“The Stranglers of Bombay” (ボンベイの虐殺団／陰母神カーリー), Original Japanese Movie Poster 1961, Hammer Films / Terence Fisher, Very Rare, B2 Format (c. 51 × 73 cm) — T120

This is a very rare original Japanese B2 theatrical poster for the 1961 first Japanese release of The Stranglers of Bombay, directed by Terence Fisher for Hammer Films. Released in Japan on 5 October 1961, the film was distributed by Herald, whose name and emblem appear along the bottom edge.

The Japanese campaign gives the film a particularly forceful presentation, combining an ominous sculptural face, scenes of violence and enormous red lettering. It is a striking example of how Japanese distributors promoted Hammer’s early productions, with a design that places the film firmly within the realm of horror and sensational adventure.

Set in nineteenth-century India, the story follows Captain Harry Lewis, played by Guy Rolfe, as he investigates disappearances linked to a murderous secret organisation. Resistance from his superiors leaves him increasingly isolated as he attempts to uncover the conspiracy. Allan Cuthbertson, Andrew Cruickshank and George Pastell also star.

The film brings Fisher’s command of suspense to a historical adventure setting. Its depiction of organised murder and ritual terror gives it a different character from Hammer’s familiar supernatural subjects. The screenplay is by David Zelag Goodman, with music by James Bernard.

The poster’s background is dominated by a monumental, green-black image of the film’s Kali idol, its stern features emerging through a smoky montage. At upper right, a bare-chested figure holds a length of cloth, introducing the method of killing referenced in the English title.

Across the lower half, overlapping scenes depict confrontation, restraint and victims in peril. Smaller images at the upper right and lower left extend the narrative, giving the design the dense, dramatic character of early Japanese horror advertising.

The enormous red title 「陰母神カーリー」 runs down the left side, accompanied by the yellow wording 「ボンベイの虐殺団」. The contrast between scarlet, bright yellow and dark green creates exceptional visual impact, while the English title “THE STRANGLERS OF BOMBAY” appears in pale blue at centre-right.

The yellow promotional line along the right edge reads:

「首を絞め肌を焼く恐怖の虐殺鬼！身の毛もよだつ怪奇戦慄篇！」
“Terrifying killers who strangle and burn! A hair-raising tale of horror and terror!”

The upper-left 「メガスコープ」—“Megascope” billing further records the film’s Japanese theatrical presentation. Although the film itself was photographed in black and white, the poster uses colour throughout its montage to heighten the atmosphere and distinguish the individual scenes.

With its imposing central imagery, bold Japanese lettering and unusually intense composition, this is a compelling example for collectors of Hammer Films, Terence Fisher, British horror and early Japanese genre posters.

Condition: Very Good+ to Excellent. Handling creases and light edge wear are visible, with age toning and scattered marks on the reverse. The front retains strong colour, clear lettering and excellent overall display impact. Once framed, this poster will display beautifully.

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

Japanese B2 format: approximately 51 × 73 cm.
Stock code: T120.

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.

About Japanese B2 posters
Japanese B2 posters typically measure approximately 51 × 73 cm and were produced for theatrical display. Their distinctive combinations of photography, illustration, typography and locally written promotional copy preserve how films were presented to Japanese audiences.