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| Who's Who from the film The Five Deadly Venoms | ||
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Centipede | Lu Feng |
| #2 | Snake | Wei Pai |
| #3 | Scorpion | Sun Chien |
| #4 | Lizard | Kuo Chui |
| #5 | Toad | Lo Meng |
| Teacher's Last Student | Hybrid-Venom | Chiang Sheng |
. . . . . VENOM ROLL CALL . . . . . Sun Chien -- the best kicker; sometimes he's a hero, and sometimes he's not one Kuo Chui -- usually the main hero; he often pretends to be a beggar or criminal Lu Feng -- usually plays the insidious traitor who lures the other four to doom Lo Meng -- a thick-headed but often kind muscleman; he tends not to use weapons Chiang Sheng -- a comedic, nimble stylist; nicknamed "Cutie-Pie" by his HK fans . . . . . THE "VENOMS FILMS" . . . . . (NOTE: entries preceded by a "o" denote alternate film titles entries preceded by a "6" denote films with 6 Venoms: all 5 plus Wei Pai entries preceded by a "5" denote films with 5 Venoms entries preceded by a "4" denote films with 4 Venoms entries preceded by a "3" denote films with 3 Venoms) numbers followed by a "ø" indicate proto-Venoms (pre-1978) films NOTE: films are arranged in production order. Release order is in parentheses. x THE HELL (1975) begun in 1975, later reworked in 1977, then released as HEAVEN AND HELL 1/19/80. cf HEAVEN AND HELL 3øMARCO POLO (12/12/75)-- Fu Sheng, Chi Kuan-chung, Liu Chia-hui, Wang Lung-wei, Liang Cha-jen, Shih Szu, Carter Wong. Lu Feng and Chao Kang-Sheng (aka Chiang Sheng) appear unbilled as Tartar barbarians, then as finale guest stars with Kuo Chui. Intro: Kuo Chui (aka THE FOUR ASSASSINS) [Proto-Ven] o THE FOUR ASSASSINS: see MARCO POLO (1975) 3øNEW SHAOLIN BOXERS (9/03/76)-- Fu Sheng, "Jenny," Wang Lung Wei, Leung Kar Yan. Lu Feng, Chiang Sheng and Wang Li appear as thugs, and Kuo Chui appears as Fu Sheng's classmate (US: DEMON FISTS OF KUNG-FU; aka GRANDMASTER OF DEATH aka GRANDMASTER OF KUNG FU) [a Proto-Venoms Film] o DEMON FISTS OF KUNG FU: American title for NEW SHAOLIN BOXERS (1976) o GRANDMASTER OF DEATH: see NEW SHAOLIN BOXERS (1976) o GRANDMASTER OF KUNG FU: see NEW SHAOLIN BOXERS (1976) 3øSHAOLIN AVENGERS (6/18/76) [Dir w/ Wu Ma]-- Fu Sheng, Chi Kuan-chun, Tang Yen-tsan, Lu Feng, Chiang Sheng, Kuo Chui (aka THE INVINCIBLE KUNG-FU BROTHERS) [a Proto-Venoms Film] o INVINCIBLE KUNG FU BROTHERS: see SHAOLIN AVENGERS (1976) 3øMAGNIFICENT WANDERERS (5/27/77) Guest-starring Kuo Chui and Lu Feng as Mongolian wrestlers, with Chiang Sheng as a Mongol. Lensed in 1976. (U.S. Title: MAGNIFICENT KUNG-FU WARRIORS) [a Proto-Venoms Film] o MAGNIFICENT KUNG FU WARRIORS: Amer. title for MAGNIFICENT WANDERERS (1977) 4øSHAOLIN TEMPLE (12/22/76) [Dir, Writer]-- Fu Sheng, David Chiang, Ti Lung, Chi Kuan Chun, Kuo Chui, Chiang Sheng, Lu Feng; 1st app. Lo Mang as a slain monk. Debut: Ku Feng (aka DEATH CHAMBER) [a Proto-Venoms Film] o DEATH CHAMBER: see SHAOLIN TEMPLE (1976) 4øTHE NAVAL COMMANDOS (4/7/77) [Made in Taiwan]-- Fu Sheng, Chi Kuan-chun, Ti Lung, David Chiang, Kuo Chui, Chiang Sheng, Lu Feng, Lo Meng. The first appearances of Yu Tai-Ping and Yang Hsuing (aka "Brass Head"). [Proto-Ven] 4øBRAVE ARCHER (7/30/77)-- Fu Sheng, Ku Kuan-chun, Danny