1960s

In Sean Connery's fourth outing as suave secret agent James Bond, Thunderball saw the British spy dispatched to the Bahamas to recover two nuclear warheads stolen by Spectre, culminating in an underwater battle with villain Emilio Largo's henchmen. Look Here! For The Biggest Bond of All! announced the US and UK promotional posters, signalling an even more extravagant and spectacular film experience than its predecessors following the phenomenal success of Goldfinger. With an inflated budget of $5.5 million, the complex production was the first to be shot in Panavision widescreen and included numerous underwater scenes spanning a quarter of the film. A box office smash, Thunderball remained the highest-grossing Bond film until surpassed by Live and Let Die in 1973 and, adjusted for inflation, remains the second-most financially successful Bond film after Skyfall. Featuring Frank McCarthy's outstanding illustration of Bond blasting off, this scarce B2 poster for the original Japanese release shows 007 in action on land, in the sea and in the air, teasing the film's groundbreaking underwater sequences and jetpack gadget, as featured in the opening scenes.

Condition

Excellent (A-)

Unfolded, conservation backed on linen. Backing has smoothed and diminished the most minor edge wear. A few faint spots of discolouration to upper left corner. Image and colours otherwise excellent.