“They Call Me Mister Tibbs!” (続・夜の大捜査線), Original Japanese Movie Poster 1970, Sidney Poitier / Martin Landau, B2 Size (c. 51 × 73 cm) — T73

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster for the 1970 first Japanese release of They Call Me Mister Tibbs!, released in Japan as 続・夜の大捜査線. Opening in Japanese cinemas on 24 October 1970, the film reunited audiences with Sidney Poitier’s celebrated detective, Virgil Tibbs.

Directed by Gordon Douglas, this sequel to In the Heat of the Night places Tibbs in San Francisco, investigating a murder that implicates his friend, a politically active preacher played by Martin Landau. Barbara McNair and Anthony Zerbe also star, with music by Quincy Jones. The investigation brings professional duty into conflict with personal loyalty, giving the crime drama its central tension.

The composition is dominated by Poitier in a pale trench coat, caught in a tense physical confrontation. Dark architecture, illuminated skyscrapers and glaring headlights surround him, while concentric pale rings introduce a sense of pursuit and surveillance. Below, the orange towers of the Golden Gate Bridge rise above approaching cars, establishing the film’s San Francisco setting.

An enormous column of red Japanese title lettering runs through the centre-left, with the character 「続」, meaning “sequel,” picked out in dark blue-green above it. A portrait of Martin Landau, a running figure and a smaller action photograph complete the lower montage. The English title and United Artists branding appear toward the bottom right.

The blue and green promotional text reads:

「もっと凄い事件がおきた！ 夜・ヘッドライト・黒い刑事が走る！ 強烈なクールジャズにのってあのサスペンスが甦える！」
“An even more shocking case! Night, headlights—a Black detective races into action! That suspense returns to the driving sounds of cool jazz!”

The combination of forceful typography, city imagery and Poitier’s commanding presence makes this a distinctive example of Japanese publicity for American crime cinema. It is particularly appealing for collectors of Sidney Poitier, the Virgil Tibbs films, Quincy Jones and Japanese film poster design of the 1970s.

Condition: Excellent.

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: T73.

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 offer a fascinating record of how films were presented to Japanese audiences.