Lee, Dick Wei, Ti Lung, Ku Feng, Kuo Chui [aka Philip Kwok], Lo Meng (billed under his real name Luo Kuen Lin), Lu Feng, Chiang Sheng. The first appearance of Kara Hui Ying-Hung (US: KUNG FU WARLORDS, worldwide: SHAOLIN ARCHERS) [Proto-Venoms] o KUNG FU WARLORDS: American title for THE BRAVE ARCHER (1977) o SHAOLIN ARCHERS: worldwide title for BRAVE ARCHER (1977) 4øLIFE GAMBLE (4/26/78 in Taiwan, 2/22/79 in HK)-- Kuo Chui, Fu Sheng, Lo Meng, Lu Feng, Wang Lung Wei, Hui Ying Hung, Chiang Sheng (billed as Chao Kang-Sheng) Intro: Lo Mang (under his stage name for the first time). Lensed in 1977. (aka LIFE COMBAT) [a Proto-Venoms Film] o LIFE COMBAT: see LIFE GAMBLE (1978) 5øTHE CHINATOWN KID (12/2/77)-- Fu Sheng, Kuo Chui, Chiang Sheng, Lu Feng, Lo Meng. Debut: Sun Chien [therefore, the first Venoms film, in a way]. Wang Li appears uncredited as Tsai Hung's bodyguard/assassin in scenes found in the export (US) version, but not in Chinese versions [a Proto-Venoms Film] 5øHEAVEN AND HELL (1/19/80)-- David Chiang, Maggie Li Lin-lin, Kuo Chui, Lo Meng, Sun Chien, Tang Yen-tsan, Fu Sheng, Chiang Sheng, Lu Feng. The first appearance of Li Yi-Min. Began in 1975 under the name THE HELL without any venomous involvement, but would later be reworked to include them. With David Chiang, Maggie Li Lin-Lin, Shih Szu and Liu Chia-Yung unavailable, the project is reworked in 1977 to incorporate cast of THE CHINATOWN KID in flashbacks to their characters' mortal lives. The Venoms complete the third act, working around footage with Li Yi-Min. Finally sees release in January 1980. (aka SHAOLIN HELLGATE) cf THE HELL [a Proto-Venoms Film] o SHAOLIN HELLGATE: see HEAVEN AND HELL (1977, released in HK in 1980) 6 THE BRAVE ARCHER, THE SEQUEL (5/13/78)-- Fu Sheng, Chang Cheh, Wang Lung Wei, Ku Feng, Kuo Chui, Ti Lung, Sun Chien, Lu Feng, Lo Meng, Chiang Sheng. First appearance of Wei Pai, as a swordsman during a flashback sequence. (US: KUNG FU WARLORDS, PART II, worldwide: SHAOLIN ARCHERS PART 2; aka BRAVE ARCHER, PART II) o BRAVE ARCHER, PART II: see THE BRAVE ARCHER, THE SEQUEL (1978) o KUNG FU WARLORDS, PART II: Amer. title for THE BRAVE ARCHER, PART II (1978) o SHAOLIN ARCHERS PART 2: see BRAVE ARCHER, PART II (1978) 6 INVINCIBLE SHAOLIN (11/19/78)-- Wang Lung-wei, Chiang Sheng, Adam Cheng, Sun Chien, Lu Feng, Lo Meng, Kuo Chui, Hui Ying-hung, Tu Lung [aka Dick Wei], Wei Pai. First Venoms film lensed without Ti Lung or Fu Sheng. Last Kara Hui Ying-Hung. (US: UNBEATABLE DRAGON, worldwide: SHAOLIN BLOODSHED; aka NORTH SHAOLIN VS. SOUTH SHAOLIN) o NORTH SHAOLIN VS. SOUTH SHAOLIN: see INVINCIBLE SHAOLIN (1978) o SHAOLIN BLOODSHED: worldwide title for INVINCIBLE SHAOLIN (1978) o THE UNBEATABLE DRAGON: American title for INVINCIBLE SHAOLIN (1978) 6 TEN TIGERS OF KUANGTUNG (12/20/80) [Dir w/ Chiang Sheng and Chen Yu-wen]-- Ti Lung, Fu Sheng, Wang Lung-wei, Ku Feng, Chiang Sheng, Lu Feng, Lo Meng, Kuo Chui, Sun Chien, Lung Tien Sheng, Hsiao Ho, Wei Pai, Wang Li. Begun in 1978, then shelved. Framing sequences completed with the participation of Chien Hsiao-Hao and Lung Tien-Sheng, then released December 1980. 