Dirty Ho A.K.A. Lan Tau Ho • 爛頭何 (1979)

Dirty Ho (1979), also released as Lan Tau Ho, was originally released as 爛頭何 (Làn Tóu Hé / Laan Tau Ho). Directed by legendary filmmaker Lau Kar-leung for Shaw Brothers Studio, this martial arts comedy stars Wong Yue, Gordon Liu (Liu Chia-hui), Lo Lieh, Hsiao Ho, Kara Hui Ying-hung, and Wang Lung-wei. Renowned for its inventive choreography, clever humor, and authentic kung fu, the film remains one of Lau Kar-leung's finest achievements. Available from ClassicKungFuMovies.com for collectors who value accurate film details and hard-to-find physical media.

STORY OVERVIEW

Traveling incognito, the 11th Prince of the Qing Dynasty conceals both his royal identity and extraordinary martial arts skills while investigating a deadly conspiracy against his life. By allowing others to underestimate him, he quietly outmaneuvers dangerous enemies at every turn. When ruthless assassins close in, the Prince reluctantly joins forces with the crafty jewel thief Dirty Ho, leading to a series of clever deceptions, unexpected alliances, and brilliantly choreographed martial arts encounters without revealing the film's conclusion.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

Dirty Ho is celebrated for Lau Kar-leung's innovative "fighting without fighting" choreography, where seemingly ordinary movements conceal devastating martial arts techniques. Hidden attacks, improvised weapons, elegant hand techniques, and authentic Hung Gar-inspired choreography create some of the most inventive action sequences in classic kung fu cinema, culminating in an unforgettable showdown between Gordon Liu and Lo Lieh.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Dirty Ho is highly regarded by collectors for its perfect balance of comedy, authentic martial arts, and imaginative choreography. Gordon Liu delivers one of his finest performances, while Wong Yue's comic timing and Lo Lieh's commanding screen presence help make the film one of Lau Kar-leung's most admired Shaw Brothers productions.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in 1979, Dirty Ho demonstrated how martial arts comedy could blend authentic kung fu with sophisticated visual storytelling rather than relying on slapstick alone. Its creative choreography and distinctive style continue to influence martial arts filmmakers and have secured its place as one of Shaw Brothers Studio's most celebrated classics.

• Verified AKAs:
  • Dirty Ho – International English title
  • Lan Tau Ho – Alternate English title
  • 爛頭何 – Original Traditional Chinese title
  • 烂头何 – Simplified Chinese title
  • Làn Tóu Hé – Official Mandarin pinyin
  • Laan Tau Ho – Cantonese romanization
• Director: Lau Kar-leung
• Producer: Run Run Shaw
• Screenplay: Ni Kuang
• Action Director: Lau Kar-leung
• Music: Eddie Wang
• Cinematography: Arthur Wong, Ao Chih-chun
• Editor: Chiang Hsing-lung, Li Yen-hai
• Studio: Shaw Brothers Studio
• Distributor: Shaw Brothers Studio
• Country: Hong Kong
• Genre: Martial Arts, Action, Comedy
• Martial Arts Focus: Hung Gar Kung Fu, Hand-to-Hand Combat, Improvised Weapons
• Starring: Wong Yue, Gordon Liu (Liu Chia-hui), Lo Lieh, Hsiao Ho, Kara Hui Ying-hung, Wang Lung-wei
• Format: DVD
• Language: English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo)
• Subtitles: English
• Region: All Regions
• Running Time: 98 Minutes
• Release Year: 1979

Carefully researched and prepared for collectors of classic martial arts cinema by ClassicKungFuMovies.com.