Help wanted - cut 'n' paste movies of the 1980's

[Libretio]

Apologies in advance for the length of this posting, but the reasons will become clear:

For many years, I've been compiling a list of widescreen (2.35:1 aspect ratio) films from all over the world. The fruits of those herculean labors were recently published at the following URL:

http://www.widescreenmuseum.com/widescreen/garyswidescreenlist-r1.htm

Naturally, the filmog includes a huge number of Asian films, particularly from the 1960's through to the early 1980's, when the vast majority of films from SE Asia appear to have been shot in one particular 'scope' format or another. I hope anyone from these boards who ventures into the listings will find them useful. They cover international output from the very first feature film to include 'widescreen' material (IL SACCO DI ROMA in 1922) to the present day.

However, whilst working on the first update (due to go online in January), I stumbled across a series of items which must be the bane of anyone seeking to compile the definitive history of Chinese cinema - the cut 'n' paste movies of the 1980's, the ones popularized by IFD Films and the (ahem!) 'legendary' Godfrey Ho! Usually involving Ninjas!!

My problem is that many of these films were shot in scope and deserve a place on the list, but trying to determine what footage was used from film to film is - as you can imagine - pretty elusive! I don't want to add to the confusion which already surrounds this particular subject by providing incorrect information.

As such, could anyone out there help to identify the original films whose footage was pilfered for inclusion in these cut 'n' paste efforts?

Here's a list of the titles whose origins are currently unknown. These films were created by mixing a small amount of new material with footage from other films - usually obscure Thai, Indonesian or Filipino productions - and 'completing the illusion' with a brand new English soundtrack. Could anyone possibly identify the films which were 'borrowed' for the following movies? Wherever possible, I've made a note of which country the material was culled:



AMERICAN COMMANDO - ANGEL'S BLOOD MISSION (1987): Also known as ADVENT COMMANDO - ANGEL'S BLOOD MISSION and ANGEL'S BLOOD MISSION, this revolves around footage from an unidentified Taiwanese film.

BATTLE FOR THE TREASURE (1988): This one employs footage from an unidentified Thai film.

BORN A NINJA (1986).

CHALLENGE THE NINJA (1986): Also known as ULTIMATE NINJA CHALLENGE, this one revolves around footage from an unidentified Indonesian film.

COBRA VS. NINJA (1987): New material added to an obscure Filipino feature.

DIAMOND NINJA FORCE (1986): Also known as GHOST NINJA. One source suggests this revolves around footage borrowed from a 1985 Hong Kong film entitled 'Ghost Hunting', but there doesn't appear to be any such film.

DRAGON AGAINST VAMPIRE (1985): Footage borrowed from an unidentified HK film.

EMPIRE OF SPIRITUAL NINJA (1987): Also known as AMERICAN FORCE NINJA and NINJA POWER, this one borrows footage from an unidentified Filipino film.

FEARLESS HYENA 3 (1983): Also known as FEARLESS MASTER and LITTLE MASTER, comprising footage from an unidentified Thai film.

GOLDEN DESTROYERS (1985): This one combines footage from RIVALS OF THE SILVER FOX - the dubbed HK version of Korean film THE FIVE BARRIERS (Odaegwanmun, 1978) - and an unidentified Thai film with superstar Sorapong Chatree. Anyone know the name of the Thai film?

GOLDEN NINJA INVASION (1988): More borrowings from an unidentified Thai film.

GOLDEN NINJA WARRIOR (1986).

GUNS TO HEAVEN (1988): Also known as ADVENT COMMANDO 7: GUNS TO HEAVEN.

HERO'S BLOOD (1970): This is the dubbed, retitled HK version of an unidentified Korean film.

HUNTING EXPRESS (1988): Also known as ADVENT COMMANDO: HUNTING EXPRESS and AMERICAN COMMANDO 2: HUNTING EXPRESS, I'm told this one borrows footage from an unidentified Japanese film.

