Keepers of Order (1962) - full transcript
Seizoroi kanhasshu (1962)
TOEI COMPANY, LTD.
KEEPERS OF ORDER
Produced by: Junichiro TAMAKI
Screenplay by: Shinji KESSOKU
Photography by: Hiroshi MATSUI
Lighting by: Yoshiaki MASUDA
Sound recording by: Shigeji NAKAYAMA
Art Direction by: Takatoshi SUZUKI
Music by: Eiichi YAMADA
Editor: Shintaro MIYAMOTO
CAST
Kunisada Chuji:
Chiezo KATAOKA
Tomokichi: Kinya KITAOJI
Omaeda Eijiro: Hiroki MATSUKATA
Mori Ishimatsu: Shingo YAMASHIRO
Mitsugi Bunzo: Totsomasu SAWAMURA
Nikko Enzo: Yataro KUROKAWA
Omaeda Eigoro: Kenji SUSUKIDA
Sasagawa Shigezo: Tomisaburo WAKAYAMA
Ofusa: Tetsuko KOBAYASHI
Omitsu: Noriko KITAZAWA
Mistress Shinobu: Shinobu CHIHARA
Ohama: Chikage OGI
Otoki: Naoko KUBO
Togami Gundayu: Kusuo ABE
Shozo: Shin TOKUDAIJI
Matsugoro: Yoshio YOSHIDA
Togoro: Juro HOSHI
Kichigoro: Koshiro HARADA
Nizaemon: Ryosuke KAGAWA
Sukegoro Iioka: Tatsuya ISHIGURO
Sakurabashi Minosuke: Kokichi TAKADA
Hirate Miki: Jushiro KONOE
Nakayama Seiichiro: Ryunosuke TSUKIGATA
Directed by:
Yasushi SASAKI
Mt. Akagi sure looks gloomy today.
The Kunisada are trapped like rats.
It's execution time for Chuji.
Well?
They're surging on the mountain!
From all sides, by the hundreds!
There's no way out of the mountain!
So this is it.
What's going to happen
to Boss Kunisada?
What did he do wrong?
All he did was give us rice!
And ask the sheriff
to ease up on our taxes!
I know.
The sheriff's in cahoots
with the Hasshu marshal!
His posse's made up of Onijizo's kin!
That two-faced Onijizo Matsugoro's
after Boss Kunisada's turf!
That's right!
Calm down!
Calm down or you'll play right
into the sheriff's hands.
That outlaw Chuji is finished.
Now we have the south Kanto provinces
under control, Seiichiro.
We have to squeeze the peasants
for all they're worth,
and put those outlaws in their place.
Got that, Matsugoro?
No need to remind me, Sir Nakayama.
I do have the law in my hand.
Good, good.
You'll be one of the
biggest gambling bosses
in the Hasshu provinces,
like Iioka of Shimogusa.
I have one more big rival
to take care of, though.
You mean Omaeda Eigoro?
How is he, Seiichiro?
I hear he's ailing.
Leave Omaeda to me.
I'll take care of him with Matsugoro
when I'm done with Chuji.
Good planning.
The peasants are making a commotion.
Get out of control and
I'll throw them all in jail.
Good idea. I'll warn the
village squire tonight.
You do that.
Someone!
You..!
Want something with me?
It's Chuji, men!
You're wasting your breath.
You sent them all to Mt. Akagi.
I won't stay long.
I just want to ask one thing.
The last 3 years have been
lean ones for the peasants
and they can barely
keep themselves fed.
What will you do about taxes this year?
Back off!
I'm asking the sheriff.
Well, sheriff?
What do you plan to do?
Kill him, Seiichiro!
It's Chuji! Arrest him!
You leave me no choice.
Kunisada Chuji is fiercer
than the devil, someone said.
He kills with a smile on his face!
Are you the crack
Hasshu marshal Nakayama?
If you're in cahoots with
the likes of Matsugoro,
you're just another greedy,
money-hungry louse!
Boss! The sheriff's
posse's coming back.
I won't let you have
your way around here,
not so long as I live!
You're wanted!
Don't bother with
these small fry! Run!
Everyone here?
All of us.
Come on!
After them! Round up a posse!
After them!
The boss won!
The sheriff's dead!
Be quiet!
What if the officers hear you?
Let's all go home.
So what happens now, dad?
I don't know.
I know what drove Boss
Chuji to do what he did,
but this is bad.
Brother..?
Where were you?
Dad, I killed Onijizo Matsugoro.
What?
I never dreamed Boss
Kunisada would make
the first move and attack
the sheriff's office.
I figured he'd be arrested,
the village would fall prey to
that sheriff and Matsugoro,
and I had to do something.
I took this sword I had hidden away,
and snuck over to the sheriff's office.
That's when Boss Chuji came
out after killing the sheriff,
and in all the commotion,
I killed Matsugoro.
You didn't!
Did the officers see you?
What are we going to do, dad?
I can't stay in this village, dad.
I don't want to cause you
and Omitsu trouble.
Disown me right now.
The officers can't hold
you responsible for
a son you've disowned.
I have to go now.
Forgive me, dad.
Take care of dad, Omitsu.
Wait, Tomokichi.
I won't try to stop you.
You do what you have to.
But don't you ever forget
the toiling peasants.
I won't.
I loaned out money to struggling
villagers, so this is all I have.
You take it.
Dad..!
Now go. Don't worry about us.
Don't let anyone see you.
Boss Chuji once told me
where he goes when
he leaves Mt. Akagi.
Let's see. Let's see.
It says Kunisada Chuji's wanted.
He slew the sheriff and fled.
Now that's a yakuza for you.
Chuji really did it.
I'm so proud of him.
I gave that guy food to eat.
We shared drinks as sworn brothers.
Those were the days.
Bet that Chuji's thinking
about us somewhere.
Beat it.
What do you want?
Now what was that you were just saying?
Boss, that was just...
Since you remember Chuji so well,
come tell me about it.
We meant Chuji, the greengrocer.
That Chuji.
Right!
Get serious?
Sorry, sir!
Who are you?
You must be a man of the law
and an important one.
Don't bother with these jokers.
That's right, sir. Excuse us.
Tell me something.
What is it?
Do you know where Kunisada Chuji went?
Why do you want to know?
I have to see Chuji.
And what?
I want to give him a hand.
What?
But if a lawman like you doesn't know,
I'll have to go ask
at the sheriff's office.
What's your name and
where are you from?
I'm just a vagrant samurai,
no one important.
But I'll tell you anyway.
I'm Hirate Miki.
Hirate Miki?
Please.
Long time no see, Hirate.
Fancy office for a Hasshu marshal.
Only for now.
I'm the acting sheriff until
his replacement gets here.
I heard Kunisada Chuji killed him.
News spreads fast along the highway.
I just gave a lawman
a ribbing about it.
The cornered rat bit the cat.
I heard you were right there.
I don't know how good
a swordsman Chuji is,
but surely you could
have saved the sheriff.
Did you stand there and watch
so you could be the next sheriff?
What do you think?
Well, never mind.
Give me wine instead of tea.
I know. I heard you left
Chiba Fencing School,
but I didn't expect you to look me up.
I traveled throughout
Kanto but got bored,
and that's when I thought of you.
And mooching off me for wine?
You could say that.
You were the best fencer
at Chiba Fencing School,
and now you're just a vagrant samurai.
That's how it is.
You can't get a commission
without connections.
I was your rival and look at me.
I'm still a lowly Hasshu marshal,
patrolling Kanto for outlaw
yakuza, bums, and peasants.
Making money on the side
with two-faced lawmen?
Say what you like.
That's how I can afford
to give you an allowance.
Here's 10 ryo, Miki.
But I could give you twice
or three times as much.
What do I have to do?
Kunisada Chuji can take
on any Hasshu officer.
I think you could kill him.
Not for small change.
What?
No deal necessary.
I'll kill Chuji.
I have a purpose now,
something I lost when
I left Chiba Fencing School.
Sure you don't know where Chuji is?
I just got news.
- Something's up, boss.
