Yoshitake Hisa — Playwright (43)
cover
Kurama Tengu (1938) [Movie] TMDB IMDb
鞍馬天狗　角兵衛獅子の巻
director: Sadatsugu Matsuda / Masahiro Makino actor: Kanjūrō Arashi / Kunitaro Bando …
other title: 鞍馬天狗　角兵衛獅子の巻
This is Kanjûrô Arashi's first film with Nikkatsu after his independent production company went bankrupt (many of these independent companies went bankrupt shortly after the transition to sound). As he is mostly famous for his portrait of Kurama tengu (and on the other hand, he's the definitive actor for Kurama Tengu as well), Nikkatsu made another version of Kurama tengu, co-directed by Masahiro Makino & Sadatsugu Matsuda who are both sons of Shozo Makino. Scripted by Yoshitake Hisa, a jidaigeki specialist who later scripted several Toei All-Star Jidaigeki.
cover
Vanquished Foes (1964) [Movie] TMDB IMDb
人斬り笠
director: Sadatsugu Matsuda actor: Ryutaro Otomo / Hashizo Ōkawa …
other title: 人斬り笠
A skilled assassin's services are called upon to put an end to the ugly turf battle between two yakuza families, Mitsuwa and Aikawa. Forced by the code of the yakuza to put one's life on the line for a Boss who offered a meal and lodging, each side manages to get hold of powerful swordsmen who will stop at nothing to pay their obligations.
cover
Seven from Edo (1958) [Movie] TMDB IMDb
大江戸七人衆
director: Sadatsugu Matsuda actor: Utaemon Ichikawa / Koinosuke Onoe …
other title: 大江戸七人衆
When Katsukawa, a low ranking vassal, learns that his greedy superior, Tatewaki, has hatched a plan to expand his territory, he and his comrades decide to take matters into their own hands. Lots of action in this all-star production from Toei Films, the foremost studio during that era. As with so many of their films, this is highly entertaining, with lots of plot twists and exciting swordplay
cover
Ninja's Weapon (1956) [Movie] TMDB IMDb
妖蛇の魔殿
director: Sadatsugu Matsuda actor: Chiezo Kataoka / Yumiko Hasegawa …
other title: 妖蛇の魔殿
During a time of war, Lord Ogata is betrayed by two of his closest vassals and killed by his enemy, Sarashina Danjo. Ten years later, Lord Ogata's only living heir, now a skilled ninja, uses sorcery to avenge the murders of his parents.
cover
Road of Chivalry (1960) [Movie] TMDB IMDb
任侠中仙道
director: Sadatsugu Matsuda actor: Chiezo Kataoka / Kinnosuke Nakamura …
other title: 任侠中仙道
While on the road, famed Yakuza Boss Jirocho is falsely accused of starting a peasant's uprising and chased by the law. Meanwhile, one of his henchmen in an attempt to raise money for the Boss gambles away not only all their funds, but their clothing as well. Jirocho, famed for his honesty and integrity must take on the challenge of rival gangs while trying to elude the government's officials at the same time. Things really heat up when the most famous of all Yakuza Bosses, Chuji of Kunisada gets involved. Will he team up with his old friend or is gang warfare about to erupt?
cover
Shimizu Port of Chivalry (1957) [Movie] TMDB IMDb WikiData
任侠清水港
director: Sadatsugu Matsuda actor: Utaemon Ichikawa / Chiezo Kataoka …
other title: 任侠清水港 / Ninkyō Shimizu-minato
An all-star cast highlights this Jidai-Geki classic. Set in the samurai era, this is the tale of period Yakuza. One of the real classics in this genre. In this dramatic portrayal of the real-life gambling boss Jirocho, a good-hearted and honest boss sets out to take revenge for a fellow boss. At the same time, the other local bosses, in a bid to increase their own power, plot to dispose of Jirocho. Starring Kataoka Chiezo in one of his signature roles, this is an excellent portrayal of a figure who is not well known outside of Japan. Co-starring Nakamura Kinnosuke, this exciting tale of period yakuza brings history to life.
cover
Bored Hatamoto: Idle Vassal Tribute (1958) [Movie] WikiData IMDb TMDB
旗本退屈男
director: Sadatsugu Matsuda actor: Utaemon Ichikawa / Hashizo Ōkawa …
other title: 旗本退屈男 / The Bored Hatamoto Samurai
Master swordsman and loyal 'Hatamoto' (direct vassal to the Shogun), Saotome Mondonosuke, is sent to investigate an intrigue centering on the Date Clan. The 300th film in the long and illustrious career of Ichikawa Utaemon, one of the most popular Japanese film stars of the period; it brought out an all-star cast as well.