“Curse of the Pink Panther”, Original Japanese Movie Poster 1983, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) S21

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster printed for the 1983 release of Curse of the Pink Panther, issued in Japan under the playful local title “Pink Panther 5: Clouseau Dies Twice” (ピンク・パンサー5／クルーゾーは二度死ぬ).

Directed by Blake Edwards, the film is one of the later entries in the long-running Pink Panther series and follows the search for the missing Inspector Clouseau, with Ted Wass playing detective Clifton Sleigh. As with the wider franchise, the film blends slapstick comedy, crime parody, and the enduring appeal of the animated Pink Panther character.

Poster design

This Japanese design is a striking example of early-1980s theatrical marketing.

The composition is built around the instantly recognisable Pink Panther, shown full-length in a classic deadpan pose against a deep black background. The stark contrast between the black field, the panther’s vivid pink figure, and the scattered white star motifs gives the piece a crisp, pop-art quality.

At the bottom, the bold Japanese title typography dominates the sheet, while a clever handcuff motif around the numeral “5” adds a visual nod to the detective-crime premise. The red subtitle below reads “Clouseau Dies Twice,” a humorous Japanese-market riff on the title of the James Bond film You Only Live Twice.

The vertical red copy on the right announces the latest entry in the series, while the large white text on the left reads:

「正月第一弾ロードショー決定！」
“New Year’s first-wave roadshow confirmed!”

This places the poster firmly within the Japanese theatrical campaign for the lucrative New Year release period.

Condition

Excellent.

The poster presents very well, with strong colour and a rich, even black background. Black-ground posters are notoriously unforgiving, as any wear tends to show immediately, so examples in this level of preservation are especially desirable.

Please review the photographs carefully, as they show the exact poster for sale.

This poster is an original Japanese theatrical release poster, not a reproduction or reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.