“Incorrigible” / 「ベルモンドの怪盗二十面相」, Original Japanese Movie Poster 1976, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) E262

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster printed for the 1976 Japanese release of Incorrigible / L’Incorrigible, Philippe de Broca’s spirited French action-comedy starring Jean-Paul Belmondo and Geneviève Bujold.

The Japanese title, Berumondo no Kaitō Nijū Mensō / 「ベルモンドの怪盗二十面相」, may be translated as “Belmondo’s Twenty-Faced Phantom Thief.” It presents Belmondo’s endlessly inventive con artist through imagery inspired by gentleman-thief fiction and Japanese stories of master criminals such as Edogawa Ranpo’s Twenty Faces.

Film background

The film follows Victor Vauthier, a charismatic confidence trickster and master of disguise who has recently been released from prison.

Victor appears incapable of living honestly. Almost immediately, he returns to a succession of fraudulent schemes, false identities, elaborate impersonations, and ambitious thefts across Paris.

His activities become increasingly complicated when he encounters Marie-Charlotte Pontalec, the attractive probation officer assigned to supervise his return to society. Rather than reforming, Victor attempts to charm her while continuing to manipulate almost everyone around him.

The plot eventually develops into an elaborate art-theft scheme involving a valuable El Greco painting, allowing Victor to employ his considerable theatrical talent, physical agility, and instinct for deception.

The film was directed by Philippe de Broca, who had previously worked with Belmondo on That Man from Rio and Up to His Ears.

The screenplay was written by Michel Audiard and Philippe de Broca, based on Alex Varoux’s novel Ah… mon pote!, with music composed by Georges Delerue.

The principal cast includes:

Jean-Paul Belmondo
Geneviève Bujold
Capucine
Julien Guiomar
Charles Gérard

Belmondo’s performance combines rapid dialogue, physical comedy, romantic charm, and his characteristic willingness to perform demanding action sequences himself.

Poster design

This highly distinctive Japanese poster presents Victor as a modern gentleman thief surrounded by evidence of his many identities.

At the centre stands a dark silhouette wearing a top hat, cape, bow tie, and monocle. The figure resembles a theatrical composite of Arsène Lupin, Fantômas, and the masked criminals of classic detective fiction.

A large vertical purple title runs through the silhouette:

「ベルモンドの怪盗二十面相」

Around it, a decorative frame contains multiple black-and-white portraits of Jean-Paul Belmondo in an extraordinary variety of disguises.

These include appearances as a sailor, an elderly man, a military officer, a society gentleman, and a blonde woman. The arrangement emphasises Victor’s theatrical ingenuity and makes Belmondo’s face itself the central attraction.

At lower right appears Geneviève Bujold, while the base of the design incorporates the Eiffel Tower, a vintage sports car, and an aircraft, placing the story firmly within an exaggerated and romanticised vision of Parisian adventure.

The arched headline at the top reads:

「諸君！私の秘密がわかるかな？」

Translated:

“Gentlemen! Can you uncover my secret?”

The vertical text at left reads:

「二十の顔と奇抜なアイデアで パリ中を荒らしまわる痛快な怪盗登場！！」

Translated:

“A delightful phantom thief appears, sweeping through Paris with twenty faces and outlandish ideas!”

The text at right describes his transformations:

「ある時は、赤ひげの船長に…
ある時は、女殺しのプレイボーイに…
またある時は、ブロンドの美女に…」

Translated:

“At times, a red-bearded captain…
at times, a lady-killing playboy…
and at times, a blonde beauty…”

The English wording “JEAN-PAUL BELMONDO” and the international title “Incorrigible” appear on the right side, while the lower credits identify Philippe de Broca, Georges Delerue, and Columbia Pictures.

The result is a witty and highly decorative Japanese design that communicates the film’s humour, disguises, romantic intrigue, and fast-moving Parisian setting at a glance.

Condition

Excellent condition. A highly attractive example with strong colour, clear photographic detail, crisp 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. Overall, it presents extremely well.

Reference: E262.

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

This is an original Japanese theatrical poster from the film’s 1976 Japanese release campaign.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

It is now approximately 50 years old.

Certificate of Authenticity included.