“Bandolero!” / 「バンドレロ」, Original Japanese Movie Poster 1968, STB Tatekan Size (approximately 51 × 145 cm) T112

This is an original Japanese STB tatekan theatrical poster printed for the 1968 first Japanese release of Bandolero! / 「バンドレロ」, directed by Andrew V. McLaglen and starring James Stewart, Dean Martin, and Raquel Welch.

The film opened in Japanese cinemas on 10 September 1968, distributed by 20th Century Fox.

This impressive two-sheet design combines oversized portraits of the three leads with a frontier map, enormous red Japanese lettering, and a sweeping desert battle scene.

The STB / tatekan format comprises two approximately B2-sized sheets arranged vertically to create a complete composition measuring around 51 × 145 cm. Its extended proportions give the star portraits and Western landscape considerable presence.

Film background

Set in the aftermath of the American Civil War, the story follows brothers Mace Bishop, played by James Stewart, and Dee Bishop, played by Dean Martin.

After a failed bank robbery in Texas, Dee and his gang are captured and sentenced to hang. Mace arrives disguised as the executioner and engineers their escape.

The fugitives head towards Mexico, taking Maria Stoner, played by Raquel Welch, as a hostage. Her husband was killed during the robbery, placing her in a tense and increasingly complicated relationship with the men responsible.

Pursuing them is Sheriff July Johnson, played by George Kennedy, whose determination to capture the gang is complicated by his feelings for Maria.

Beyond the border, the fugitives and pursuing lawmen encounter another threat: Mexican bandits whose territory offers little prospect of safety. Their confrontation brings questions of loyalty, redemption, and survival into the film’s action.

The screenplay was written by James Lee Barrett, based on the short story “Mace” by Stanley L. Hough.

The principal cast includes:

James Stewart
Dean Martin
Raquel Welch
George Kennedy
Andrew Prine
Will Geer

The cinematography is by William H. Clothier, with music by Jerry Goldsmith.

Poster design

The upper sheet presents a striking arrangement of the three principal stars against an ochre-coloured map.

Dean Martin, wearing a broad-brimmed hat and dusty red shirt, extends a revolver towards the left edge. Behind him, James Stewart shoulders a rifle, his concentrated expression contrasting with Martin’s confident smile.

In the foreground, Raquel Welch wears a pale blouse and holds a long-barrelled revolver diagonally across the composition. Her prominent placement gives the design a strong third focal point.

The map incorporates place names and rivers associated with Texas, including Austin, Bastrop, Gonzales, the Colorado River, and the Brazos River. A large compass rose at the lower left strengthens the design’s geographical theme.

The blue vertical promotional text begins:

「リオ・グランデ河のかなた！」

Translated:

“Beyond the Rio Grande!”

The lower sheet continues the composition with a smaller scene of Welch being held by a sombrero-wearing man, followed by the enormous Japanese title:

「バンドレロ」

Its bright red, angular lettering stretches across two levels against a pale blue sky. The scale of the typography is particularly effective in this tall format, providing an immediate visual anchor beneath the portraits.

The original English title, “BANDOLERO!”, appears below in orange lettering.

The cast billing is introduced by:

「話題の３大スター顔合せ！」

Translated:

“Three major stars together!”

Along the bottom, mounted riders advance through a sunlit desert landscape beneath rocky cliffs, with fallen figures in the foreground. This broad action scene balances the close-up portraits above and conveys the violence of the frontier setting.

The technical billing reads:

「デラックスカラー・パナビジョン」

Translated:

“DeLuxe Color · Panavision”

The 20th Century Fox logo and Japanese distribution branding complete the bottom-right corner.

Condition

Excellent condition.

Both sheets are included, forming the complete STB tatekan composition. This is an attractive example with excellent overall display impact.

Reference: T112

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

This is an original Japanese theatrical poster from the film’s 1968 first Japanese release campaign.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

It is now over 58 years old.

Certificate of Authenticity included.