JUSTICE OF THE DRAGON (1982).

A LIFE OF NINJA (1982): Also known as DEADLY LIFE OF A NINJA, INVISIBLE ENDURER, NINJA GRAND MASTERS OF DEATH and SECRET LIFE OF THE NINJA, this one is apparently comprised of footage from an unspecified number of Asian films.

LOVER'S FIST (1980): This is the dubbed, retitled HK version of an unidentified Korean film.

MAJESTIC THUNDERBOLT (1985): This is the dubbed, retitled HK version of an unidentified Korean film.

NINJA: AMERICAN WARRIOR (1987).

NINJA COMMANDMENTS (1987).

NINJA DEATH SQUAD (1987): Also known as NINJA WARRIORS FROM BEYOND.

NINJA, DEMON'S MASSACRE (1988): Also known as NINJA USA, this one borrows footage from an unidentified Thai film.

NINJA DESTROYER (1986): This one also borrows footage from an unidentified Thai film.

NINJA DRAGON (1986): This is the dubbed, retitled HK version of an unidentified Korean film.

THE NINJA EMPIRE (1988): Also known as NINJA KNIGHT: THUNDER FOX.

NINJA: EXTREME WEAPONS (1986): Also known as AMERICAN WARRIORS EXTREME WEAPONS, NINJA DESTRUCTOR and NINJA EXTERMINATOR.

NINJA FANTASY (1986): Also known as TWINKLE NINJA FANTASY, this one borrows footage from an unidentified Thai film.

NINJA HUNT (1987): Also known as NINJA - CHAMPION ON FIRE and NINJA OPERATION - CHAMPION ON FIRE.

NINJA IN ACTION (1987).

NINJA IN THE KILLING FIELDS (1986): Also known as NINJA CONNECTION and KILLER NINJAS, this one borrows footage from an unidentified Thai film.

NINJA KILL (1987): More borrowings from an unidentified Thai film.

NINJA OF THE MAGNIFICENCE (1988): This one borrows footage from an unidentified Korean film.

NINJA OPERATION: LICENSED TO TERMINATE (1987).

NINJA PHANTOM HEROES (1987): Also known as NINJA, PHANTOM HEROES U.S.A.

NINJA POWERFORCE (1987): Also known as NINJA OPERATION 4: THUNDERBOLT ANGELS and THUNDERBOLT ANGELS.

NINJA PROJECT DAREDEVILS (1987): Also known as GRANDMASTERS OF DEATH and NINJA MASTERS OF DEATH.

NINJA: SILENT ASSASSIN (1987): Also known as BLACK NINJA and NINJA OPERATION: KNIGHT AND WARRIOR.

NINJA STRIKE FORCE (1987): Also known as NINJA OPERATION 2: WAY OF CHALLENGE.

NINJA, THE BATTALION (1990): Also known as SUPER NINJA 2.

NINJA: THE PROTECTOR (1986): Also known as MOTOR DEVILS and NINJA: THE STORY.

NINJA: WARRIORS OF FIRE (1987).

OFFICIAL EXTERMINATOR 4 - GODDESS MISSION (1988).

THE POWER OF NINJITSU (1987): Also known as NINJA OPERATION 5: GODFATHER THE MASTER.

RAGE OF A NINJA (1988): This one borrows footage from an unidentified Taiwanese film.

RETURN OF RED TIGER (1980): This is the dubbed, retitled HK version of an unidentified Korean film.

THE ULTIMATE NINJA (1988): This one borrows footage from an unidentified Thai film.

UNTOUCHABLE GLORY (1988): Also known as AMERICAN FORCE 2 - THE UNTOUCHABLE GLORY and NINJA UNTOUCHABLES, this one borrows footage from an unidentified Filipino film.

U.S. CATMAN - LETHAL TRACK (1990): This one borrows footage from an unidentified Thai film.

