Return to the 36th Chamber A.K.A. Return of the Master Killer • 少林搭棚大師 (1980)

Return to the 36th Chamber (1980), also released as Return of the Master Killer and Master Killer II, was originally released as 少林搭棚大師 (Siu Lam Daap Paang Daai Si / Shao Lin Da Peng Da Shi). Directed by legendary filmmaker Lau Kar-leung for Shaw Brothers Studio, this classic martial arts comedy stars Gordon Liu (Liu Chia-hui), Johnny Wang Lung-wei, Hsiao Ho, Kara Hui Ying-hung, King Chu Lee, and Wong Ching-ho. Following the success of The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, the film takes Gordon Liu in a completely different role as a clever street hustler who becomes involved in a struggle between exploited factory workers and the powerful men controlling them. Its unusual bamboo scaffolding training and inventive kung fu choreography helped make it one of Shaw Brothers Studio's most popular martial arts comedies.

STORY OVERVIEW

When workers at a local dyeing factory are mistreated and have their wages cut by a powerful owner protected by Manchu enforcers, they desperately look for someone who can help them fight back. Their hopes turn to Chou Jen-cheh, a street hustler who agrees to impersonate the Shaolin monk San Te in order to frighten the factory's enforcers.

When Chou's deception is exposed and the workers suffer even greater punishment, he realizes that his actions have only made their situation worse. Determined to make amends, he sets out for Shaolin Temple and attempts to learn kung fu. Although he is not accepted as an ordinary disciple, his work constructing bamboo scaffolding around the temple allows him to observe the monks' movements and develop an unusual approach to martial arts training.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

Return to the 36th Chamber is best known for its innovative bamboo scaffolding sequences, which turn construction work into an unconventional form of kung fu training. Lau Kar-leung's choreography combines traditional hand techniques, pole fighting, balance, footwork, and improvised movements with physical comedy, giving Gordon Liu's character a fighting style that is completely different from the disciplined Shaolin training seen in The 36th Chamber of Shaolin.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Collectors appreciate Return to the 36th Chamber because Gordon Liu plays a new character rather than returning as the Shaolin monk San Te from the first film. His performance as the scheming but ultimately determined Chou Jen-cheh gives the movie its distinctive comic personality, while Johnny Wang Lung-wei, Hsiao Ho, Kara Hui, and the supporting cast add memorable characters and opponents. The combination of comedy, unusual training, bamboo scaffolding, and classic Shaw Brothers fight choreography makes it an essential title for fans of 1980s kung fu cinema.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in 1980, Return to the 36th Chamber became the second film in the loosely connected 36th Chamber series, following The 36th Chamber of Shaolin and preceding Disciples of the 36th Chamber. Rather than continuing the original story directly, Lau Kar-leung used the same Shaolin setting and Gordon Liu in a different role to create a lighter martial arts comedy. The film remains notable for its creative training concept and its distinctive blend of traditional kung fu and humor.

• Verified AKAs:
  • Return to the 36th Chamber – International English title
  • Return of the Master Killer – Alternate English title
  • Master Killer II – Alternate English title
  • 少林搭棚大師 – Original Traditional Chinese title
  • 少林搭棚大师 – Simplified Chinese title
  • Siu Lam Daap Paang Daai Si – Cantonese romanization
  • Shao Lin Da Peng Da Shi – Mandarin romanization
• Director: Lau Kar-leung
• Producer: Mona Fong
• Executive Producer: Run Run Shaw
• Screenplay: Ni Kuang
• Action Director: Lau Kar-leung
• Music: Eddie Wang
• Cinematography: Peter Ngor Chi-kwan
• Editors: 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: Shaolin Kung Fu, Pole Fighting, Traditional Kung Fu, Bamboo Scaffolding Training
• Starring: Gordon Liu (Liu Chia-hui), Johnny Wang Lung-wei, Hsiao Ho, Kara Hui Ying-hung, King Chu Lee, Wong Ching-ho
• Format: DVD
• Language: Cantonese, Mandarin
• Subtitles: English
• Region: All Regions
• Running Time: 101 Minutes
• Release Year: 1980

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