Original subtitles

TOEI COMPANY, LTD.

.

RUNWAY TO HELL

Produced by: Tatsuo SAKAMAKI Original work by: Kan SHIMOZAWA Screenplay by: Heigo SUZUKI

Photography by: Shigeto MIKI Art Direction by: Akira YOSHIMURA Music by: Seiichi SUZUKI Editor: Shintaro MIYAMOTO

CAST

Kochiyama Soshun Utaemon ICHIKAWA

Naojiro Kataoka: Katsuo NAKAMURA Matsudaira Izu: Tomisaburo WAKAYAMA Moritaya Kiyozo: Jushiro KONOE

Michitose: Satomi OKA Oharu: Keiko OKAWA Koito: Keiko FUJITA Kichijuro: Ryuji SHINAGAWA

Buemon: Shin TOKUDAIJI Joga: Yoshio YOSHIDA Kinji: Juro HOSHI Murakoshi: Kanji KOSHIBA Bathhouse Owner: Atsushi WATANABE

Kitamura Daizen: Ryunosuke TSUKIGATA Okuma: Haruko SUGIMURA Yamazaki Inui: Isao YAMAGATA

Kaneko Ichinojo: Chiyonosuke AZUMA Ogin: Chikage AWASHIMA

Directed by: Masahiro MAKINO

We lost him.

You fools!

Hey, not in here!

What's the idea?

It isn't him.

He wasn't there.

Look over there.

You, there.

Get moving. They'll be back.

Come on in here.

No...!

Quiet! Want to see a sword fight in here?

Ogin!

Yes?

Just you in there?

Just me.

Good.

Go in the women's bath.

Go on!

Pardon!

Pardon!

Sir!

That wasn't very nice.

Welcome.

Did a samurai come in here?

Take a look.

No peeping. You're such a lech.

Thanks, Ogin.

You can come out now.

It was very kind of you.

From the belly of a lion to the women's bath.

You sure put one over those clueless samurai.

Sir?

Great acting.

Who would think of hiding a samurai in the women's bath

but Kochiyama Soshun?

Kochiyama?

Officially, the palace tea master monk.

Unofficially, a shady racketeer.

FUNAGIN

Got anything on courtesan Michitose's background?

Nothing much.

Isn't Morita-ya also checking?

I'm on my way to see him now.

And I thought you were coming over for a drink.

I'll come check out that ample rump of yours some other time.

You, silly man!

Hey, Kinji!

You know where he's going.

Be careful.

I'm serious.

No, Nao! You have someone special, courtesan Michitose.

That's that. This is this.

Playboy!

That's what I am.

Thank you.

Homely!

Yes?

Homely you aren't.

Michitose's given name was Otose,

and her father was a Matsue clansman.

That much we know.

Thanks to your efforts.

I'll send someone to Matsue to find out

who her mother was.

If Michitose tums out to be your sister, then what?

I'll get her out of Yoshiwara, but...

I don't know what to do about Kataoka Naojiro.

Naojiro is no problem.

Itisn't as if he's crazy about Michitose.

He figures a courtesan's good for sex and money.

You can buy him out.

But a woman is something else.

What if Michitose insists on marrying Naojiro?

What does she see in that little punk?

Well...

I never could figure women out.

Neither could I, and I've had my share of women.

Women...

Can't live with them. Can't live without them.

That Naojiro will take anything, so long as it's female.

He's something else.

I'm serious.

I'll buy you whatever you want. A hairpin? Comb?

What about that coat you wanted?

I'll buy it for you.

Don't you want me to be nice to you?

Come on and be a good girl.

Otaku!

No, no!

What's the matter?

Nao got nasty with me!

Stop crying.

Look, Nao. We put up with you only because Mstr. Kochiyama knows you.

Hah! Quiet, you fool!

Nao.

What?

Take this.

For me?

Want to see your favorite courtesan?

You got that right.

Go on.

Thank you.

Watch it!

That goes both ways.

What do you mean both ways?

You bumped into me.

How dare you!

I'll have you know that I happen to be

former Tokugawa vassal Kataoka Naojiro.

Take this!

Hold it!

What?

Hold on, Sir Kataoka. Stand down, Kayama!

I'll take you!

Hold on!

Mushu Matsue clansman, Kaneko Ichinojo?

