“The Cape Town Affair” / 「謀略都市」, Original Japanese Movie Poster 1969, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) T111

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster printed for the 1969 first Japanese release of The Cape Town Affair / 「謀略都市」, produced and directed by Robert D. Webb, starring Jacqueline Bisset, James Brolin, and Claire Trevor.

Originally released in 1967, the film opened in Japanese cinemas through 20th Century Fox on 2 December 1969.

The Japanese design combines an oversized portrait of Jacqueline Bisset with waterfront photography, armed confrontation, and a dramatic rifle-sight graphic, capturing the film’s mixture of glamour and Cold War suspense.

Film background

Set in Cape Town, the story begins when Skip McCoy, a pickpocket played by James Brolin, steals a wallet from a young woman named Candy, played by Jacqueline Bisset.

What appears to be an ordinary theft places him in possession of confidential microfilm. The stolen material attracts the attention of both intelligence officers and the espionage organisation using Candy as a courier.

Threatened by her employer, Candy begins searching for Skip. Meanwhile, investigators seek help from Sam Williams, an underworld informant played by Claire Trevor, whose knowledge of the city’s criminals makes her an important link in the pursuit.

As Candy and Skip become increasingly involved, their relationship develops amid deception, surveillance, and violence.

The film relocates the premise of Samuel Fuller’s 1953 film noir, Pickup on South Street, to a South African setting, presenting its criminal intrigue in colour against Cape Town’s streets and waterfront.

The principal cast includes:

Jacqueline Bisset
James Brolin
Claire Trevor
Bob Courtney
John Whiteley
Gordon Mulholland

The cinematography is by David Millin, with music by Bob Adams and Joe Kentridge.

The film is also of interest as an early leading vehicle for both Bisset and Brolin, alongside the established Hollywood presence of Claire Trevor.

Poster design

The composition is dominated by a large, warmly coloured portrait of Jacqueline Bisset. Her direct gaze, auburn hair, and red spotted scarf stand out against the pale background, giving the poster a strong central focus.

Across the upper left, a panoramic photograph of Cape Town’s waterfront introduces roads, buildings, and harbour infrastructure. Its receding perspective draws the eye into the city where the pursuit unfolds.

Below, a suited gunman thrusts a pistol towards the viewer. Smaller photographs show a confrontation on steps and a struggle beside an ornate metal railing, adding movement and physical danger around the principal portraits.

The lower-right section contains the poster’s most distinctive espionage motif: a falling figure enclosed within concentric targeting rings and crosshairs. The thin black lines extend across the pale ground and overlap the Japanese title, connecting the action imagery with the typography.

The red promotional text running down the left includes:

「ケープタウン港に凄絶の追撃戦！」

Translated:

“A fierce pursuit through the port of Cape Town!”

Across the bottom, the enormous Japanese title:

「謀略都市」

Translated:

“City of Intrigue”

appears in vivid red brush lettering. Its pointed strokes and irregular shapes give the lower section considerable energy.

At the upper right, the English title “THE CAPE TOWN AFFAIR” appears in bright blue, with curved, expanding lettering characteristic of the period.

Blue Japanese cast names sit above the lower-left production credits, followed by the green technical billing:

「デラックスカラー・ワイドスクリーン」

Translated:

“DeLuxe Color · Widescreen”

The blue 20th Century Fox logo completes the bottom-right corner.

Condition

Very Good+ condition.

There is visible edge wear, including several short tears and associated creasing along the right margin, shown in the detailed photographs. 

The principal portraits remain clear and attractive, while the strong red title and blue English lettering retain excellent visual impact.

We have taken the condition into account when pricing. Once framed, this poster will display excellently.

Reference: T111.

Please review all photographs carefully, including the detailed edge views and reverse, as they show the exact poster for sale.

This is an original Japanese theatrical poster from the film’s 1969 first Japanese release campaign.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

It is now over 56 years old.

Certificate of Authenticity included.