VAMPIRE RAIDERS: NINJA QUEEN (1988): Also known as THE VAMPIRE RAIDERS, this one borrows footage from an unidentified HK film.



I'm sure there are many more such films. Perhaps anyone with the relevant information can post the details here, regardless of whether the films were 'scope' or not, if only to set this particular subject to rest once and for all?

Anyone whose contribution is used will be acknowledged at the scope filmography when the update goes online in January. Many thanks in advance!

[Libretio]

Just to even up the score, here's those which I *have* managed to identify (so far!):



ADVENT COMMANDO 4: KILL BUTTERFLY KILL (1988): Uses footage from the Taiwanese film UNDERGROUND WIFE (Hei Shi Fu Ren, 1982).

AMERICAN COMMANDO 3: SAVAGE TEMPTATION (1988): Uses footage from the Taiwanese film GIRL WITH A GUN (Shen Yong Nu Sha Xing, 1982).

BIONIC NINJA (1986): Uses footage from the HK film DARING KUNG FU REFUGEE (Sha Tan Chu Geng, 1984).

CLASH OF THE NINJAS (1986): Uses footage from the HK film RAN FOR LIFE (Tou Kui Tian Tang, 1982).

COUNTER DESTROYER (1989): Also known as ROBO VAMPIRE 2: COUNTER DESTROYER and THE VAMPIRE IS STILL ALIVE. Uses footage from the Thai film NAK KHA KHON TAA NGON (1982).

DEATH CODE NINJA (1987): Uses footage from the Taiwanese film QUEEN BEE'S REVENGE (Nu Wan Feng Fu Chou, 1981).

DEVIL DYNAMITE (1987): Also known as ROBO VAMPIRE 3: DEVIL'S DYNAMITE. Uses footage from the HK film THE GIANT OF CASINO (Du Wang Qian Shang Qian, 1981).

FULL METAL NINJA (1988): Uses footage from the Korean film WARRIOR (Mu-in, 1984).

INFERNO THUNDERBOLT (1985): Uses footage from the HK film THE ANGER (Shi Jie, 1982).

THE JAGUAR PROJECT (1988): Also known as JUNGLE KILLERS. Uses footage from the Thai film EMPLOY FOR DIE (Rap Jang Tai, 1987).

NINJA CHAMPION (1986): Uses footage from the Korean film POISONOUS ROSE STRIPPING THE NIGHT (Bam-eul Beosgineun Dogjangmi, 1985).

NINJA 8: WARRIORS OF FIRE (1987): Uses footage from the Taiwanese film QUEEN BEE (Nu Wan Feng, 1981).

NINJA, FORCE OF ASSASSINS (1987): Uses footage from the Thai film DIAMOND SLUM (Pet Salam, 1987).

NINJA SHOWDOWN (1987): Uses footage from the Taiwanese film TIAN ZHUANG A GE (1983).

NINJA TERMINATOR (1985): Also known as NINJA HEAT and SILVER FOX AND NINJA TERMINATOR. Uses footage from the Korean film THE UNINVITED GUEST OF THE STAR FERRY (Seutaperi-ui Bulcheonggaek, 1984).

NINJA THUNDERBOLT (1984): Uses footage from the Taiwanese film TO CATCH A THIEF (Zhi Zun Shen Tou, 1984).

NINJA VS. BRUCE LEE (1982): Comprised entirely of footage from RETURN OF BRUCE (Zhong Lie Jing Wu Men, 1977), MY NAME CALLED BRUCE (Pi Li Long Quan, 1978) and ENTER THE GAME OF DEATH, the HK version of Korean film CROSS HANDS MARTIAL ARTS (Sibjasugwon, 1977).

NINJA VS. NINJA (1987): Uses footage from the HK film THE BOMB-SHELL (Bing Bing Zei Zei, 1981).

