"The Fortune Cookie (恋人よ帰れ! わが胸に)", Original Japanese Movie Poster 1966, First Release, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) N189
This is an original Japanese B2 poster printed in 1966 for the first theatrical release of The Fortune Cookie (恋人よ帰れ! わが胸に), directed, produced, and co-written by Billy Wilder. Japanese posters for Wilder’s films are highly collectible, especially those featuring his collaborations with Jack Lemmon, which rank among the finest American comedies of the mid-20th century.
Film background
Released in 1966, The Fortune Cookie was the first on-screen pairing of Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, a duo that would become legendary in Hollywood comedy. The story follows a TV cameraman (Lemmon) who is injured during a football game, only for his brother-in-law lawyer (Matthau) to convince him to exaggerate his injuries for a fraudulent insurance claim. Matthau’s sharp, scheming performance earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, establishing the beloved Lemmon–Matthau partnership that would continue through classics such as The Odd Couple (1968). The film blends satire, romance, and Wilder’s trademark wit, making it a standout in 1960s American cinema.
Poster design
The Japanese first release B2 poster features a lively and collage-style design typical of 1960s releases. At the center, Jack Lemmon is shown with a pensive, almost comical expression, while Judi West leans in suggestively, hinting at the film’s romantic and mischievous undertones. Around them, images of football action emphasize the sports-injury setup that drives the plot. The bold Japanese title 「恋人よ帰れ! わが胸に」 stands out in vivid red and blue, paired with the English title The Fortune Cookie below. The combination of romantic intrigue and satirical comedy is captured perfectly in this bright and eye-catching design.
This poster is in very good condition (please refer to imagery, both front and back, of the exact poster for sale).
It is over 55 years old.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
