“Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” / 「チキ・チキ・バン・バン」, Original Japanese STB Theatrical Poster, 1969, Dick Van Dyke / Sally Ann Howes, STB Size (51 × 145 cm) K97
This is an original Japanese STB theatrical poster for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang / 「チキ・チキ・バン・バン」, the much-loved musical fantasy starring Dick Van Dyke and Sally Ann Howes, from the film’s original Japanese theatrical campaign.
Prominently advertising the film’s 70mm Super Panavision presentation, this expansive design brings together the flying car, romantic imagery and exuberant musical numbers in a wonderfully colourful vertical composition.
Film background
Directed by Ken Hughes and produced by Albert R. Broccoli, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was adapted from Ian Fleming’s children’s novel, with a screenplay by Roald Dahl and Ken Hughes.
Dick Van Dyke plays eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts, who restores a discarded racing car and takes his children and Truly Scrumptious on an outing that becomes the setting for a fantastical adventure. Flying machinery, an eccentric kingdom and elaborate musical sequences give the film its distinctive mixture of invention, humour and fairy-tale menace.
Songs by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, including the memorable title number and “Hushabye Mountain,” are central to its enduring appeal.
Poster design
The upper section is dominated by Chitty in flight, its polished body, red wheels and striped orange-and-yellow wings set against a rich blue sky. A small airship floats above, while a turreted castle rises from a wooded hillside beneath the clouds.
At the upper left, bold yellow “70mm” lettering and Japanese Super Panavision billing emphasise the film’s spectacular theatrical presentation.
The Japanese title 「チキ・チキ・バン・バン」 sweeps down the composition in enormous magenta lettering, accompanied by a curving musical stave. A romantic close-up of Van Dyke and Howes introduces the film’s gentler side.
Below, concentric pastel circles provide a lively backdrop to the dancing stars and surrounding musical vignettes. Van Dyke’s patchwork costume and Howes’s flowing white dress create a particularly attractive contrast. The curved English title and United Artists branding complete the design.
The STB format
Known to collectors as STB or tatekan, this tall Japanese theatrical format comprises two sheets arranged vertically, measuring approximately 51 × 145 cm overall.
Its elongated proportions give the artwork exceptional presence. Here, the composition progresses naturally from the airborne car to the central title and dancing figures below, making excellent use of the format.
Condition
Excellent vintage condition overall for its age and format. Please see the detailed imagery provided, which shows the exact poster offered.
The photographs show handling creases, scattered pinholes, together with some age-related marking, particularly on the reverse. The colours remain strong, with a rich blue sky, vivid magenta typography and lively musical imagery.
Once framed, this poster will display exceptionally.
This is an original Japanese STB theatrical poster.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
It is over 55 years old.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
