“Checkered Flag or Crash” / 「アドベンチャー・ラリー」, Original Japanese First-Release Movie Poster 1977, Joe Don Baker / Susan Sarandon, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) T257

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster produced for the first Japanese release in 1977 of Checkered Flag or Crash, Alan Gibson’s motor-racing adventure starring Joe Don Baker, Susan Sarandon, and Larry Hagman.

Released in Japan as 「アドベンチャー・ラリー」 (Adventure Rally), the film received this spectacularly energetic design, combining oversized red lettering with a crowded montage of racing vehicles, airborne buggies, and explosive action.

Film background
Directed by Alan Gibson and written by Michael Allin, the film follows “Walkaway” Madden, a fearless racing driver competing in the Manila 1000, a gruelling off-road race through the Philippines. His passenger is C.C. Wainwright, a determined photojournalist whose assignment puts her directly in the middle of the competition.

Joe Don Baker and Susan Sarandon lead a cast that also includes Larry Hagman, Alan Vint, and racing driver Parnelli Jones. The film combines rough-terrain racing, comic rivalry, and elaborate vehicle stunts, placing its emphasis firmly on speed and spectacle.

Poster design
The Japanese title 「アドベンチャー・ラリー」 stretches across the upper section in enormous red lettering, accompanied by the English title “Crash” in blue. A helicopter and motorcycle rider occupy the upper-right corner, introducing the action before the main montage begins.

A close-up of a helmeted driver wearing goggles and a magenta face covering dominates the left side, balanced by a huge speedometer on the right. Below, airborne vehicles, motorcycles, a red pickup, and an orange Volkswagen converge around a burst of flame.

Across the foreground, a white racing buggy marked “WALKAWAY MADDEN” charges diagonally towards the viewer. The overlapping photographs and sharply angled vehicles create a convincing sense of movement, making this a particularly striking display piece for enthusiasts of motorsport imagery and 1970s action cinema.

The B2 format
Measuring approximately 51 × 73 cm, B2 is the standard Japanese theatrical poster format. It provides generous space for detailed artwork while remaining a practical size for framing.

Here, the format accommodates an unusually busy composition without losing the impact of the bold title or the foreground racing imagery.

Condition
Excellent vintage condition for its age and format. Please review the detailed photographs of both the front and reverse, as these show the exact poster for sale.

The poster presents beautifully, with strong colour, vivid red typography, and clear photographic detail. Light handling creases, minor edge wear, and small marks on the reverse are visible in the photographs.

Once framed, this poster will display exceptionally.

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

It is over 45 years old.

Certificate of Authenticity included.