- What?
I saw smoke coming from
the old tea stall on the pass.
That's odd.
There's no one living there.
Boss, flares went up from
the east and west peaks.
Flares?
They're here.
We have to climb down to the valley,
and find our way to Shinshu Road.
The sun will go down soon and
they'll never find us in the valley.
Put out the fire before we go.
This is someone's charcoal shed.
Who's there?!
Excuse me.
Who are you?
You're Nizaemon's son.
Yes, Tomokichi.
Come inside.
This place is surrounded.
The posse's closing in.
Thanks for the warning.
But what are you doing up here?
Please, boss.
Make me your henchman.
Make me one of you.
What are you saying?
The squire won't like it.
My dad disowned me.
Disowned you?
Don't bring your family problem to us.
We don't need it!
I killed Onijizo Matsugoro in
front of the Sheriff's Office.
You killed Matsugoro?
I set my mind to it when I learned
you were surrounded on Mt. Akagi.
So the squire told you
about this place?
Please take me with you.
I'm the one who drove you,
the squire's heir, to this...
and I have to warn you.
If you come with me,
you'll be an outlaw for life.
Think it over, for your own sake.
No, I've made up my mind.
I'll follow you, whether
you let me or not.
What a problem.
We have to hurry, boss.
Nikko.
Split this money among the men.
Why split the money now, boss?
What for, if we're all going together?
What's the idea, boss?
Never mind.
We can't stay together.
I want each of you
to lay low for a while.
I don't want to be an outlaw.
But there's something I have to do.
Years ago, I made a promise
to Boss Omaeda.
Yakuza are the dregs of humanity,
nothing compared to
the toiling peasants.
We should be of some
service to decent folks.
But all I saw across the
land was a despicable lot
unfit to be called yakuza!
No good two-facers in cahoots with
Hasshu marshals,
fattening their own pockets!
I killed the sheriff.
I'm a condemned criminal.
But I just have to keep
my promise to Boss Omaeda.
I hear he's been ailing from
a long illness, and weak,
and there's a scumbag out to get him.
He's a two-facer like Matsugoro,
who did me in
and I want to settle it
with him before I'm buried.
But I don't want to get
the Omaeda in trouble...
by getting too close.
Ask for me at a Sakurabashi
inn called "Juji-ya"
in Tsubakoi Village, when
things have cooled down.
Look, boss.
Of the 100 and some men who
were with you at Mt. Akagi,
these few men and I stuck with you.
You can't just expect us to leave you.
Won't you take some of us with you?
Please, boss!
Wait.
I appreciate your loyalty.
But this is no time for
bidding sad farewells.
We're going to have
to fight our way out.
I'll hold them back while
you flee to the valley, boss.
I'll show you all
I'm a Kunisada henchman!
Tomo!
Don't let him get killed!
You men do as I told you and go!
You go down to the valley, now!
Will you make me your henchman, boss?
Do I have a choice?
Just watch me, boss. Now go!
Are you Chuji?
You go, Tomokichi.
You know where.
Go!
Firearm!
They've got firearm, sir!
Let's pull out!
- Are they Chuji's men?
- Can't tell.
It worked.
Serves them right!
You guys get out of here
before you get in trouble.
I have to catch up with Boss Chuji.
Thanks, and so long!
Hey, mister. You owe us.
Sorry about that.
You did a good job so I owe you plenty.
How many of you... six?
Here. Split that between yourselves.
Thanks, mister!
Oh, no.
I gave them all my money!
They're gone.
I gave them my money, too.
An incurable fool is what I am.
I have to find Boss Chuji!
Oww!
What a clumsy fool I am!
That's what I get for losing an eye.
Oww!
Where's the boss?
I don't know. We all split up.
Let's look for him.
Boss!
Boss!
He's eluded us.
Where did he sneak off to?
Maybe he took off on Shinshu Road.
Sir Nakayama figures
Chuji's off to see Omaeda.
Omaeda Eigoro?
Then stake out his place.
No problem.
Sir Nakayama has all the
marshals at his disposal.
It's the perfect time
to take out Omaeda.
Eigoro's ill, and his son
Eijiro's gone on a trip.
Eijiro?
Kotengu Eijiro, a real ruffian.
Dad, are you all right?
- What's wrong?
- He has a stomachache.
A stomachache?
Here, give him this.
Thank you.
Bad news!
Not so loud!
The doctor's seeing him.
He needs rest and quiet to get well.
Call me if there's any change.
Thank you, doctor.
Brother.
What?
- The whole town's buzzing.
- About what?
Boss Kunisada, who killed the
Iwahana sheriff and turned fugitive.
And?
He managed to elude the posse.
The Hasshu marshals figure
he'll show up here.
What?
They've got this place staked out.
They know Boss Kunisada
and our boss go way back.
Our boss could take on
any Hasshu marshal,
but not in his condition.
If only the young boss would come back.
But who knows when he'll be back.
Hopefully by the casino fest.
I'll just have to seek some advice.
We're dealing with Hasshu marshals,
and with the annual fest coming up,
I thought I'd seek some
advice from a pro.
Come now.
I'm not a yakuza anymore.
Consider it friendly advice
from an old innkeeper.
That's fine with me.
What would you do, boss?
Boss?
I mean, tell me what you
would do, innkeeper.
Well, if I were in your place,
I wouldn't tell my ailing boss.
You wouldn't, either?
What if the Hasshu marshals
waylay Boss Kunisada?
I wouldn't worry about it.
Boss Kunisada won't
come near the Omaeda.
The Hasshu marshals are
wasting their time.
Boss Kunisada knows
what trouble he'd cause
the Omaeda if he were to show up now.
The Hasshu marshals
and the Omaeda can wait
all they want, Kunisada won't show up.
I'd be more concerned about...
What?
It's Chuji's men! After them!
Watch it!
Can't you see I'm in a rush?
Hold it.
If you're alarmed by that posse,
you must be one of Chuji's men.
So what?
If they've caught Boss
Chuji or his men,
I'm going to save them.
Save Chuji? Interesting.
I'm here to kill Chuji.
Kill Boss Chuji?
What the hell..?!
Who are you?
Quiet! I won't let you
near Boss Chuji.
I'm checking out.
Get me my bill.
He got away?
Sir.
- Who was that guy?
- That was Kotengu Eijiro.
Oh.
Turn left up ahead
and it's the 5th house.
Busy, busy!
Here's wash from the Pine Room.
A masseuse for the Cedar Room.
More rice for the Chrysanthemum Room.
Wine for the Clover Room.
Pen and Ink for the Plum Room.
Get a palanquin for the Bamboo Room.
We don't have a Plum Room, San.
There's no one in the Bamboo Room.
Did I get mixed up?
Better go ask again.
What's so funny?
You think I'm a fool?
Don't laugh at me!
Not you.
You'll only get more confused.
Someone else go.
The master wants you, San.
Right now.
The master? You see?
The master wants me.
Where are you going?
He's inside.
You called, sir?
Will you go on an errand for me?
Yes, sir!
You'll only get in everyone's way here.
Oh, sure.
So where to, sir? Edo?
Kyoto? Osaka? The South?
Much closer.
Go get Uranami for me.
Uranami?
Go get the celebrated Boss Uranami?
Stop prattling and go!
What do you want with my brother, dear?
Don't worry.
I just want to talk to him
about fishing, over a drink.
What can an innkeeper do?
The boss stepped out?
Where to?
To a restaurant,
with some important guests.
Important guests?
Like the shogun?
Fool!
Hasshu marshal Nakayama
and Boss Iioka Sukegoro.
Any objections, Kichigoro?
It was so unexpected,
I don't know how to take it.
Just follow orders
from the authorities.
Sir Nakayama's right.
We all went through it.
You'll get used to it,
and I'll help you.
I'd appreciate that, Boss Iioka.
Come forward, Kichigoro.
Accept the honor.
You accepted it, did you?
After taking over your turf,
I didn't want to become
a two-faced lawman.
But you couldn't say no?
Well, that's that.
Ohama, will you give us some privacy?