6 THE FIVE VENOMS (8/12/78)-- Sun Chien, Kuo Chui, Chiang Sheng, Ku Feng, Lo Meng, Wei Pai, Wang Lung-wei, Tu Lung [aka Dick Wei], Lu Feng. The second Venoms film (after INVINCIBLE SHAOLIN) lensed without Ti Lung or Fu Sheng. (US: THE FIVE DEADLY VENOMS, worldwide: SHAOLIN DEADLY POISONS) o THE FIVE DEADLY VENOMS: American title for THE FIVE VENOMS (1978) o SHAOLIN DEADLY POISONS: worldwide title for THE FIVE VENOMS (1978) 6 THE KID WITH THE GOLDEN ARM (11/2/79)-- Sun Chien, Lo Meng, Lu Feng, Chiang Sheng, Kuo Chui, Pau Ping-chang, Wang Lung-wei, Wei Pai, Dick Wei. Lensed in 1978. Final appearance of Wei Pai, who leaves to make LAST HURRAH FOR CHIVALRY for director Wu Yu-Sen (John Woo) at rival studio Golden Harvest. 5 CRIPPLED AVENGERS (12/21/78)-- Chen Kuan-tai, Wang Lung-wei, Lo Meng, Lu Feng, Kuo Chui, Sun Chien, Chiang Sheng, Dick Wei [aka Tu Lung]. First Venoms film without Wei Pai. Last Chen Kuan-Tai film for Chang Cheh whilst at Shaw Studios. (US: MORTAL COMBAT; aka CRIPPLED HEROES, aka AVENGING HANDICAPPED, aka RETURN OF THE FIVE DEADLY VENOMS) o AVENGING HANDICAPPED: see CRIPPLED AVENGERS (1978) o CRIPPLED HEROES: see CRIPPLED AVENGERS (1978) o MORTAL COMBAT: American title for CRIPPLED AVENGERS (1978) o RETURN OF THE 5 DEADLY VENOMS: 1998 retitling of CRIPPLED AVENGERS (1978) 5 SHAOLIN RESCUERS (3/24/79)-- Lo Meng, Kuo Chui, Lu Feng, Jason Pai Piao, Sun Chien, Chiang Sheng, Ku Kuan-chung. Wang Li's first co-starring role; he receives introduction billing in credits. (aka AVENGING WARRIORS OF SHAOLIN) o AVENGING WARRIORS OF SHAOLIN: see SHAOLIN RESCUERS (1979) 5 MAGNIFICENT RUFFIANS (9/20/79)-- Lu Feng, Lo Meng, Wang Li, Chiang Sheng, Kuo Chui, Sun Chien, Wang Lai, Liu An Li (US: THE DESTROYERS; aka DESTROYERS OF THE FIVE DEADLY VENOMS) o THE DESTROYERS: American title for MAGNIFICENT RUFFIANS (1979) o DESTROYERS OF THE FIVE DEADLY VENOMS: see MAGNIFICENT RUFFIANS (1979) 5 THE DAREDEVILS (6/29/79)-- Lo Meng, Chiang Sheng, Lu Feng, Kuo Chui, Sun Chien, Wang Li. Wang Li replaces Wang Lung-Wei as the villain for the remainder of the series. (US: DAREDEVILS OF KUNG FU; aka SHAOLIN DAREDEVILS, aka VENOM WARRIORS) o DAREDEVILS OF KUNG FU: American title for THE DAREDEVILS (1979) o SHAOLIN DAREDEVILS: see THE DAREDEVILS (1979) o VENOM WARRIORS: see THE DAREDEVILS (1979) 5 REBEL INTRUDERS (9/11/80)-- Kuo Chui, Lo Meng, Chiang Sheng, Sun Chien, Lu Feng, Wang Li. First appearance of Chien Hsiao-Hao. Linda Chu's first contract film for Chang Cheh. Last Yang Hsiung ("Brass Head") film for Chang Cheh. (US: KILLER ARMY, worldwide: THE GUERILLAS) o THE GUERRILLAS: worldwide title for REBEL INTRUDERS (1980) o KILLER ARMY: American title for REBEL INTRUDERS (1980) 5 BRAVE ARCHER, PART 3 (11/12/81)-- Fu Sheng, Lo Meng, Ti Lung, Kuo Chui, Chiang Sheng, Sun Chien, Lu Feng, Li Li-li, Chu Ko. Last Ti Lung film for Chang Cheh whilst at Shaw Studios. Begun in 1980, shelved, then completed in 1981 with the participation of newcomers Cheng Tien-Chi and Chu Ko. (US: BLAST OF THE IRON PALM; aka KUNG FU WARLORDS, PART III) o BLAST OF THE IRON PALM: American title for BRAVE ARCHER, PART III (1981) o KUNG FU WARLORDS, PART III: Amer. title for THE BRAVE ARCHER, PART III (1981) 4 TWO CHAMPIONS OF SHAOLIN (4/12/80)-- Lo Meng, Chiang Sheng, Sun Chien, Yang Tsing-tsing, Lu Feng, Wang Li, Wen Hsueh Erh. Intro: Chien Hsiao-hao. Lo