OFFICIAL EXTERMINATOR - KILL FOR LOVE (1988): Also known as NINJA KILLER and NINJA KNIGHT 2: BLOOD BROTHERS. Uses footage from the Taiwanese film KILL FOR LOVE (Chi Qing Nu Zi, 1982).

ROCKY'S LOVE AFFAIRS (1985): Also known as 108 GOLDEN KILLERS, 108 KILLERS, CITY NINJA, NINJA HOLOCAUST and NINJA STRIKE. Uses footage from the Korean film HWA-YA (Hwaya, 1983).

SCORPION THUNDERBOLT (1986): Uses footage from the Korean film GRUDGE OF THE SLEEPWALKING WOMAN (Mongnyeohan, 1983).

SHADOW KILLERS: TIGER FORCE (1986): Also known as NINJA SHADOW KILLERS: TIGER FORCE and THE SHADOW KILLER. Uses footage from the Korean film WOMAN PRISONER 407 II (Yeosu 407 Ho [Sog], 1977).

SHAOLIN QUICK DRAW (1987): Also known as CHAMPION ON FIRE, NINJA AVENGERS and NINJA OPERATION 6: CHAMPION ON FIRE. Uses footage from the Taiwanese film FURY IN STORM (Da Di Long Zhong, 1974).

SILVER DRAGON NINJA (1987): Uses footage from the HK/Filipino co-production TRAP (Da E, 1982).

THE THUNDERING NINJA (1987): Uses footage from the Taiwanese film THE CRIMINAL (Pan Jue, 1977).

TOUGH NINJA: THE SHADOW WARRIOR (1986): Uses footage from the HK film UNREAL DREAM (Shou Xing Di Yu Nu, 1982).

ZOMBIE VS. NINJA (1987): Also known as (deep breath!) THE GRAVEDIGGER, ZODIAC AMERICA - THE SUPER MASTER, ZODIAC POWER: THE SUPERMASTER, ZOMBIE REVIVAL: THE NINJA MASTER, ZOMBIE RIVALS and ZOMBIE RIVAL: THE SUPER NINJA MASTER. Uses footage from the Korean film THE UNDERTAKER IN SOHWA PROVINCE (Sohwaseong Jang-ui-sa, 1983).

[Brian Thibodeau]

So that's what you've been up to all these years away.

Not much I can help out with here, as my experience with this particular Ho is comparatively limited at this point, but this one:

DEVIL DYNAMITE (1987): Also known as ROBO VAMPIRE 3: DEVIL'S DYNAMITE. Uses footage from the HK film THE GIANT OF CASINO (Du Wang Qian Shang Qian, 1981).

came up in the forums before:
viewtopic.php?f=16&t=47255

. . . and serves to remind me that our Godfrey Ho filmography can't possibly be complete, as neither ROBO nor DEVIL'S can be searched here.

Not sure why I didn't notice earlier, but after I went through all the trouble to upload pictures from DEVIL'S DYNAMITE and ROBO-VAMPIRE to the forums in 2007 (before I knew how to add them directly to the DB entries), we STILL have no listings for either one of them, and none of the pictures were moved over at the time (even the one's that would have fit with GIANT OF CASINO). And now most of the images have been deleted from Photobucket. To make matters worse, GIANT OF CASINO now has "new edit title: Devil Dynamite" attached to it, even though they're different releases, despite the shared footage!

How do we fix this? I don't know how to create new entries, or if I even have the privileges.

[Libretio]

So that's what you've been up to all these years away.

(Sniff!) I didn't think anyone would notice I'd been away!!

Not sure why I didn't notice earlier, but after I went through all the trouble to upload pictures from DEVIL'S DYNAMITE and ROBO-VAMPIRE to the forums in 2007 (before I knew how to add them directly to the DB entries), we STILL have no listings for either one of them, and none of the pictures were moved over at the time (even the one's that would have fit with GIANT OF CASINO). And now most of the images have been deleted from Photobucket. To make matters worse, GIANT OF CASINO now has "new edit title: Devil Dynamite" attached to it, even though they're different releases, despite the shared footage!