What did you want, brother?
I had something to tell you.
But now that you're a lawman,
I have to think about it.
Come on, brother.
Ohama is my sister,
and I owe you a lot.
But what if Kunisada Chuji
were to stay here?
What would you do, as a man of the law?
You can't let him go.
Which is why I'm not going
to talk about it.
I just couldn't say no
last night, brother.
Not so much for me,
as for my dad and his business.
Your dad is Ohama's dad.
Ohama's dad is my dad.
I know how you feel.
But you may have to take
out the Omaeda one day.
Take out the Omaeda?
Not me!
No, not you, but
that truncheon of yours.
Just round up some men,
any kind of men.
Hasshu marshals and local lawmen
will take care of the rest.
The casino fest's 5 days away.
Save up your energy.
Come on, girls. Join us.
Excuse us, we have to go.
Say, how about sharing
your dumpling with me?
You're a guy!
Chew on this sandal!
Jerk!
What a weird troupe!
Gamblers are swarming
from everywhere, too.
It's going to be one big
Omaeda casino fest,
and I'm going to pocket a fortune.
Not with trick dice, though.
They're going to be a tough bunch.
Not all of them.
Look over there.
Hey, you g-g-guys.
What are you saying?
Don't g-g-get mad.
I st-t-tutter when I'm hungry.
What are you t-t-trying to say?
Just let me eat t-t-those.
I feel a little better.
Who the hell are you anyway, you freak?
Who the hell?
Well, I'll tell you who.
From the port of Shimizu in Shinshu,
I'm one of Boss Jirocho's men,
Mori Ishimatsu.
You guys don't look like
no yakuza to me.
So I'll skip the formal introduction.
Well, what do you say?
He's the real thing.
What do you want with us,
Boss Ishimatsu?
While on the road, did you guys
hear anything about Kunisada Chuji?
I'm looking for him for Boss Jirocho.
Boss Chuji is wanted across the land.
You'll never find him.
On every road, and at
every inn and flophouse,
the authorities have
their eyes out for him.
What do you suggest then?
These.
Women?
Boss Chuji must have had
a woman in every town.
Look them up.
They'll come right out
and warm up to you,
and you won't be able
to shake them off.
Sounds like a good idea.
So where are these women?
We don't know.
What?! Well, I guess not.
You've no chance to relax
now that you're a lawman.
I'm so busy.
I have to see Hasshu
marshal Nakayama today.
The Omaeda casino fest's
coming up, too.
It just won't let up.
Hello.
Yes?
Is the boss here?
What do you want, Itaro?
Kunisada's men were found
on a back road.
What?!
I'll be back, Otoki.
The Kunisada?
Run, Tomokichi!
You run, brother!
Run, Tomokichi!
Tomokichi!
Brother!
You haven't done anything
wrong, Tomokichi.
I killed Onijizo, got that?
Now run!
Brother!
After them!
♪ Oh, why do you weep? ♪
♪ Are you lonesome? ♪
♪ I wept, too, last night. ♪
♪ So fleeting is first love. ♪
♪ Farewell, farewell... ♪
I'm being chased. Hide me.
I'll explain later.
In here.
Did a young yakuza come this way?
What was that?
What did he say?
How about some buds, he said.
No. He said, take a look
at these studs.
No, he didn't. He said...
What did you say?
He's looking for someone.
Who was it?
What..?
Hey!
Search the place!
Why are you guys camped out here?
Help us, boss.
No inn will take us.
Why not?
No one will accept an endorsement
from a local boss.
Which boss?
Boss Kunisada.
Well, no wonder.
- I'm back.
- Yes, ma'am.
A visitor?
Yes, a traveler who came to see you.
At this hour?
We showed him to the Flower Room.
Excuse me.
Boss Chuji!
How long has it been?
5 years now?
You look surprised.
As you must know, I'm a fugitive.
I'm glad to see you.
Thanks.
Will you do me a favor?
Deliver this confidential
letter for me to
Squire Nizaemon of
Kunisada Village in Joshu.
What's the matter?
One moment.
Let me know when the boss gets here.
Who is that boss in there?
He once saved me
from some bad men here.
He just stopped by.
I'll take that.
Welcome. The madam is
with a guest. I'll get her.
Don't bother.
Let her attend to her guest.
I hope you don't mind my coming here.
Please, boss.
I have this place only
because you helped me.
That was a long time ago.
I'm not the man
I used to be 5 years ago.
Instead of a welcoming
party of big bosses,
I got a posse waiting for me now.
Have one with me.
Have you found yourself a good man?
Oh, please, boss.
I'm not teasing you.
I don't want to cause either
one of you trouble.
Boss...
What is it?
Forgive me, boss.
What happened?
Don't ask any questions.
Just get out of here.
Get out?
My man is a lawman.
I see.
I must have alarmed you, showing up.
No, but this lawman
is coming here tonight.
Thanks for telling me.
You don't have to deliver that letter.
Give it back to me.
No, it's the least I can do for you.
I appreciate it.
Time to go.
Wait.
I'll have my maid check outside.
You're here.
Osaki didn't tell me.
Never mind.
I'm staying over tonight.
What about your guest?
He's leaving soon.
Who is he? An out-of-towner?
Someone I know.
Osaki told me he's a yakuza.
Who is he?
Don't want to tell me?
It isn't that.
Do you want to break up with me, Otoki?
No. He isn't like that.
Then tell me who he is.
I can't..!
Don't tell me it's...
Dear!
Kunisada!
Don't be so hard on your woman.
Hey, punk.
When did you turn two-faced?
Does the Sakurabashi boss,
whose turf you got, approve?
Seeing you like that,
I guess I won't be staying at his inn.
Don't you act big and give
your sister Ohama grief.
Sorry to trouble you, Otoki.
Thanks for your hospitality
for an old guest.
Kichigoro, Otoki is too good for you.
Don't you give her any grief, either.
I'm just another guest.
Let me pay you.
Keep the change. So long.
♪ Why does this sword,
my strength and pride, ♪
♪ Feel so heavy on my side? ♪
♪ The evening crow flying
over the highway ♪
♪ Cries mockingly, ♪
♪ "Fool! Fool!"at me. ♪
Tired?
Hah! I'm a wanderer.
I walk everywhere.
But an actor said you look
like a rookie yakuza
who hasn't been on the road much.
What? Who's the wise
guy that said that?
Don't get mad.
He's been on the road with us since
he was 7, for 50 years.
50 years? Well,
I'm a rookie compared to him.
But I can't walk in this thing.
And I need a sword at my side.
Why do you need that scary thing?
Because I'm a...
You have to watch out.
They're all coming?
All the big bosses across the land.
That's great.
Don't mess up now.
Yes, boss.
Is Kunisada coming?
Of course.
Last I heard he was holed
up on Mt. Akagi.
Any word since?
Has Eijiro written?
No.
That vagabond.
I hope Kunisada comes by.
Chuji plans to leave brother
in Boss Omaeda's care.
Boss Omaeda's a good man.
That's good.
Hello!
Where's Nizaemon?
He's inside.
Good to see you both.
How is it?
I'm much better, thank you.
Not you.
I meant the fugitive Chuji.
How would I know?
Wasn't a confidential letter
delivered to you?
From Chuji?
You and Chuji go back a long way.
No, we don't.
Don't mess with us!
Better stop protecting Chuji, or else!
Please. My dad is ill.
So he is. We'll have to
question you instead.
What are you doing?!
Dad..!
Let me go!
Dad..!
- What are you guys up to?
- Who the hell are you?!
With Boss Chuji gone, the place
is crawling with lousy lawmen.
You punk! Who the hell are you?
Who the hell? I'm Kotengu
Eijiro from Omaeda, Joshu.
I'm no hooligan.
I was riled at them for
driving Boss Chuji out.
So you're the young boss Omaeda.
My dad sent me off to
get some hard knocks.
I came back to learn of
that fiasco at Mt. Akagi,
and was told to find out
about Boss Chuji here.
Boss Chuji went to your place.
We just received his letter.
To my place?
