japanese theatrical B2 from the 1976 first-release campaign.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.