You know who's who. Will you help us out?

You'll be well-compensated.

I'm all for compensation. But this Kaneko Ichi...

Hello, Joga.

It's cold out there, and now this rain?

You said it. How about a hot one?

No, this one's fine.

Is that you there, Nao?

Where's my take from that Hosen-ji racket, Nao?

Here you go, Joga.

Well? Say something, Nao!

I've got company, Joga.

Don't tell me you're too blind to see that.

You know we're right on the riverbank.

You talk big. Are you threatening me?

Fine.

Are you threatening to throw this blind man in the river?

Sure I am.

No, Nao!

You be quiet.

I told you I've got company, Joga.

Don't give them ideas with this Hosen-ji racket talk.

Why not, you crook?

Where's my share of the 5 ryo you shook those Hosen-ji nuns for?

It's the river for you!

You, thief! Scum!

Murderer!

Kill me if you can!

There!

KOCHIYAMA

Is that you, Mstr. Kochiyama Soshun?

Itis.

Bastard!

Owwl

My footwear.

There you go.

Oh, it's you.

I'm home, granny!

Oharu!

Back off!

Don't ever come back or you're dead.

Oharu...!

Oharu! Oharu...!

That fellow again?

He tried to stab me with this.

Maybe you can use it to pick charcoal.

Hey, you!

Open up, Okuma! I caught a prowler out here!

It's Nao.

Oh, Naojiro. Who is he calling a prowler?

You thief!

I'm not a thief! Kochiyama took Oharu from me!

He's the thief!

Who is this guy, Okuma?

He's Kichijuro, the son of a linen merchant.

He has a crush on Oharu and was harassing her,

when the master saved her and took her in.

Get rid of him.

Sure. Let's go!

He fell for you, but you couldn't stand him.

That's all.

Serve me tea.

Look; sir.

I know the heartbreak of unrequited love.

Been there, done that.

You know, I could help you out.

For this.

Sir, it's Naojiro. I'm coming in.

I got rid of that guy, for good.

What do you want?

Well...

The priest at Shogen-ji in Teramachi is a lusty fellow

who's having an affair with the wife of a big merchant.

You being a monk just like him...

Sony.

You could pretend to speak for the temple founder,

and snow him over with religious mumbo jumbo,

I figure he's good for all those priceless artifacts

in the temple vault.

One glare from you will do it, sir.

You want me to play an imposter priest?

There's 1000 ryo in it. 500 ryo for you, sir.

It's tempting, but I'll pass.

You take it up with masseuse Joga.

Joga...?

Tell him, Okuma.

Word is, you and that Joga have been

seeking out priests with a thing for women

and shaking them down.

That's just for small money.

Are you going to treat my master like some masseuse?

No! I'm talking about 1000 big ones!

It's your fault, sir, for going easy on this guy.

He takes you cheap. It's all your fault, sir.

I hear you, granny.

Come here, Nao.

I said come here, Nao.

Closer.

Go on.

Look, Nao. We're scum of the earth, you and I.

But even crooks know where to draw the line.

Or don't you know?

Are you doing all this for Michitose?

Fool!

Young lord,

I brought you something to take to Kochiyama.

Good job.

Well?

Kochiyama is notorious among the locals as a professional racketeer.

What if something happens to you?

I know.

So you were on a vendetta.

That's what I came out do Edo for.

But my enemy made me and came after me.

Your Edo clan councilor?

Yes, Kitamura Daizen.

Kitamura Daizen?

Just killing him won't do then, Kaneko.

Your father was accused of embezzling tributary funds

to the shogunate, and slain.

Killing Kitamura is easy.

But first, you have to vindicate your father.

I'm well aware of that.

Itwon'tbea real vendetta otherwise.

Word is that Kitamura still has those tributary funds,

and that riles me.

Our Edo clansmen have all sided with Kitamura

and won't let me near the lord.

I'm in, Kaneko.

Master?

Come in.

A messenger brought this from Morita-ya.

Fine.

I got the message. Are you departing now?

Good.

Is it faraway?

To Matsue, in Unshu.

Matsue?

It's about Michitose.

He's going to Matsue to seek out a relative of hers.

I'm stepping out, too.

Morita-ya's waiting for me in Yoshiwara.