That's right, it's almost
casino fest time.
Tonight's the evening fest.
The place must be jumping.
Thank you for helping
us set up a stage.
Thank you.
♪ I thought we made a promise. ♪
♪ But there goes the bridal carriage. ♪
♪ Carrying the bride,
who looks the other way. ♪
♪ To memories of days gone
by and the love we shared. ♪
♪ Good-bye... Good-bye... ♪
Don't let up, Kichigoro, just
because it's an Omaeda fest.
Keep your eye out for
anything suspicious.
If Chuji and his men show up,
arrest them on the spot.
Yes, sir.
There's bound to be
fights at the festival
and troublemakers at the casinos.
Remember that.
Yes, sir.
I'll call you if I need you.
Rookies always work extra hard.
Are you all set?
I've rounded up 40-50
thugs and hooligans.
There's going to be a
huge crowd at the fest.
All they have to do is cause
mayhem posing as Chuji's men.
We'll blame old man Omaeda for it and
throw him in jail,
and finish the Omaeda.
Miki?
Meet Choshi lawman Iioka Sukegoro.
I looked around for Chuji,
but he isn't showing up.
You're looking for him, too, sir?
Chuji has a strong sense of duty.
He'll show up.
Hello!
Welcome.
I want to see the innkeeper.
Get him for me.
I'm afraid our master doesn't
associate with yakuza.
What?!
Who the hell do you think
I am, you old geezer?!
Don't I remember Mori
Ishimatsu, you mean?
Why, Boss Sakurabashi!
That's not me, not as far
as my wife is concerned.
Oh, that's right. Sorry.
In that case,
I want to negotiate room
rates with you, innkeeper.
How's that, boss...
I mean, innkeeper?
That's business. Come inside.
Now for your entertainment
is a juggling act featuring
our very own Mistress Shinobu!
Ready?
What are you doing?!
Give me that!
What are you doing?!
Come on! Where's your act?
Here's Mistress Shinobu.
Huh? What the..?
You're all wet.
I'm drenched.
How come?
I was angling.
Hanging?
Not hanging, angling.
Oh, angling.
I can tell from the waves
what fish are biting.
From the waves?
How about when the waves are small?
Small fry.
When the waves are huge?
Whales.
When waves are hair-raising high?
Hairtails.
When they're swirling and turbinate?
Turbos.
Do you have to go to this Juji-ya inn?
I have to find out where my boss is.
Do you have to go?
Of course. I can't hide out
with your troupe forever.
We travel from one
unknown place to another,
living a life of fantasy.
Fantasy?
Yes, fantasizing what
it'd be like if you were to
join our troupe and dance
on stage with us.
I'll never forget the few days
we spent together, Ofusa.
We'll meet again someday.
So long.
So long, pops.
You're up next, Ofusa.
Wait till dark.
♪ A girl's tender love is
like a delicate flower. ♪
♪ No, no. Please don't puck it. ♪
♪ I know how you want to,
but once you do, that's it. ♪
♪ Wait just a while longer. ♪
♪ Just a while longer. ♪
♪ A girl's tender love is like
a flower bud. ♪
♪ A tiny, tiny flower of love. ♪
♪ The evening dew can turn
into morning tears. ♪
♪ So wait just a while longer. ♪
♪ Just a while longer. ♪
TAKE CARE, OFUSA
Boss!
After him!
Tomokichi?
Boss!
We meet again.
You're forcing me to draw my sword?
I don't believe in
meaningless bloodshed.
Just to let you know,
I'm not staying at Juji-ya inn,
in Sakurabashi.
What is that?
Since when does the law
send me a welcome party?
Who are you men?
I'm Sasagawa Shigezo,
and we're here for the
Omaeda casino fest.
We're coming through.
Sasagawa Shigezo's shown up?
Sasagawa Shigezo and Chuji are family.
He's here to show support
for the Omaeda.
Shigezo will make things
difficult for us.
The Sasagawa were next to go,
after the Omaeda.
But I could take care
of them both at once.
Then there will be no
one left to defy me.
So what now?
You challenge Shigezo
to a duel, Sukegoro.
He isn't one to back
down from a challenge.
Challenge Shigezo?
Kill him at the Tone riverbed
tomorrow morning.
I'll take care of the rest
as Hasshu marshal.
Then go to the Hachiman shrine grounds
and tear down the Omaeda casinos.
I'll arrest Eigoro.
But Sasagawa Shigezo brought
Tomigoro and his best men with him.
He won't go down so easily.
Don't worry.
Sir Hirate?
How about it, Miki?
You yakuza take care of
your own. I'll take Chuji.
Chuji has a strong sense of duty.
He'll show up when he finds out
Shigezo is taking on Sukegoro.
He will, will he?
Welcome!
Master, Boss Sasagawa is here.
He is?
The fest tomorrow is going
to be something else.
Iioka must be here with the
Hasshu marshal to break up the fest.
Boss Omaeda is old and ailing.
The Hasshu marshal is resorting to his
usual tactic to take him out.
With both the Kunisada
and Omaeda bosses out,
it'll be doom and gloom
for the Hasshu lands.
I swear to you, Minosuke,
I, Sasagawa Seizo, will see
the Omaeda fest through.
I'm glad to hear that.
You've gone straight.
I didn't want to tell you this.
But should anything happen to me,
will you send word to my people for me?
I'll relax tonight.
A letter for you, Boss Sasagawa.
A letter?
It's sealed the wrong way.
Never mind, open it.
Tomorrow morning at six,
at the Tone riverbed.
They're bent on keeping
me from the fest.
Well, good night.
What now, dear?
You'll have no part of it.
You left the yakuza life
for me. Don't forget that.
Don't leave our guests
to the maids, Ohama.
Let's go.
The Sasagawa group just left.
Oh.
What's this?
A divorce notice.
Sakurabashi Minosuke may no longer
be a yakuza, but he's still a man.
Just divorce me.
No, dear! I won't do it!
If you insist on it,
you kill me right now!
Dear..!
It's almost time, boss.
Be on your guard.
Go!
Sakurabashi..?
Why don't you stop them, Kichigoro?
You're a man of the law!
It's Chuji! Chuji's here!
It's Chuji! Kill him!
M-m-mori Ishimatsu,
here to assist the Sasagawa!
Chuji! A posse's got the
Omaeda surrounded!
Oh, no! You go to the
Omaedas', Sasagawa!
Hold it!
Kunisada!
Why didn't you come by?
I was expecting you!
I didn't want to give
your loving wife grief.
I just killed Kichigoro.
Kichigoro?
Chuji!
I've waited for this.
You cowards! Stop!
Chuji..! Our duel..!
This isn't right..!
You mangy dogs!
Whose hired killers are you?
You can't pull that "hand
of the law" crap on me.
Step up, if you want to try me.
Settle down!
I am Hasshu marshal Nakayama Seiichiro.
I'm placing you all under arrest!
Hey! Boss Omaeda is surrounded!
Boss!
Boss Kunisada!
Hey, Hasshu marshal!
Here's the payback
for the Mt. Akagi fiasco!
Abuse your authority to take
out the Omaeda, will you?!
Boss Omaeda!
Dad!
Thanks for coming, Kunisada.
I'm glad to see you.
Pops!
On with the Omaeda fest, all of you.
This is where you step up and start
acting like a young boss, Eijiro.
Say hello to your bosses, Tomokichi.
This is where you're going
to learn your ropes.
I'm counting on you, Sakurabashi.
I'll watch over the young
boss and Tomokichi.
I'm glad to hear that.
You give my best to your wife.
Tell all the bosses the Omaeda
casino fest is alive and well.
I sure will.
Going already, Boss Kunisada?
I killed the sheriff,
and now the Hasshu marshal.
I'll be an aimless
wanderer for a while.
I forgot to give you
Boss Jirocho's message.
Let me accompany you back
to Shimizu, Boss Chuji.
You tell Jirocho for me,
I don't want to cause
him any more trouble.
Take me with you, boss.
You can't go alone.
I won't be alone.
