
In the Kyōhō era under the Tokugawa shogunate, a conspiracy to usurp the household unfolded at Shinshū Kurohime Castle. The lord, Yūki Takanobu (played by Kurama Hayatarō), was targeted by his concubine O-Ran (Ayukawa Tōshiko) and her son Harunosuke, conspiring with the evil steward, Ōnuki Jūtayū (Kagawa Ryōsuke). Takanobu was assassinated by Jūtayū's swordsman Totsuka Denpachirō (Morozumi Keijirō) during a hunting expedition. The righteous elder retainer, Mizuki Shōzaemon, faced a crisis after supporting the legitimate heir, Takechiyo.
Directed by Tadashi Ashihara, 黒姫秘帳 前篇 奪われた鬼面、後篇 不知火の美女 leans on a strong ensemble — Tomiemon Otomo, Katsuo Nakamura, Chikako Miyagi — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.
The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 1956.
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The mother of a feudal lord's only heir is kidnapped by the lord. Her husband and his samurai father must decide whether to accept the unjust decision, or risk death to rescue her.
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