The Lizard A.K.A. The Kung Fu Lizard • 壁虎 (1977)

The Lizard (1977), also released as The Kung Fu Lizard, was originally released as Bi Hu (壁虎). Directed by legendary filmmaker Chu Yuan and produced by Run Run Shaw for Shaw Brothers Studio, the film stars Yueh Hua, Connie Chan Po-Chu, Lo Lieh, Yeung Chi-Hing, Ku Man-Chung, Ouyang Sha-Fei, and Wong Ching-Ho. Blending martial arts, mystery, comedy, and masked-vigilante adventure, this stylish Shaw Brothers production delivers imaginative action and colorful characters.

STORY OVERVIEW

A mysterious masked thief known as "The Lizard" earns a reputation for robbing ruthless criminals while remaining beyond the reach of the authorities. His unusual climbing skills and martial arts abilities soon draw him into a dangerous mystery involving murder, deception, hidden identities, and powerful enemies.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

The Lizard combines traditional kung fu with acrobatic climbing, rooftop chases, swordplay, and imaginative stunt work. Chu Yuan mixes action with mystery and humor, while Yueh Hua brings a distinctive athletic style to the masked hero.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

The Lizard is an unusual entry in the Shaw Brothers catalog, mixing kung fu, mystery, comedy, and masked-vigilante adventure. Collectors appreciate Yueh Hua's charismatic performance, appearances by Lo Lieh and Connie Chan, and Chu Yuan's willingness to move beyond conventional martial arts storytelling.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in 1977, The Lizard demonstrates Chu Yuan's versatility during the golden era of Shaw Brothers filmmaking. Its combination of martial arts, mystery, humor, and comic book-style adventure gives it a distinctive place among 1970s Hong Kong kung fu movies.

• Verified AKAs:
  • The Lizard – International English title
  • The Kung Fu Lizard – Alternate English title
  • Bi Hu – Mandarin Pinyin
  • Bik Fu – Cantonese romanization
  • 壁虎 – Original Chinese title
• Director: Chu Yuan
• Producer: Run Run Shaw
• Screenplay: Ni Kuang
• Music: Frankie Chan
• Cinematography: Huang Yeh-Tai
• Editor: Chiang Hsing-Lung
• Action Directors: Tang Chia, Huang Pei-Chih
• Production Company: Shaw Brothers Studio
• Distributor: Shaw Brothers Studio
• Starring: Yueh Hua, Connie Chan Po-Chu, Lo Lieh, Yeung Chi-Hing, Ku Man-Chung, Ouyang Sha-Fei, Wong Ching-Ho, Ching Miao, Lau Wai-Ling, Yuen Wah
• Country: Hong Kong
• Genre: Martial Arts, Kung Fu, Mystery, Action, Comedy
• Martial Arts Focus: Traditional Kung Fu, Acrobatics, Swordplay
• Format: DVD
• Language: English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo – Dual Mono)
• Region: All Regions
• Running Time: 101 Minutes
• Release Year: 1977

Prepared for collectors of classic martial arts cinema by ClassicKungFuMovies.com.