I have Komatsugoro Yoshikane
here to keep me company.
THE END
TOEI COMPANY, LTD.
KEEPERS OF ORDER
Produced by: Junichiro TAMAKI
Screenplay by: Shinji KESSOKU
Photography by: Hiroshi MATSUI
Lighting by: Yoshiaki MASUDA
Sound recording by: Shigeji NAKAYAMA
Art Direction by: Takatoshi SUZUKI
Music by: Eiichi YAMADA
Editor: Shintaro MIYAMOTO
CAST
Kunisada Chuji:
Chiezo KATAOKA
Tomokichi: Kinya KITAOJI
Omaeda Eijiro: Hiroki MATSUKATA
Mori Ishimatsu: Shingo YAMASHIRO
Mitsugi Bunzo: Totsomasu SAWAMURA
Nikko Enzo: Yataro KUROKAWA
Omaeda Eigoro: Kenji SUSUKIDA
Sasagawa Shigezo: Tomisaburo WAKAYAMA
Ofusa: Tetsuko KOBAYASHI
Omitsu: Noriko KITAZAWA
Mistress Shinobu: Shinobu CHIHARA
Ohama: Chikage OGI
Otoki: Naoko KUBO
Togami Gundayu: Kusuo ABE
Shozo: Shin TOKUDAIJI
Matsugoro: Yoshio YOSHIDA
Togoro: Juro HOSHI
Kichigoro: Koshiro HARADA
Nizaemon: Ryosuke KAGAWA
Sukegoro Iioka: Tatsuya ISHIGURO
Sakurabashi Minosuke: Kokichi TAKADA
Hirate Miki: Jushiro KONOE
Nakayama Seiichiro: Ryunosuke TSUKIGATA
Directed by:
Yasushi SASAKI
Mt. Akagi sure looks gloomy today.
The Kunisada are trapped like rats.
It's execution time for Chuji.
Well?
They're surging on the mountain!
From all sides, by the hundreds!
There's no way out of the mountain!
So this is it.
What's going to happen
to Boss Kunisada?
What did he do wrong?
All he did was give us rice!
And ask the sheriff
to ease up on our taxes!
I know.
The sheriff's in cahoots
with the Hasshu marshal!
His posse's made up of Onijizo's kin!
That two-faced Onijizo Matsugoro's
after Boss Kunisada's turf!
That's right!
Calm down!
Calm down or you'll play right
into the sheriff's hands.
That outlaw Chuji is finished.
Now we have the south Kanto provinces
under control, Seiichiro.
We have to squeeze the peasants
for all they're worth,
and put those outlaws in their place.
Got that, Matsugoro?
No need to remind me, Sir Nakayama.
I do have the law in my hand.
Good, good.
You'll be one of the
biggest gambling bosses
in the Hasshu provinces,
like Iioka of Shimogusa.
I have one more big rival
to take care of, though.
You mean Omaeda Eigoro?
How is he, Seiichiro?
I hear he's ailing.
Leave Omaeda to me.
I'll take care of him with Matsugoro
when I'm done with Chuji.
Good planning.
The peasants are making a commotion.
Get out of control and
I'll throw them all in jail.
Good idea. I'll warn the
village squire tonight.
You do that.
Someone!
You..!
Want something with me?
It's Chuji, men!
You're wasting your breath.
You sent them all to Mt. Akagi.
I won't stay long.
I just want to ask one thing.
The last 3 years have been
lean ones for the peasants
and they can barely
keep themselves fed.
What will you do about taxes this year?
Back off!
I'm asking the sheriff.
Well, sheriff?
What do you plan to do?
Kill him, Seiichiro!
It's Chuji! Arrest him!
You leave me no choice.
Kunisada Chuji is fiercer
than the devil, someone said.
He kills with a smile on his face!
Are you the crack
Hasshu marshal Nakayama?
If you're in cahoots with
the likes of Matsugoro,
you're just another greedy,
money-hungry louse!
Boss! The sheriff's
posse's coming back.
I won't let you have
your way around here,
not so long as I live!
You're wanted!
Don't bother with
these small fry! Run!
Everyone here?
All of us.
Come on!
After them! Round up a posse!
After them!
The boss won!
The sheriff's dead!
Be quiet!
What if the officers hear you?
Let's all go home.
So what happens now, dad?
I don't know.
I know what drove Boss
Chuji to do what he did,
but this is bad.
Brother..?
Where were you?
Dad, I killed Onijizo Matsugoro.
What?
I never dreamed Boss
Kunisada would make
the first move and attack
the sheriff's office.
I figured he'd be arrested,
the village would fall prey to
that sheriff and Matsugoro,
and I had to do something.
I took this sword I had hidden away,
and snuck over to the sheriff's office.
That's when Boss Chuji came
out after killing the sheriff,
and in all the commotion,
I killed Matsugoro.
You didn't!
Did the officers see you?
What are we going to do, dad?
I can't stay in this village, dad.
I don't want to cause you
and Omitsu trouble.
Disown me right now.
The officers can't hold
you responsible for
a son you've disowned.
I have to go now.
Forgive me, dad.
Take care of dad, Omitsu.
Wait, Tomokichi.
I won't try to stop you.
You do what you have to.
But don't you ever forget
the toiling peasants.
I won't.
I loaned out money to struggling
villagers, so this is all I have.
You take it.
Dad..!
Now go. Don't worry about us.
Don't let anyone see you.
Boss Chuji once told me
where he goes when
he leaves Mt. Akagi.
Let's see. Let's see.
It says Kunisada Chuji's wanted.
He slew the sheriff and fled.
Now that's a yakuza for you.
Chuji really did it.
I'm so proud of him.
I gave that guy food to eat.
We shared drinks as sworn brothers.
Those were the days.
Bet that Chuji's thinking
about us somewhere.
Beat it.
What do you want?
Now what was that you were just saying?
Boss, that was just...
Since you remember Chuji so well,
come tell me about it.
We meant Chuji, the greengrocer.
That Chuji.
Right!
Get serious?
Sorry, sir!
Who are you?
You must be a man of the law
and an important one.
Don't bother with these jokers.
That's right, sir. Excuse us.
Tell me something.
What is it?
Do you know where Kunisada Chuji went?
Why do you want to know?
I have to see Chuji.
And what?
I want to give him a hand.
What?
But if a lawman like you doesn't know,
I'll have to go ask
at the sheriff's office.
What's your name and
where are you from?
I'm just a vagrant samurai,
no one important.
But I'll tell you anyway.
I'm Hirate Miki.
Hirate Miki?
Please.
Long time no see, Hirate.
Fancy office for a Hasshu marshal.
Only for now.
I'm the acting sheriff until
his replacement gets here.
I heard Kunisada Chuji killed him.
News spreads fast along the highway.
I just gave a lawman
a ribbing about it.
The cornered rat bit the cat.
I heard you were right there.
I don't know how good
a swordsman Chuji is,
but surely you could
have saved the sheriff.
Did you stand there and watch
so you could be the next sheriff?
What do you think?
Well, never mind.
Give me wine instead of tea.
I know. I heard you left
Chiba Fencing School,
but I didn't expect you to look me up.
I traveled throughout
Kanto but got bored,
and that's when I thought of you.
And mooching off me for wine?
You could say that.
You were the best fencer
at Chiba Fencing School,
and now you're just a vagrant samurai.
That's how it is.
You can't get a commission
without connections.
I was your rival and look at me.
I'm still a lowly Hasshu marshal,
patrolling Kanto for outlaw
yakuza, bums, and peasants.
Making money on the side
with two-faced lawmen?
Say what you like.
That's how I can afford
to give you an allowance.
Here's 10 ryo, Miki.
But I could give you twice
or three times as much.
What do I have to do?
Kunisada Chuji can take
on any Hasshu officer.
I think you could kill him.
Not for small change.
What?
No deal necessary.
I'll kill Chuji.
I have a purpose now,
something I lost when
I left Chiba Fencing School.
Sure you don't know where Chuji is?
I just got news.
- Something's up, boss.
- What?
I saw smoke coming from
the old tea stall on the pass.
