“Zeppelin” (ツェッペリン), Original Japanese Movie Poster 1971, Michael York / Elke Sommer, STB Tatekan Two-Sheet Format (c. 51 × 145 cm) — T86

This is an original Japanese STB tatekan theatrical poster for the 1971 first Japanese release of Zeppelin. Complete with both sheets, this towering design uses the elongated format to connect an immense airship with aerial combat and an explosive ground assault.

Directed by Étienne Périer, the First World War adventure stars Michael York and Elke Sommer, supported by Peter Carsten, Marius Goring, Anton Diffring and Alexandra Stewart. Set in 1915, the story follows a British officer of German ancestry sent to investigate a new German airship. Once aboard, he becomes entangled in a mission to seize historic documents and treasures from a Scottish castle. Espionage, divided loyalties and aerial warfare combine in a large-scale adventure, with music by Roy Budd.

Printed on two sheets arranged vertically, the artwork gives the airship extraordinary prominence. The enormous hull, marked LZ 36, rises diagonally across the upper section, its cool metallic surfaces illuminated by orange reflections. British biplanes bearing roundel markings sweep around it, while dark smoke and flashes of fire establish the battle surrounding this airborne giant.

The lower sheet continues the action through billowing smoke and another banking aircraft. Beneath it, armed troops rush toward a stone stronghold amid flames, debris and explosions. The contrast between the immense airship above and the small figures below gives the composition a particularly dramatic sense of scale.

Oversized red Japanese title lettering, 「ツェッペリン」, descends along the right side and carries the design across the central join. Deep grey and pale shaded sides give the characters a sculptural, three-dimensional appearance. Green cast credits occupy the space beside the title, while Technicolor, Panavision and Warner Bros. branding reinforce the film’s presentation as a major theatrical spectacle.

The prominent promotional text reads:

「古今未曾有の大空中戦！ドイツの栄光を賭け世界制覇を目ざす大空の要塞ツェッペリン！」
“An aerial battle without precedent! Germany stakes its glory on Zeppelin—the fortress of the skies—in a bid for world domination!”

The combination of aviation illustration, fiery battlefield imagery and monumental lettering makes this an especially striking example for collectors of war cinema, airship imagery, Michael York and Japanese STB poster design.

Condition: Very Good+ to Excellent.

Horizontal fold lines, handling creases, small pinholes and minor edge wear are visible. The reverse sides show light age toning, scattered marks and handwritten annotations. The artwork retains strong colour and impressive display impact.

Please review all photographs, including the individual sheets and reverse, as they show the exact poster for sale.

STB tatekan format: approximately 51 × 145 cm when assembled.
Stock code: T86.

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.

About STB (Tatekan) posters
Japanese STB / tatekan posters were tall standing-board advertisements, printed in two pieces to be arranged one above the other for cinema display. Typically measuring around 51 × 145 cm, their elongated proportions offered considerable scope for distinctive compositions. Designed for temporary theatrical use, complete surviving examples preserve an important part of Japan’s cinema advertising history.