“Class of 1984” / 「処刑教室」, Original Japanese Movie Poster 1983, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) E272

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster printed for the 1983 Japanese release of Class of 1984 / 「処刑教室」, Mark L. Lester’s controversial 1982 high-school exploitation thriller starring Perry King and Timothy Van Patten.

Released in Japan under the title Shokei Kyōshitsu / 「処刑教室」, meaning “Execution Classroom,” the film presents an increasingly violent confrontation between an idealistic teacher and the punk gang controlling his inner-city school.

Film background

New music teacher Andy Norris arrives at a troubled high school where metal detectors, security guards, drug dealing, and student violence have become routine.

He soon encounters Peter Stegman, an intelligent but sociopathic student who leads a leather-clad gang involved in narcotics, prostitution, intimidation, and organised attacks against teachers and classmates.

Norris initially attempts to challenge Stegman through conventional authority. As the harassment escalates, however, the gang targets his students, colleagues, and pregnant wife, pushing him towards a violent personal reckoning.

The film was directed by Mark L. Lester, who later made Firestarter and Commando. The screenplay was written by Lester, John Saxton, and Tom Holland.

The principal cast includes:

Perry King
Timothy Van Patten
Merrie Lynn Ross
Roddy McDowall
Stefan Arngrim
Michael J. Fox

A young Michael J. Fox appears in one of his earliest feature-film roles, credited as Michael Fox.

The theme song, “I Am the Future,” was performed by Alice Cooper.

Initially controversial for its graphic violence and bleak portrayal of juvenile delinquency, Class of 1984 became a significant cult title within 1980s punk, vigilante, and exploitation cinema.

Poster design

This striking Japanese poster divides the composition into two sharply contrasting sections.

Across the top, three photographic panels depict the school’s violent punk subculture. The scenes show students confronting one another beside lockers, gang members intimidating their victims, and leather-clad delinquents gathered in a decaying urban environment.

The irregular yellow borders give these images the appearance of photographs torn from a sensational crime report.

The lower half is dominated by Perry King as Andy Norris, shown with his fist raised and teeth clenched as he confronts Peter Stegman. His furious expression marks the transformation from restrained teacher to avenging vigilante.

The large red title:

「処刑教室」

appears across the centre in angular characters enclosed within thin white grid lines. The severe typography resembles both classroom chalk markings and prison bars.

The principal white tagline reads:

「たとえ俺の生徒でも、もう我慢できない！」

Translated:

“Even if they are my students, I cannot take it any longer!”

The smaller line below announces:

「ここから凄絶な16分42秒の血の処刑が始まる！」

Translated:

“From this point begins a brutal 16-minute and 42-second execution in blood!”

This unusually precise reference promotes the film’s extended final confrontation as its principal theatrical attraction.

The original English title:

“CLASS OF 1984”

appears discreetly in purple along the lower edge, beneath King’s portrait.

The Japanese credits identify Perry King, Merrie Lynn Ross, Roddy McDowall, director Mark L. Lester, and theme-song performer Alice Cooper, together with the distribution mark of Nippon Herald Films.

The result is a forceful example of early-1980s Japanese exploitation-poster design, combining punk imagery, aggressive typography, and sensational promotional language.

Condition

Excellent condition. A highly attractive example retaining strong red, yellow, and black tones, clear photographic detail, sharp typography, and excellent overall display impact.

There are only light signs of age and handling consistent with an original Japanese theatrical poster from this period.

Reference: E272.

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

This is an original Japanese theatrical poster from the film’s 1983 Japanese release campaign.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

It is now over 40 years old.

Certificate of Authenticity included.