That's odd.
There's no one living there.
Boss, flares went up from
the east and west peaks.
Flares?
They're here.
We have to climb down to the valley,
and find our way to Shinshu Road.
The sun will go down soon and
they'll never find us in the valley.
Put out the fire before we go.
This is someone's charcoal shed.
Who's there?!
Excuse me.
Who are you?
You're Nizaemon's son.
Yes, Tomokichi.
Come inside.
This place is surrounded.
The posse's closing in.
Thanks for the warning.
But what are you doing up here?
Please, boss.
Make me your henchman.
Make me one of you.
What are you saying?
The squire won't like it.
My dad disowned me.
Disowned you?
Don't bring your family problem to us.
We don't need it!
I killed Onijizo Matsugoro in
front of the Sheriff's Office.
You killed Matsugoro?
I set my mind to it when I learned
you were surrounded on Mt. Akagi.
So the squire told you
about this place?
Please take me with you.
I'm the one who drove you,
the squire's heir, to this...
and I have to warn you.
If you come with me,
you'll be an outlaw for life.
Think it over, for your own sake.
No, I've made up my mind.
I'll follow you, whether
you let me or not.
What a problem.
We have to hurry, boss.
Nikko.
Split this money among the men.
Why split the money now, boss?
What for, if we're all going together?
What's the idea, boss?
Never mind.
We can't stay together.
I want each of you
to lay low for a while.
I don't want to be an outlaw.
But there's something I have to do.
Years ago, I made a promise
to Boss Omaeda.
Yakuza are the dregs of humanity,
nothing compared to
the toiling peasants.
We should be of some
service to decent folks.
But all I saw across the
land was a despicable lot
unfit to be called yakuza!
No good two-facers in cahoots with
Hasshu marshals,
fattening their own pockets!
I killed the sheriff.
I'm a condemned criminal.
But I just have to keep
my promise to Boss Omaeda.
I hear he's been ailing from
a long illness, and weak,
and there's a scumbag out to get him.
He's a two-facer like Matsugoro,
who did me in
and I want to settle it
with him before I'm buried.
But I don't want to get
the Omaeda in trouble...
by getting too close.
Ask for me at a Sakurabashi
inn called "Juji-ya"
in Tsubakoi Village, when
things have cooled down.
Look, boss.
Of the 100 and some men who
were with you at Mt. Akagi,
these few men and I stuck with you.
You can't just expect us to leave you.
Won't you take some of us with you?
Please, boss!
Wait.
I appreciate your loyalty.
But this is no time for
bidding sad farewells.
We're going to have
to fight our way out.
I'll hold them back while
you flee to the valley, boss.
I'll show you all
I'm a Kunisada henchman!
Tomo!
Don't let him get killed!
You men do as I told you and go!
You go down to the valley, now!
Will you make me your henchman, boss?
Do I have a choice?
Just watch me, boss. Now go!
Are you Chuji?
You go, Tomokichi.
You know where.
Go!
Firearm!
They've got firearm, sir!
Let's pull out!
- Are they Chuji's men?
- Can't tell.
It worked.
Serves them right!
You guys get out of here
before you get in trouble.
I have to catch up with Boss Chuji.
Thanks, and so long!
Hey, mister. You owe us.
Sorry about that.
You did a good job so I owe you plenty.
How many of you... six?
Here. Split that between yourselves.
Thanks, mister!
Oh, no.
I gave them all my money!
They're gone.
I gave them my money, too.
An incurable fool is what I am.
I have to find Boss Chuji!
Oww!
What a clumsy fool I am!
That's what I get for losing an eye.
Oww!
Where's the boss?
I don't know. We all split up.
Let's look for him.
Boss!
Boss!
He's eluded us.
Where did he sneak off to?
Maybe he took off on Shinshu Road.
Sir Nakayama figures
Chuji's off to see Omaeda.
Omaeda Eigoro?
Then stake out his place.
No problem.
Sir Nakayama has all the
marshals at his disposal.
It's the perfect time
to take out Omaeda.
Eigoro's ill, and his son
Eijiro's gone on a trip.
Eijiro?
Kotengu Eijiro, a real ruffian.
Dad, are you all right?
- What's wrong?
- He has a stomachache.
A stomachache?
Here, give him this.
Thank you.
Bad news!
Not so loud!
The doctor's seeing him.
He needs rest and quiet to get well.
Call me if there's any change.
Thank you, doctor.
Brother.
What?
- The whole town's buzzing.
- About what?
Boss Kunisada, who killed the
Iwahana sheriff and turned fugitive.
And?
He managed to elude the posse.
The Hasshu marshals figure
he'll show up here.
What?
They've got this place staked out.
They know Boss Kunisada
and our boss go way back.
Our boss could take on
any Hasshu marshal,
but not in his condition.
If only the young boss would come back.
But who knows when he'll be back.
Hopefully by the casino fest.
I'll just have to seek some advice.
We're dealing with Hasshu marshals,
and with the annual fest coming up,
I thought I'd seek some
advice from a pro.
Come now.
I'm not a yakuza anymore.
Consider it friendly advice
from an old innkeeper.
That's fine with me.
What would you do, boss?
Boss?
I mean, tell me what you
would do, innkeeper.
Well, if I were in your place,
I wouldn't tell my ailing boss.
You wouldn't, either?
What if the Hasshu marshals
waylay Boss Kunisada?
I wouldn't worry about it.
Boss Kunisada won't
come near the Omaeda.
The Hasshu marshals are
wasting their time.
Boss Kunisada knows
what trouble he'd cause
the Omaeda if he were to show up now.
The Hasshu marshals
and the Omaeda can wait
all they want, Kunisada won't show up.
I'd be more concerned about...
What?
It's Chuji's men! After them!
Watch it!
Can't you see I'm in a rush?
Hold it.
If you're alarmed by that posse,
you must be one of Chuji's men.
So what?
If they've caught Boss
Chuji or his men,
I'm going to save them.
Save Chuji? Interesting.
I'm here to kill Chuji.
Kill Boss Chuji?
What the hell..?!
Who are you?
Quiet! I won't let you
near Boss Chuji.
I'm checking out.
Get me my bill.
He got away?
Sir.
- Who was that guy?
- That was Kotengu Eijiro.
Oh.
Turn left up ahead
and it's the 5th house.
Busy, busy!
Here's wash from the Pine Room.
A masseuse for the Cedar Room.
More rice for the Chrysanthemum Room.
Wine for the Clover Room.
Pen and Ink for the Plum Room.
Get a palanquin for the Bamboo Room.
We don't have a Plum Room, San.
There's no one in the Bamboo Room.
Did I get mixed up?
Better go ask again.
What's so funny?
You think I'm a fool?
Don't laugh at me!
Not you.
You'll only get more confused.
Someone else go.
The master wants you, San.
Right now.
The master? You see?
The master wants me.
Where are you going?
He's inside.
You called, sir?
Will you go on an errand for me?
Yes, sir!
You'll only get in everyone's way here.
Oh, sure.
So where to, sir? Edo?
Kyoto? Osaka? The South?
Much closer.
Go get Uranami for me.
Uranami?
Go get the celebrated Boss Uranami?
Stop prattling and go!
What do you want with my brother, dear?
Don't worry.
I just want to talk to him
about fishing, over a drink.
What can an innkeeper do?
The boss stepped out?
Where to?
To a restaurant,
with some important guests.
Important guests?
Like the shogun?
Fool!
Hasshu marshal Nakayama
and Boss Iioka Sukegoro.
Any objections, Kichigoro?
It was so unexpected,
I don't know how to take it.
Just follow orders
from the authorities.
Sir Nakayama's right.
We all went through it.
You'll get used to it,
and I'll help you.
I'd appreciate that, Boss Iioka.
Come forward, Kichigoro.
Accept the honor.
You accepted it, did you?
After taking over your turf,
I didn't want to become
a two-faced lawman.
But you couldn't say no?
Well, that's that.
Ohama, will you give us some privacy?
What did you want, brother?
I had something to tell you.
