“Harlem Nights” / 「ハーレム・ナイト」, Original Japanese Movie Poster 1989, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) ZA952

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster printed in 1989 for Harlem Nights / 「ハーレム・ナイト」, the period crime comedy-drama written, directed by, and starring Eddie Murphy, alongside Richard Pryor, Redd Foxx, Danny Aiello, and Jasmine Guy.

A stylish Japanese release poster for Murphy’s directorial debut, this design captures the film’s 1930s Harlem setting with elegant illustrated artwork, strong red typography, and a refined Art Deco-influenced presentation.

Film background
Set in 1930s Harlem, Harlem Nights follows nightclub owner Sugar Ray and his quick-witted adoptive son Quick, who operate an illegal gambling house while navigating corrupt police, rival criminals, and a powerful mob boss determined to take control of their profits.

The film is notable as Eddie Murphy’s directorial debut and as a rare screen pairing of two major generations of American comedy: Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor. Although critical response was mixed on release, the film performed strongly at the box office and has retained a loyal following, particularly for its cast, period styling, and lavish production design. It also received an Academy Award nomination for Best Costume Design.

Poster design
The Japanese poster uses an elegant illustrated composition. At the centre are large, sharply rendered portraits of the two principal leads in formal 1930s attire: one in a white fedora and red tie, the other in a black bowler hat and tuxedo. Beneath them sits a vintage luxury automobile, with a woman in a white dress posed beside it, reinforcing the film’s nightclub glamour and period-crime atmosphere.

The large vertical copy on the left reads:

「1989年 クリスマス――エディが世界を笑わせる！夜のハーレムに2人の男がしかけた途方もない策略!!」
“Christmas 1989 — Eddie makes the world laugh! An outrageous scheme set up by two men in nighttime Harlem!”

The release date panel on the right announces the December 23 holiday roadshow release, positioning the film as a major New Year-season attraction in Japan.

At the bottom, the Japanese title 「ハーレム・ナイト」 appears in large, bold red katakana, giving the poster a strong graphic anchor.

Release note
This poster was printed for the film’s original 1989 Japanese theatrical release campaign.

It is an original period Japanese cinema poster, not a later reproduction or commercial reprint.

Condition
Excellent condition. A highly attractive example, with strong colour, clean illustrated artwork, crisp typography, and excellent overall display impact.

Please review the photograph carefully, as it shows the exact poster for sale.

This is an original 1989 Japanese theatrical poster.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

It is now over 35 years old.

Certificate of Authenticity included.