I have to change.

Sir?

Don't nag me.

Ever get yourself a courtesan, Kaneko?

No, never.

Hear that, granny? Kaneko's never had a courtesan.

You can tell from his clear eyes he's never had a woman

and he's strait-laced to a fault.

Presenting the courtesan Michitose.

As soon as Tamigoro notifies you from Matsue

that Michitose is your sister, you can redeem her.

As it tums out, the man who's with her tonight is

from Matsue, and the son of the former clan councilor.

So that's why you stuck your neck out for him

and set him up with Michitose.

I hope it works.

Have a drink, my love.

I don't drink.

No thank you.

This is hopeless.

I'm afraid I have no idea what I'm supposed to do.

Forgive me.

Michitose's only known men who pay big money to fawn on her.

Which is why she sees in a poor cheat like Nao a man among men.

Meeting a strait-laced fellow like Kaneko might

change her view of men, I figured.

Sir?

Well, Okuma?

That samurai isn't at all interested.

Isn't interested?

In the finest courtesan in all of Yoshiwara?

He'd better be. I paid for all this.

Please. But what can we say about love?

Nao's here.

I want to see him.

Takahachi, you know what to do.

Sure thing.

Nao?

Oh, Nao.

I missed you so.

Get me a palanquin.

Leaving so soon?

Apologize to my host for me for leaving without a word.

I'll be right back, Nao. So wait for me here.

I'm jealous.

Meanie!

Is Kaneko Ichinojo such a hunk?

You're being mean again.

Go on.

No, no.

What? He left?

The moment he saw the bed made for two.

Oh, no!

It's hopeless, I'm telling you.

No, it isn't, Morita-ya.

He's left, Nao.

Good job.

I'm going.

No, wait.

I recognize that attack,

Matsue clan Edo fencing master, Yamazaki Inui!

That's right, Kaneko.

Your Myogen-ji hideout must be a sea of blood about now.

What?

Watch out, Buemon!

Buemon!

Kaneko!

No one bloodies the streets of the shogun's own city.

Not the likes of you Unshu Matsue clansmen!

You bastards.

Come on!

Clear out!

Your man fell in the river.

Sir!

Ogin!

He's fine, It wasn't serious. We got him.

Buemon!

Good job.

Will you take in the wounded man, Ogin?

Sure.

And you get off.

Why?

We have to get to Myogen-ji.

We won't, with that ample rump of yours in here.

Sorry it's so ample!

Get in, Kaneko!

Shove off, Kinji!

Kimura! Kimura! Genba...!

Denjuro...!

Sir?

Sir?

May I come in?

I was waiting for you to call me.

Stubborn man!

"I waited all night for you

"So that you might rest your head onmy lap

"If only in my dream..."”

You're so cruel, sir.

Call me a boor of a monk.

I do love you.

Liar.

Liar, liar.

"Whose love is stronger? Whose love more sincere?

"So we plead with each other

"Eye to eye".

No, no.

Everyone knows there's something between us.

Sir?

I can't.

Smart man that you are,

you're nothing but a babe when it comes to women.

Letting a woman like that get to you.

Not so loud!

You're hopeless.

Fool.

You really are clueless and just don't get it.

Get what?

Oharu.

Oharu...?

If you don't get it by now, you're one big fool.

You're the fool.

How's that?

A condemned man doesn't need a woman in his life.

Fool.

So what have they got on you?

That you used to be a pirate or that you're smuggling contraband?

Either way, I'm in trouble.

A ship loaded with contraband ran aground off the coast of Kishu

and was raided by the shipping marshall.

That's no good.

You know it was a make it or break it run.

I staked everything on that ship.

I see.

So now what?

I knew dam well what I was in for.

My only concern is...

Michitose?

Please.

I got you.

Thanks.

Now what did you want?

I wanted to ask you to take Kaneko under your wings.

Sure. I'm good for another 5-10 days.

You're back.

Tamigoro's back?

Yes.

Good job, Tamigoro. How did it go?

It's all in there.

Brother!

It's a small world after all. Take a look.

Go on and ask him. Go on!

Tell me, Sir Kaneko.

Have you a Mikoshiba among your retainers?

A loyal vassal that goes way back?

Mikoshiba?

How about a woman named Otae?

Tae?

