General Stone and the 18 Warriors A.K.A. General Stone • 十三太保李存孝 (1977)

General Stone (1977), also known as General Stone and the 18 Warriors, was originally released as 十三太保李存孝 (Shi San Tai Bao Li Cun Xiao). Directed by Hung Tao, this unusual martial arts fantasy stars Tan Tao-liang as Li Cunxiao, alongside Polly Shang-Kuan Ling-Feng, Chen Shen-Lin, Lung Fei, and Blackie Ko Sau-Leung. Set against the turmoil of the late Tang dynasty and the rebellion of Huang Chao, the film combines traditional kung fu, historical legend, fantasy, and supernatural elements surrounding the mysterious Stone Warriors.

STORY OVERVIEW

When Huang Chao's rebellion threatens the kingdom, the legendary General Stone is killed under mysterious circumstances. His son, Li Cunxiao, known as Flash Legs, becomes determined to uncover the truth and take revenge for his father's death. His journey eventually leads him toward the legendary Stone Warriors and the supernatural powers connected to his family's past.

As Li Cunxiao becomes involved in the struggle against Huang Chao's forces, he discovers that the Stone Warriors possess extraordinary powers and that his own destiny is tied to their ancient legacy. With the help of martial arts training and the mysterious forces surrounding the stone guardians, Li Cunxiao prepares himself for the battles ahead and ultimately joins the fight against the rebellion.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

General Stone combines Tan Tao-liang's celebrated kicking techniques with traditional hand-to-hand kung fu, weapons fighting, and fantasy-inspired combat. The film's most distinctive feature is its use of the legendary 18 Stone Warriors, bringing supernatural imagery and martial arts mythology together in a style that sets the movie apart from more conventional 1970s kung fu productions.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

General Stone is an especially unusual title for collectors because it combines the historical legend of Li Cunxiao with supernatural fantasy and martial arts. Tan Tao-liang gives the film an athletic lead performance, while Polly Shang-Kuan Ling-Feng, Lung Fei, and Blackie Ko Sau-Leung add familiar faces from the Taiwanese and Hong Kong martial arts cinema of the period. The strange mythology of the Stone Warriors makes this a particularly distinctive entry in the rare kung fu film canon.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Completed in 1976 and released theatrically in Taiwan on February 3, 1977, General Stone draws on the legendary figure of Li Cunxiao, one of the famed Thirteen Guardians associated with Li Keyong in Chinese historical tradition and later popular storytelling. The film transforms that legendary warrior into the central figure of a supernatural martial arts adventure, combining late-Tang historical imagery with fantasy elements. Its unusual approach makes it an interesting example of the imaginative martial arts filmmaking produced during the 1970s kung fu boom.

• Verified A.K.A.s:
  • General Stone – International English title
  • General Stone and the 18 Warriors – English home-video title
  • 十三太保李存孝 – Original Traditional Chinese title
  • Shi San Tai Bao Li Cun Xiao – Mandarin romanization
• Director: Hung Tao
• Producers: Cheung Yan-Git, Yuan-Yao Chang, Alex Gouw
• Screenplay: Yun Peng Chu, Yao-feng Li
• Music: Huang Mao-Shan
• Cinematography: Lai Wen-Hsiung
• Editor: Chen Hung-Min
• Production Company: Goldig Film Company
• Starring: Tan Tao-liang, Polly Shang-Kuan Ling-Feng, Chen Shen-Lin, Lung Fei, Blackie Ko Sau-Leung, Chuen Yuen, Kwan Hung
• Country: Taiwan / Hong Kong
• Genre: Martial Arts, Action, Fantasy, Adventure, Wuxia
• Martial Arts Focus: Traditional Kung Fu, Kicking Techniques, Hand-to-Hand Combat, Weapons Fighting
• Format: DVD
• Original Language: Mandarin
• Running Time: Approximately 80–82 Minutes
• Release Year: 1977

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