“Tom and Jerry” (トム アンド ジェリィ), Rare Original Japanese Theatrical Poster, c. 1950s, Speed Poster Size (c. 25.7 × 72.8 cm) G177

This is an original Japanese speed poster printed in 1950s for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s Tom and Jerry animated shorts. Combining a vivid yellow background, oversized Japanese lettering and character illustrations, this is a particularly engaging example of vintage animation advertising.

Printed in the tall, narrow speed format, approximately half the width of a standard B2 sheet, the design promotes the series without naming an individual short.

In very good overall condition - especially considering its age!

With pronounced age toning, scattered spotting, creasing and small tears. The small tears have been repaired on the verso with archival tape and are visible on the reverse photo. Despite this wear, the yellow background and multicoloured lettering retain strong visual impact.

Film background

Created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera in 1940, Tom and Jerry built its enduring appeal around the rivalry between an increasingly frustrated cat and an resourceful mouse. Elaborate visual gags, expressive animation and precisely timed musical accompaniment made their encounters memorable with very little dialogue.

The series’ seven Academy Awards established a reputation that became a prominent selling point in its advertising. Here, the Japanese promotional text places that prestige alongside the attraction of Technicolor, presenting the cartoons as colourful cinema entertainment.

Poster design

Jerry appears along the left side, balanced by a white female cat at the upper right and a black cat wearing a pink bow tie below. Ornamental grey scrollwork frames the upper and left edges, while large pink, green, turquoise and dark blue characters descend through the yellow field.

The principal Japanese headline reads:

「メトロの極彩色マンガ」
“Metro’s cartoons in vivid colour.”

Along the right edge:

「アカデミー賞獲得の漫画映画の王者」
“The Academy Award-winning king of cartoon films.”

The English wording “Cartoon — Color by Technicolor — Tom and Jerry” reinforces the emphasis on colour presentation. A sweeping red arrow directs attention towards a large, unfilled panel, apparently reserved for a short-film title, programme information or local exhibition details. Its blank state preserves an unusual view of the poster before those particulars were added.

About the format
Japanese speed posters were slim vertical theatrical advertisements designed for quick, high-visibility display in cinema approaches, narrow wall spaces, street-front frames, and other compact promotional areas. Their elongated format made them especially effective for bold character artwork and large typography.

Because they were short-term display items, speed posters were often folded, pinned, handled, or discarded after use. Surviving examples for classic animation titles are increasingly difficult to find, particularly with such strong colour and display appeal.

Condition
Very good condition. Please review the photos; they show the exact poster for sale.

This poster is an original Japanese theatrical speed poster from 1950s.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

It is over 65 years old!

Certificate of Authenticity included.