Oh, yes. She was a maidservant of my mother's.

Brother!

Can you believe it?

It was a retainer of his and a maidservant,

whose illicit affair produced me and my sister Otose.

That's good news.

Now go to Yoshiwara and tell Michitose.

Wait. I don't want her to know I'm her brother.

What?

You know why, brother.

I got you.

Kaneko.

It's a long story. Will you redeem Michitose for us?

Please, Sir Kaneko. I'll put up the money.

Why, hello, sir.

Is the proprietress in? I want to talk to her.

2ryo?

Where's the rest?

You said 3 ryo to start, then...

Hey, junior! You're heir to Bizen-ya,

one of the biggest merchants in all of Edo.

But you don't know what I had to do to get hold of 2-3 ryo.

Well, this measly sum won't get you Oharu.

That old bag won't go for it.

How much more?

100 ryo ought to do it.

100 ryo?!

Come on now. Once you have her,

you can hide her away, elope with her, whatever.

Bring the money tonight.

Good to see you, Nao.

You still alive?

I have a lucrative job for you.

But not if you're going to throw me in the river

over a measly 2 ryo.

Sorry about that, Joga. Look, I'll pay you tonight.

Hard up for money?

To redeem courtesan Michitose?

Exactly.

Here's the redemption deed. It's done.

Thank goodness Morita-ya found his sister.

We can't tell Michitose she's his sister, though.

Why not?

He's a condemned man.

I see.

I'll take the courtesan in and fix her up with Sir Kaneko.

Will you please, proprietress?

Why do you even have to ask? Oh, I hate you.

That jerk!

Come on, let me see Michitose.

I can't. She's off limits.

Come on, just once.

Express mail from Sazae.

Come inside.

One ryo?

Don't cry.

This is just perfect.

While the man's out, we can enjoy ourselves.

How could you say that, Nao.

You told me we were going to get married.

You just don't get it.

When Kaneko finds out you've got

a hanger-on like me, he'll regret taking up with you.

We'll squeeze him for a big settlement,

and we can get married, start a business, or whatever.

Just as we planned.

No, no!

Morita-ya sent me here to see Mstr. Kochiyama.

Sir!

What is it, Tamegoro?

Here.

Sir...?

Too late.

This may be the last time I see Morita-ya.

Tell him I'll see him at the boat landing here.

That's 100 ryo.

Oharu will be all yours now.

When will that be?

That's up to old Okuma.

As soon as I get this money to her.

When and where?

Say!

Gotta go!

Hey, Jogal Hey!

What the...?!

You thieves...!

Heave ho!

Where's the money?

Right here.

We're taking our cut.

He fell for it. Now who's the floater?

It's afire.

Where?

Around Odawara-cho.

Odawara-cho?

Fire at Morita-ya in Odawara-cho!

Brother!

I'm counting on that one last favor from you.

Say no more. I know.

Now go!

Go!

Nao.

Can you get up?

You were a dead man and I revived you.

Here's 20 ryo.

20 ryo?

Get an entourage together with this.

You'll be in charge.

What are you talking about, sir?

Ueno Kan'ei-ji temple lodges pilgrims from Matsue.

The Matsue would turn away a lowly priest like me at the gate,

but not so an important envoy from Kan'ei-ji.

You mean, like Ippon Shinno's?

Yes. I'll pose as Ippon Shinno's envoy, Kitadani Dokai.

What if they make you?

I'll be executed, I know.

What about me?

You, too.

But...

No?

You're a big fool, sir!

All this for Kaneko, a total stranger?

I know, granny. But let me take this one big gamble.

The envoy priest arrives!

To what do I owe this visit?

Lord Matsue, may we speak in private?

Agreed.

Your ready consent pleases me to no end.

To reiterate then:

You will investigate and get to the truth of

the embezzlement of government funds.

And clear Kaneko Ichirobei of the wrongful charge

and restore his family to its formal status.

Then call Kitamura Daizen and his faction to task.

And for the murder of Kaneko Ichirobei and his men,

permit his son Ichinojo to bring them to justice,

which may very well mean by slaying them.

The envoy departs!

Stop! Stop!

Stop right there!

Are you addressing me?

I am, indeed!

