The Black Tavern A.K.A. Black Inn • 黑店 (1972)

The Black Tavern Also Known As: Black Inn · 黑店. A rumor that a corrupt official is carrying a fortune brings ruthless martial artists to a remote inn.

The Story

A rumor spreads that a corrupt official is traveling with a fortune in valuables. The promise of easy riches draws swordsmen, thieves and opportunists to a lonely roadside tavern, where every arrival seems to be hiding something. What begins as a gathering of strangers soon becomes a contest of suspicion and greed.

Inside the inn, rival plans overlap and alliances prove unreliable. Some guests hope to steal the treasure by force; others rely on deception and patience. As the truth about the travelers emerges, the tavern turns into a battleground where no one can safely assume who is friend or enemy.

The Martial Arts

The Black Tavern belongs to the darker side of early-1970s Shaw Brothers swordplay. Rather than building its tension around a single tournament, the film uses a confined setting, sudden attacks and shifting loyalties to bring its armed characters into conflict. The sword fights work alongside the mystery: viewers are left watching not just how the fighters move, but when they will reveal their intentions.

Why Collectors Pick It

The film's tavern setting gives it a distinctive place among Shaw Brothers wuxia movies. Shih Szu, Ku Feng and Tung Li contribute to a cast of competing personalities, while the promise of stolen wealth drives the story forward. Collectors who enjoy lesser-known Hong Kong swordplay, masked motives and tense ensemble adventures may find it particularly interesting.

Collector's Note

Released in 1972, The Black Tavern is part of the period when Shaw Brothers was producing a wide range of swordplay films alongside its better-known kung fu stories. Its alternate English title, Black Inn, is useful for identifying the film in older catalogs and collector discussions. Artwork and packaging can differ between editions; the poster used here is not proof of a particular factory-sealed DVD release.

International & Alternate Titles

Film & DVD Details

Related Films & Collections

For more Shaw Brothers kung fu movies and rare martial arts DVDs, see our related collections.

• Shaw Brothers Kung Fu Movies
• 1970s Kung Fu Movies
• Classic Kung Fu Movies
• Rare Kung Fu Movies