Mang's exclusive contract with Chang Cheh expires and signs on with Shaw Brothers as a contract player. He begins working with various directors at the Shaw Studio and appears in films such as LION VS LION, CLAN FEUDS, HUMAN LANTERNS, HEX AFTER HEX, FAST FINGERS, CRAZY SHAOLIN DISCIPLES and PURSUIT OF A KILLER. Lo Mang would return one more time for FIVE ELEMENT NINJAS in 1982. Sun Chien's exclusive contract with Chang also expires and he signs on with Shaws as a contract player appearing in films such as HUMAN LANTERNS, SPIRIT OF THE SWORD, and THE LADY IS THE BOSS. Sun Chien would return for HOUSE OF TRAPS and ODE TO GALLANTRY. Chien Hsiao-Hao makes his debut as one of Chang Cheh's godsons and receives introduction billing in credits. Wen Hsueh-Erh's first contract film for Chang Cheh. (US: TWO CHAMPIONS OF DEATH, worldwide: SHAOLIN AGAINST WU-TANG) o SHAOLIN AGAINST WU-TANG: worldwide title for TWO CHAMPIONS OF SHAOLIN (1980) o TWO CHAMPIONS OF DEATH: American title for TWO CHAMPIONS OF SHAOLIN (1980) 3 LEGEND OF THE FOX (11/15/80)-- Kuo Chui, Lu Feng, Chiang Sheng, Chien Hsiao-hao. Linda Chu's second contract film for Chang Cheh. 3 ODE TO GALLANTRY (12/16/82)-- Kuo Chui in 2 roles, Sun Chien, Wang Li, Chiang Sheng, Chu Ko and Cheng Tien-chi. Wen Hsueh-Erh's second contract film for Chang Cheh. Lensed in 1980, shelved, then completed in 1982 with the participation of newcomers Cheng Tien-Chi and Chu Ko. 3 THE FLAG OF IRON (8/14/80)-- Kuo Chiu, Chiang Sheng, Lung Tien Sheng, Lu Feng, Wang Li. Debut Tien Sheng. (US: THE SPEARMAN OF DEATH) o THE SPEARMAN OF DEATH: American title for THE FLAG OF IRON (1980) 3 SWORD STAINED WITH ROYAL BLOOD (3/6/81)-- Kuo Chui, Lu Feng, Chiang Sheng, Ching Li, Shan Shen, Lung Tien Sheng, Wang Li. First appearance of Chao Kuo and Chu Ko. Wen Hsueh-Erh's third contract film for Chang Cheh. 3 BRAVE ARCHER AND HIS MATE (2/25/82)-- Kuo Chui, Fu Sheng, Chiang Sheng, Lu Feng, Andy Lau [Lau is only according to the IMDb]. Wen Hsueh-Erh's fourth contract film for Chang Cheh. Lensed in 1980 or 1981. Lung Tien-Sheng appears as Yang Kang, originally portrayed by Li Yi-Min (Pts. 1 & 2) and Yu Tai-Ping (Pt. 3). Fu Sheng's final film for Chang Cheh before his untimely death. (Wordwide: MYSTERIOUS ISLAND; aka BRAVE ARCHER, PART IV) o BRAVE ARCHER, PART IV: see BRAVE ARCHER AND HIS MATE (1981) o KUNG FU WARLORDS, PART IV: Amer. title for BRAVE ARCHER AND HIS MATE (1981) o MYSTERIOUS ISLAND: worldwide title for BRAVE ARCHER AND HIS MATE (1982) 3 MASKED AVENGERS (5/15/81)-- Chiang Sheng, Hsiao Ho, Kuo Chui, Wang Li, Lu Feng, Lhien Siu Hao, Chu Ko. Chu Ko makes his insidious debut. 4 HOUSE OF TRAPS (1/9/82)-- Lu Feng, Wang Li, Sun Chien, Kuo Chui, Hsiao Ho, Chiang Sheng, Lung Tien Sheng, Chu Ko 3 RUTHLESS TACTICS (1982) [Dir Kuo Chui, not Chang Cheh]-- Ti Lung, Kuo Chui, Lu Feng, Chiang Sheng, Yasuaki Kurata [aka Shoji Kurata] (US: NINJA IN THE DEADLY TRAP, Worldwide: NINJITSU, Korean Title: THE HERO DEFEATING JAPS; aka NINJA KUNG FU) o THE HERO DEFEATING JAPS: Korean title for RUTHLESS TACTICS (1982) o NINJA IN THE DEADLY TRAP: American title for RUTHLESS TACTICS (1982) o NINJA KUNG FU: see RUTHLESS TACTICS (1982) o NINJITSU: worldwide title for RUTHLESS TACTICS (1982) |