You men dare come at me bearing arm,

knowing I am Ueno Kan'ei-ji priest Kitadani Dokai,

here today as an envoy of His Holiness, Ippon Shinno?

What outrage!

Silence! You're no priest, but in fact,

tea master monk Kochiyama Soshun!

Well, now.

Hey, Nao. Looks like they've made us.

But why me?

You just couldn't go along, could you,

the incurable fools that you are.

So you know I'm Kochiyama Soshun!

Well, so does your lord!

I told him from the start, this was all an act!

Who the hell do you think you are?

You ignorant hick samurai have no idea that this

tea master monk happens to be a Tokugawa vassal.

How dare you bear arm against Kochiyama Soshun,

who has the backing of a shogunate councilor?

Think you can touch me?

Harm me in any way,

and see what becomes of the 150,000-koku Matsue!

Go ahead!

The man sat himself down like this, and you should have heard him.

What did he say?

Even on a spring day, this place has a draft.

Hurry it up!

Then he leaned back like this and...

You letch!

Then what?

The man had them snowed, until he met his match.

Met his match?

Out came the clan's Edo councilor, Kitamura Daizen.

That was quite an impressive speech, priest Dokai.

We beg your pardon and hope you'll accept this small offering.

That's it right there. I wonder how much.

Hey!

That's when the man quietly got up and...

I am hardly worthy of such praise.

You're a very smart man, councilor Kitamura.

I wish I was there to see the great performance.

You said it.

I wonder what he's doing.

Is that what the lord said?

A vendetta in the shogun's city would cast light on

the clan's embezzlement trouble and could mean its end.

Kitamura will be going back to Matsue in a month.

You can slay him then.

Thank you. I shall be indebted to you for life.

That won't be necessary.

But I don't do anything for free.

I'll come to you one day to collect.

Listen to me, Kaneko. I'm serious about this.

Sir?

It's Morita-ya's man, Tamigoro.

What? Tamigoro?

Tamigoro!

Sir...!

What is it?

Something happen to Morita-ya?

Yes, I'm sorry to say.

And?

He was caught off Kuruhama Bay in Soshu, and sent off to prison!

Sir...!

Kaneko.

Yes?

You wait at "Funagin” while I hide out somewhere.

Sir...?

I'll be there for your vendetta.

Nao.

How much is there?

There's 300 ryo, sir.

Oh?

Take all of it.

All this money?

Consider it a settlement for breaking up with Michitose.

You know...

What?

What?

Fact is, Nao, Michitose is Morita-ya's sister.

Really?

Yes.

Then all the more so, I can't take this money.

Take it.

No!

Please, Nao. Do as I say.

But, sir.

I'll pay for impersonating an envoy of Ippon Shinno,

and so will you for being part of the hoax.

Michitose will never be happy with you.

You stay away from Michitose, Nao.

If I catch you with her, you'll be sorry.

You flee to Kamigata tonight before they catch you.

I'll take the fall, so you take care of yourself.

Hear me, Nao?

What about me and Ohary, sir?

I still have a job to do so I'll hide out for a while.

But if they catch me,

you sell this place and live happily with Oharu.

Hear me, Oharu?

Why don't you get out of here, Nao?

You must be laughing at me.

Can't get that courtesan out of your mind?

You're a lover man.

Cut it out.

Can't you get her out of "Funagin” somehow?

I don't want Kochiyama to catch me with her.

KOCHIYAMA

Don't you know where he's gone?

Everyday you ask me the same thing.

You better not be holding out on us!

We know he's safe at least,

so long as they keep asking about him.

Ogin.

Over here.

I'm glad you're safe.

Has Nao stayed away?

Yes.

That means he's fled Edo like I told him to.

Sir.

How are those two?

Sir Kaneko says he isn't made of stone and he's

attracted to a beautiful woman like Michitose.

But there's something he has to do.

It makes me want to cry.

The vendetta's just days away.

What happens to you after the vendetta?

And me?

I'm sorry.

I can't handle a woman's tears.

Stop crying, Ogin.

Sir!

Watch out.

Ogin, Nao tipped them off!

Sir!

Go and wam Kaneko!

Michitose!

Kaneko!

Mstr. Kochiyama!

They were Kitamura's men. He's on to us.

What?

We won't let him get away!

Who's there?

It's Nao, and this is payback.