I can't complain about such anomalies, since HKMDb has proved absolutely vital in locating info about individual Chinese films, and the site is appropriately listed in the Acknowledgements at the aforementioned scope filmography.

But there are plenty of strange anomalies at HKMDb: Since researching these cut 'n' paste movies, I discovered that a number of films listed in the database as 'Hong Kong' productions were actually co-produced with Korean companies, and that the versions released in both countries differ to the point where each film is credited with a different director, depending on whether you see a HK or Korean print. I'm sure there are dozens more examples than the ones I've already uncovered!

In this regard, the Korean Movie Database has also proved absolutely vital, though the fact the English version credits Chinese directors with 'Korean-ized' names has proved hugely problematic.

Such is the stuff of research!...

[Bruce]

DRAGON AGAINST VAMPIRE (1985): Footage borrowed from an unidentified HK film.

Based on the cast I think this is a Korean film.

HUNTING EXPRESS (1988): Also known as ADVENT COMMANDO: HUNTING EXPRESS and AMERICAN COMMANDO 2: HUNTING EXPRESS, I'm told this one borrows footage from an unidentified Japanese film.

I think the footage is from the 1987 film "Night Hunt in Saporo" (Sachpporo-ui bamsayang).

RETURN OF RED TIGER (1980): This is the dubbed, retitled HK version of an unidentified Korean film.

I think the source Korean film is the 1977 film "The Return of Bul-bom". But half of the film appears to have been from an earlier Korean film "Jaws of the Dragon".

[Brian Thibodeau]

Geez, look who else the cat dragged in! Nice to see another familiar name drop by for a visit!

[Libretio]

Many thanks for your response, Bruce - just the kind of info I was looking for!

Based on the cast I think this [DRAGON AGAINST VAMPIRE] is a Korean film.

That was a mistake on my part. I already have it listed as a Korean film, but for some reason, I listed it here as a HK production.

I think the footage is from the 1987 film "Night Hunt in Saporo" (Sachpporo-ui bamsayang).

The KMDb lists the aspect ratio for this one as 1.85:1, so I took another look at some online footage and the film does appear to have been shot in a narrower gauge (it was produced at a time when scope photography was long past being a draw at the Korean box-office, and was slowly being replaced by narrower formats). So I've dropped this entry, though it's nice to have its origins nailed at last.

I think the source Korean film [for RETURN OF RED TIGER] is the 1977 film "The Return of Bul-bom". But half of the film appears to have been from an earlier Korean film "Jaws of the Dragon".

I have JAWS OF THE DRAGON listed as the HK version of Korean film NOTORIETY (1974), though I'm happy to be proved incorrect on that one. Can I just clarify a small point? Does the material from JAWS OF THE DRAGON appear in RETURN OF RED TIGER, or does it also appear in the original Korean film? I only ask because the KMDb lists NOTORIETY and THE RETURN OF BUL-BOM as having different directors.

See what I mean? You can get tied in impossible knots trying to work out which footage goes where! But dammit, I'm determined to do it, even if it kills me!!

Nurse, the screens!

[Bruce]

...Can I just clarify a small point? Does the material from JAWS OF THE DRAGON appear in RETURN OF RED TIGER, or does it also appear in the original Korean film? I only ask because the KMDb lists NOTORIETY and THE RETURN OF BUL-BOM as having different directors...

I don't know if it's in the Korean version, since I've never seen the Korean version of RED TIGER; I've only seen the English dub, which contains the footage.

[Teddy Wong]

MAJESTIC THUNDERBOLT (1985): This is the dubbed, retitled HK version of an unidentified Korean film.

As long as I remember - this is compilation of some old HK movie starring Chen Kuan Tai, Philip Ko and Lily Lee with new footage with Richard Harrison and Phillip Ko