Daily Archives: May 16, 2018

Zatoichi and the Chest of Gold (Zatoichi senryo-kubi)
Directed by Kazuo Ikehiro
Written by Shozaburo Asai and Akikazu Ota; story by Kan Shimozawa
1964/Japan
Daiei Motion Picture Company
First viewing/Film Struck

[box] Zatoichi: The fool! Sees the glint of money and throws all caution to the wind. That’s the problem with men who can see.[/box]

My husband’s eyes always light up when I saw I have a “blind swordsman” movie on tap!

Ichi visits the grave of a man who he didn’t mean to kill on the anniversary of his death. The local villagesr are celebrating because they have finally collected the 1,000 ryo they owe the tax man.  But when the chest of golden coins is en route to the magistrate, it is stolen by armed men.  Ichi is found sitting on the empty packing crate and is blamed for the theft along with a local gang boss to whom Ichi is loyal.  The blind masseur must clear his name and that of his friend.  Plenty of swordfights ensue.

This was pretty darned entertaining.  I wouldn’t rate it has high as some of the others, though, because this particular director’s flashy, arty style kind of distracted from the humor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhsIgm38Zwo

Clip

The Curse of the Mummy’s Tomb
Directed by Michael Carreras
Written by Michael Carreras
1964/UK
Hammer Films/Swallow Productions Ltd.
First viewing/Amazon Instant
One of 1000 on They Shoot Zombies Don’t They

[box] Alexander King: I must take you into my confidence and warn you. There is a curse which says that all persons present at the opening of a Pharaoh’s coffin and who gaze at the face of the mummy therein, shall die. You have been WARNED![/box]

This could have used more mummy and less romance and Fred Clark.

It’s the old story.  Egyptians are warning British archeologists against desecrating the tomb of Ra, Prince of Egypt.  Of course, they poo-poo the curse but the deaths start before they have even removed the mummy from the tomb.  The expedition has been financed by crass American Alexander King (Fred Clark) who insists that the mummy and riches of the tomb be displayed in his circus.  The chief archeologist quits in disgust but urges his assistants John and Annette to stay on.

Upon return to England, suave and mysterious Adam starts courting Annette creating the love triangle that will dominate the film.  In the meantime, at the big reveal the mummy’s coffin is found to be empty!  I don’t think I have to tell you what happens next.

This is not terrible but nothing great either.  Quite missable.