“King Kong Escapes” (キングコングの逆襲), Original Japanese First-Release Movie Poster 1967, Speed Poster Size (c. 26 × 73 cm) O160A

This is an original Japanese theatrical speed poster produced for the first release of King Kong Escapes in 1967, directed by Ishirō Honda, with special effects by Eiji Tsuburaya. Issued for one of Toho’s 35th-anniversary productions, it presents King Kong, Gorosaurus and Mechani-Kong in a striking vertical composition dominated by vivid red lettering.

At the top of the poster - "King Kong height 20m, weight 10,000 tonnes"

Measuring approximately 26 × 73 cm, the speed-poster format is roughly half the width of a standard Japanese B2. Its slender proportions give this design a distinctive presence, with monster imagery and typography extending almost continuously from top to bottom.

Film background

Released in Japan on 22 July 1967, King Kong Escapes combines island adventure, scientific intrigue and spectacular monster combat. The villainous Dr. Who constructs Mechani-Kong, a robotic counterpart intended to extract the mysterious radioactive substance Element X. When the machine proves inadequate, he turns his attention to Kong himself.

The cast includes Akira Takarada, Rhodes Reason, Linda Miller and Mie Hama, with Eisei Amamoto as Dr. Who. Kong’s encounter with the dinosaur Gorosaurus and his climactic confrontation with Mechani-Kong at Tokyo Tower provide two of the film’s defining sequences.

Honda and Tsuburaya bring together the adventurous spirit of the original Kong story and the miniature craftsmanship, creature performances and elaborate mechanical designs associated with Toho’s classic monster cinema.

Poster design

Kong’s enormous face fills the upper section, looking down over Gorosaurus’s open jaws. Below, the metallic figure of Mechani-Kong extends through the centre of the poster, its mechanical body contrasting with the organic textures of the creatures above.

Oversized red brush lettering cuts across the pale background and overlaps the imagery:

「キングコングの逆襲」
“King Kong’s Counterattack”

The English title “KINGKONG ESCAPES” appears in smaller green lettering beside Gorosaurus. White promotional text announces:

「キングコング危うし！」
“King Kong in peril!”

At the top, the prominent 35th-anniversary emblem identifies the film’s commemorative status. The Toho logo, vertical production credits and 1967 copyright line complete the design.

Cultural significance

The poster brings together three memorable creatures from Shōwa-era kaijū cinema, including the debut appearances of Gorosaurus and Mechani-Kong. Its forceful typography and unusual proportions make it an especially effective example of Japanese theatrical advertising from Toho’s celebrated 1960s effects-film cycle.

Condition

Excellent. The poster retains strong colour and impressive overall graphic impact. A horizontal centre fold is visible, with associated wear, small areas of paper loss and a short edge split at the fold. Light handling wear, creasing and age-related toning are also present. Please review the detailed photographs—they show the exact poster for sale.

This is an original Japanese theatrical speed poster from 1967.
It is not a reproduction or a modern reprint.

It is approximately 59 years old.

Certificate of Authenticity included.