But now that you're a lawman,
I have to think about it.
Come on, brother.
Ohama is my sister,
and I owe you a lot.
But what if Kunisada Chuji
were to stay here?
What would you do, as a man of the law?
You can't let him go.
Which is why I'm not going
to talk about it.
I just couldn't say no
last night, brother.
Not so much for me,
as for my dad and his business.
Your dad is Ohama's dad.
Ohama's dad is my dad.
I know how you feel.
But you may have to take
out the Omaeda one day.
Take out the Omaeda?
Not me!
No, not you, but
that truncheon of yours.
Just round up some men,
any kind of men.
Hasshu marshals and local lawmen
will take care of the rest.
The casino fest's 5 days away.
Save up your energy.
Come on, girls. Join us.
Excuse us, we have to go.
Say, how about sharing
your dumpling with me?
You're a guy!
Chew on this sandal!
Jerk!
What a weird troupe!
Gamblers are swarming
from everywhere, too.
It's going to be one big
Omaeda casino fest,
and I'm going to pocket a fortune.
Not with trick dice, though.
They're going to be a tough bunch.
Not all of them.
Look over there.
Hey, you g-g-guys.
What are you saying?
Don't g-g-get mad.
I st-t-tutter when I'm hungry.
What are you t-t-trying to say?
Just let me eat t-t-those.
I feel a little better.
Who the hell are you anyway, you freak?
Who the hell?
Well, I'll tell you who.
From the port of Shimizu in Shinshu,
I'm one of Boss Jirocho's men,
Mori Ishimatsu.
You guys don't look like
no yakuza to me.
So I'll skip the formal introduction.
Well, what do you say?
He's the real thing.
What do you want with us,
Boss Ishimatsu?
While on the road, did you guys
hear anything about Kunisada Chuji?
I'm looking for him for Boss Jirocho.
Boss Chuji is wanted across the land.
You'll never find him.
On every road, and at
every inn and flophouse,
the authorities have
their eyes out for him.
What do you suggest then?
These.
Women?
Boss Chuji must have had
a woman in every town.
Look them up.
They'll come right out
and warm up to you,
and you won't be able
to shake them off.
Sounds like a good idea.
So where are these women?
We don't know.
What?! Well, I guess not.
You've no chance to relax
now that you're a lawman.
I'm so busy.
I have to see Hasshu
marshal Nakayama today.
The Omaeda casino fest's
coming up, too.
It just won't let up.
Hello.
Yes?
Is the boss here?
What do you want, Itaro?
Kunisada's men were found
on a back road.
What?!
I'll be back, Otoki.
The Kunisada?
Run, Tomokichi!
You run, brother!
Run, Tomokichi!
Tomokichi!
Brother!
You haven't done anything
wrong, Tomokichi.
I killed Onijizo, got that?
Now run!
Brother!
After them!
♪ Oh, why do you weep? ♪
♪ Are you lonesome? ♪
♪ I wept, too, last night. ♪
♪ So fleeting is first love. ♪
♪ Farewell, farewell... ♪
I'm being chased. Hide me.
I'll explain later.
In here.
Did a young yakuza come this way?
What was that?
What did he say?
How about some buds, he said.
No. He said, take a look
at these studs.
No, he didn't. He said...
What did you say?
He's looking for someone.
Who was it?
What..?
Hey!
Search the place!
Why are you guys camped out here?
Help us, boss.
No inn will take us.
Why not?
No one will accept an endorsement
from a local boss.
Which boss?
Boss Kunisada.
Well, no wonder.
- I'm back.
- Yes, ma'am.
A visitor?
Yes, a traveler who came to see you.
At this hour?
We showed him to the Flower Room.
Excuse me.
Boss Chuji!
How long has it been?
5 years now?
You look surprised.
As you must know, I'm a fugitive.
I'm glad to see you.
Thanks.
Will you do me a favor?
Deliver this confidential
letter for me to
Squire Nizaemon of
Kunisada Village in Joshu.
What's the matter?
One moment.
Let me know when the boss gets here.
Who is that boss in there?
He once saved me
from some bad men here.
He just stopped by.
I'll take that.
Welcome. The madam is
with a guest. I'll get her.
Don't bother.
Let her attend to her guest.
I hope you don't mind my coming here.
Please, boss.
I have this place only
because you helped me.
That was a long time ago.
I'm not the man
I used to be 5 years ago.
Instead of a welcoming
party of big bosses,
I got a posse waiting for me now.
Have one with me.
Have you found yourself a good man?
Oh, please, boss.
I'm not teasing you.
I don't want to cause either
one of you trouble.
Boss...
What is it?
Forgive me, boss.
What happened?
Don't ask any questions.
Just get out of here.
Get out?
My man is a lawman.
I see.
I must have alarmed you, showing up.
No, but this lawman
is coming here tonight.
Thanks for telling me.
You don't have to deliver that letter.
Give it back to me.
No, it's the least I can do for you.
I appreciate it.
Time to go.
Wait.
I'll have my maid check outside.
You're here.
Osaki didn't tell me.
Never mind.
I'm staying over tonight.
What about your guest?
He's leaving soon.
Who is he? An out-of-towner?
Someone I know.
Osaki told me he's a yakuza.
Who is he?
Don't want to tell me?
It isn't that.
Do you want to break up with me, Otoki?
No. He isn't like that.
Then tell me who he is.
I can't..!
Don't tell me it's...
Dear!
Kunisada!
Don't be so hard on your woman.
Hey, punk.
When did you turn two-faced?
Does the Sakurabashi boss,
whose turf you got, approve?
Seeing you like that,
I guess I won't be staying at his inn.
Don't you act big and give
your sister Ohama grief.
Sorry to trouble you, Otoki.
Thanks for your hospitality
for an old guest.
Kichigoro, Otoki is too good for you.
Don't you give her any grief, either.
I'm just another guest.
Let me pay you.
Keep the change. So long.
♪ Why does this sword,
my strength and pride, ♪
♪ Feel so heavy on my side? ♪
♪ The evening crow flying
over the highway ♪
♪ Cries mockingly, ♪
♪ "Fool! Fool!"at me. ♪
Tired?
Hah! I'm a wanderer.
I walk everywhere.
But an actor said you look
like a rookie yakuza
who hasn't been on the road much.
What? Who's the wise
guy that said that?
Don't get mad.
He's been on the road with us since
he was 7, for 50 years.
50 years? Well,
I'm a rookie compared to him.
But I can't walk in this thing.
And I need a sword at my side.
Why do you need that scary thing?
Because I'm a...
You have to watch out.
They're all coming?
All the big bosses across the land.
That's great.
Don't mess up now.
Yes, boss.
Is Kunisada coming?
Of course.
Last I heard he was holed
up on Mt. Akagi.
Any word since?
Has Eijiro written?
No.
That vagabond.
I hope Kunisada comes by.
Chuji plans to leave brother
in Boss Omaeda's care.
Boss Omaeda's a good man.
That's good.
Hello!
Where's Nizaemon?
He's inside.
Good to see you both.
How is it?
I'm much better, thank you.
Not you.
I meant the fugitive Chuji.
How would I know?
Wasn't a confidential letter
delivered to you?
From Chuji?
You and Chuji go back a long way.
No, we don't.
Don't mess with us!
Better stop protecting Chuji, or else!
Please. My dad is ill.
So he is. We'll have to
question you instead.
What are you doing?!
Dad..!
Let me go!
Dad..!
- What are you guys up to?
- Who the hell are you?!
With Boss Chuji gone, the place
is crawling with lousy lawmen.
You punk! Who the hell are you?
Who the hell? I'm Kotengu
Eijiro from Omaeda, Joshu.
I'm no hooligan.
I was riled at them for
driving Boss Chuji out.
So you're the young boss Omaeda.
My dad sent me off to
get some hard knocks.
I came back to learn of
that fiasco at Mt. Akagi,
and was told to find out
about Boss Chuji here.
Boss Chuji went to your place.
We just received his letter.
To my place?
That's right, it's almost
casino fest time.
