Filmed in black-and-white, the series was based in part on historical events, but it borrowed heavily from the Japanese historical romance genre. The producers compensated for its low budget by using real historical locations around Japan, including the imposing feudal castles from the era. Despite its massive popularity in Japan, Australia, and the Philippines, the series was not widely screened elsewhere and its fame remains largely restricted to those countries.
Kii Province is the setting for Volume Six - 'Ninja Terror' - of The Samurai.
It tells of the succession of the new Lord of Wakayama Prefecture and the feud fomented between the rival Negoro and Kishu ninja to cause a disturbance with the new lord's enemies. Shintaro and friends have to help the Lord's cousin. Lord Yorikata. Protecting him and sort out the warring ninja. The Negoro, led by Garyudoshi and his one-eyed assistant, Onime the Bat, instigate a reign of terror, employing the various 'skills and tricks' of particular members of their clan. One such is Shinigami, the so-called 'Deathless One' who cannot be killed by conventional means.
THIRTEEN EPISODES ON FOUR DISCS
DISC 1: The Conspiracy - Oath of Revenge - Brotherly Hate
DISC 2: Black Shadow - The Trap - Ninja Decoy
DISC 3: Ninja of Death - Living Death - The Devil Mask
DISC 4: Blood Thirsty Swords - Turn Coat - Three Monks - Follow the Leader
STARRING: Koiichi Ose, Shunsuke Omori, Bin Amatsu
1964 - ENGLISH (Dubbed) - B&W - FULLSCREEN - 325 MINUTES