Tonight's the evening fest.
The place must be jumping.
Thank you for helping
us set up a stage.
Thank you.
♪ I thought we made a promise. ♪
♪ But there goes the bridal carriage. ♪
♪ Carrying the bride,
who looks the other way. ♪
♪ To memories of days gone
by and the love we shared. ♪
♪ Good-bye... Good-bye... ♪
Don't let up, Kichigoro, just
because it's an Omaeda fest.
Keep your eye out for
anything suspicious.
If Chuji and his men show up,
arrest them on the spot.
Yes, sir.
There's bound to be
fights at the festival
and troublemakers at the casinos.
Remember that.
Yes, sir.
I'll call you if I need you.
Rookies always work extra hard.
Are you all set?
I've rounded up 40-50
thugs and hooligans.
There's going to be a
huge crowd at the fest.
All they have to do is cause
mayhem posing as Chuji's men.
We'll blame old man Omaeda for it and
throw him in jail,
and finish the Omaeda.
Miki?
Meet Choshi lawman Iioka Sukegoro.
I looked around for Chuji,
but he isn't showing up.
You're looking for him, too, sir?
Chuji has a strong sense of duty.
He'll show up.
Hello!
Welcome.
I want to see the innkeeper.
Get him for me.
I'm afraid our master doesn't
associate with yakuza.
What?!
Who the hell do you think
I am, you old geezer?!
Don't I remember Mori
Ishimatsu, you mean?
Why, Boss Sakurabashi!
That's not me, not as far
as my wife is concerned.
Oh, that's right. Sorry.
In that case,
I want to negotiate room
rates with you, innkeeper.
How's that, boss...
I mean, innkeeper?
That's business. Come inside.
Now for your entertainment
is a juggling act featuring
our very own Mistress Shinobu!
Ready?
What are you doing?!
Give me that!
What are you doing?!
Come on! Where's your act?
Here's Mistress Shinobu.
Huh? What the..?
You're all wet.
I'm drenched.
How come?
I was angling.
Hanging?
Not hanging, angling.
Oh, angling.
I can tell from the waves
what fish are biting.
From the waves?
How about when the waves are small?
Small fry.
When the waves are huge?
Whales.
When waves are hair-raising high?
Hairtails.
When they're swirling and turbinate?
Turbos.
Do you have to go to this Juji-ya inn?
I have to find out where my boss is.
Do you have to go?
Of course. I can't hide out
with your troupe forever.
We travel from one
unknown place to another,
living a life of fantasy.
Fantasy?
Yes, fantasizing what
it'd be like if you were to
join our troupe and dance
on stage with us.
I'll never forget the few days
we spent together, Ofusa.
We'll meet again someday.
So long.
So long, pops.
You're up next, Ofusa.
Wait till dark.
♪ A girl's tender love is
like a delicate flower. ♪
♪ No, no. Please don't puck it. ♪
♪ I know how you want to,
but once you do, that's it. ♪
♪ Wait just a while longer. ♪
♪ Just a while longer. ♪
♪ A girl's tender love is like
a flower bud. ♪
♪ A tiny, tiny flower of love. ♪
♪ The evening dew can turn
into morning tears. ♪
♪ So wait just a while longer. ♪
♪ Just a while longer. ♪
TAKE CARE, OFUSA
Boss!
After him!
Tomokichi?
Boss!
We meet again.
You're forcing me to draw my sword?
I don't believe in
meaningless bloodshed.
Just to let you know,
I'm not staying at Juji-ya inn,
in Sakurabashi.
What is that?
Since when does the law
send me a welcome party?
Who are you men?
I'm Sasagawa Shigezo,
and we're here for the
Omaeda casino fest.
We're coming through.
Sasagawa Shigezo's shown up?
Sasagawa Shigezo and Chuji are family.
He's here to show support
for the Omaeda.
Shigezo will make things
difficult for us.
The Sasagawa were next to go,
after the Omaeda.
But I could take care
of them both at once.
Then there will be no
one left to defy me.
So what now?
You challenge Shigezo
to a duel, Sukegoro.
He isn't one to back
down from a challenge.
Challenge Shigezo?
Kill him at the Tone riverbed
tomorrow morning.
I'll take care of the rest
as Hasshu marshal.
Then go to the Hachiman shrine grounds
and tear down the Omaeda casinos.
I'll arrest Eigoro.
But Sasagawa Shigezo brought
Tomigoro and his best men with him.
He won't go down so easily.
Don't worry.
Sir Hirate?
How about it, Miki?
You yakuza take care of
your own. I'll take Chuji.
Chuji has a strong sense of duty.
He'll show up when he finds out
Shigezo is taking on Sukegoro.
He will, will he?
Welcome!
Master, Boss Sasagawa is here.
He is?
The fest tomorrow is going
to be something else.
Iioka must be here with the
Hasshu marshal to break up the fest.
Boss Omaeda is old and ailing.
The Hasshu marshal is resorting to his
usual tactic to take him out.
With both the Kunisada
and Omaeda bosses out,
it'll be doom and gloom
for the Hasshu lands.
I swear to you, Minosuke,
I, Sasagawa Seizo, will see
the Omaeda fest through.
I'm glad to hear that.
You've gone straight.
I didn't want to tell you this.
But should anything happen to me,
will you send word to my people for me?
I'll relax tonight.
A letter for you, Boss Sasagawa.
A letter?
It's sealed the wrong way.
Never mind, open it.
Tomorrow morning at six,
at the Tone riverbed.
They're bent on keeping
me from the fest.
Well, good night.
What now, dear?
You'll have no part of it.
You left the yakuza life
for me. Don't forget that.
Don't leave our guests
to the maids, Ohama.
Let's go.
The Sasagawa group just left.
Oh.
What's this?
A divorce notice.
Sakurabashi Minosuke may no longer
be a yakuza, but he's still a man.
Just divorce me.
No, dear! I won't do it!
If you insist on it,
you kill me right now!
Dear..!
It's almost time, boss.
Be on your guard.
Go!
Sakurabashi..?
Why don't you stop them, Kichigoro?
You're a man of the law!
It's Chuji! Chuji's here!
It's Chuji! Kill him!
M-m-mori Ishimatsu,
here to assist the Sasagawa!
Chuji! A posse's got the
Omaeda surrounded!
Oh, no! You go to the
Omaedas', Sasagawa!
Hold it!
Kunisada!
Why didn't you come by?
I was expecting you!
I didn't want to give
your loving wife grief.
I just killed Kichigoro.
Kichigoro?
Chuji!
I've waited for this.
You cowards! Stop!
Chuji..! Our duel..!
This isn't right..!
You mangy dogs!
Whose hired killers are you?
You can't pull that "hand
of the law" crap on me.
Step up, if you want to try me.
Settle down!
I am Hasshu marshal Nakayama Seiichiro.
I'm placing you all under arrest!
Hey! Boss Omaeda is surrounded!
Boss!
Boss Kunisada!
Hey, Hasshu marshal!
Here's the payback
for the Mt. Akagi fiasco!
Abuse your authority to take
out the Omaeda, will you?!
Boss Omaeda!
Dad!
Thanks for coming, Kunisada.
I'm glad to see you.
Pops!
On with the Omaeda fest, all of you.
This is where you step up and start
acting like a young boss, Eijiro.
Say hello to your bosses, Tomokichi.
This is where you're going
to learn your ropes.
I'm counting on you, Sakurabashi.
I'll watch over the young
boss and Tomokichi.
I'm glad to hear that.
You give my best to your wife.
Tell all the bosses the Omaeda
casino fest is alive and well.
I sure will.
Going already, Boss Kunisada?
I killed the sheriff,
and now the Hasshu marshal.
I'll be an aimless
wanderer for a while.
I forgot to give you
Boss Jirocho's message.
Let me accompany you back
to Shimizu, Boss Chuji.
You tell Jirocho for me,
I don't want to cause
him any more trouble.
Take me with you, boss.
You can't go alone.
I won't be alone.
I have Komatsugoro Yoshikane
here to keep me company.
THE END