What if the men failed to slay them?

You can buy your way into another clan with this money.

That's if I live long enough.

Indeed.

No such luck.

Who's there?

It's you!

Sorry to spoil your getaway plan.

Hey, come out.

This man has a score to settle with you.

Kaneko!

Look, councilor. Why don't you just settle down and

let this monk do the talking?

That depends.

Fair enough.

You were, after all, the Matsue clan councilor.

Surely you want to uphold your honor as a samurai.

As I have.

Then there's only one thing left for you to do.

What's that?

What else?

I don't know.

You don't know?

No, what?

Well, now.

This.

What?

Daizen!

You're a disgrace. Now, Kaneko!

Take this!

You did it!

You get lost!

KITAMURA DAIZEN AND YAMAZAKI IZUMI BROUGHT TO JUSTICE. KOCHIYAMA SOSHUN

This is an arrest warrant for Kochiyama Soshun, issued by

the Honorable Naito Ki'i of the Shogun's Council.

It's official.

Okuma!

Thank you for everything.

You're returning to your service. Congratulations.

You don't want her?

It isn't that.

It's simple then.

You don't have to take Michitose for your wife,

just take her into the service of the Kaneko

as a favored servant, like her mother before her.

But...

But what?

I can't, Mstr. Kochiyama.

You mean, as a Kaneko heir and future clan councilor,

you can't take a whore into your service?

Yes.

Will you forgive me?

No, I won't!

I know I'm a condemned criminal.

But I risked my life for you in the hope that you will take

Michitose under your wings in return.

But you're telling me now it would be a disgrace to

take a fallen woman like her, even for a servant?

I just can't.

What?

How could I possibly make her happy?

Tell him, Michitose.

Tell him how you could never love a lout like me.

Otose...?

Michitose!

Forgive me, Mstr. Kochiyamal!

You mean she's...

Mstr. Kochiyama.

You mean...

You just don't understand.

You don't understand a woman in love.

Fool!

What a fool.

What a fool I've been.

Mstr. Kochiyama, I've avenged my father and I've no regrets.

Do with me as you wish.

You better go home, Kaneko. Right away.

I thought I knew what was best for you. I guess not.

I never told you, but I promised Morita-ya.

Why don't you tell her, sir?

Look, Otose. Morita-ya was your brother.

Sir...?

It's the truth. Will you forgive me?

I've been such a bad woman.

No, you're a good girl.

Will you look after Otose for me, proprietress?

I'll find her a man among men like you, sir, to make her happy.

No, Ogin. Not a man like me who doesn't know

how to return a woman's love. No, Ogin.

Michitose, it's me. It's Naojiro.

Nao

No.

Go to him. You don't have to defer to me.

No...!

Why not? You can go.

I don't want to see him...!

I know now what you see in him, Otose.

Go to him.

No, no, no...!

Fine. I'll see him.

Open up, Michitose. I have lots of money.

Run away with me.

Open up, Michitose.

Sir...?

Let me go, sir!

I didn't come to take Michitose away!

Let me go, sir! Let me go!

I came to say good-bye to her before I fled Edo!

Look, Michitose.

I took 300 ryo in settlement to cut ties with you.

I came to tell you that!

I'm going on the road and never seeing you again!

I promise, sirl Spare me!

Nao!

I don't want to die! Don't kill me...!

Why couldn't you tell me the truth?

Spare me! I'll never see Michitose again!

You fool!

Spare me, sirl Spare me! Please...!

Be quiet, Nao!

Please, sir!

Be quiet, Nao.

You can have the money back! Take it!

You can have the money back!

Take it...!

There's more...! There!

There's more That's all of it!

Sorry, sir!

Spare me, sir! Please...!

There's all of it! There!

Spare me, sirl

Nao!

Please, sirl Spare me! Don't kill me...!

Please, sir...!

Get away, Nao!

No!

Get away!

Damn you...!

Michitose...!

Sir...!

You're under arrest, Kochiyama Soshun!

Come, Ogin.

Sir...?

I'm going ahead to Hell.

I'll be joining you soon.

You will? That's in Hell, not Heaven, you know.

Yes...!

"As I leave this transient and ephemeral world,

and walk this Runway to Hell,

I pray that love so fleeting like the blush on my flesh,

love soon forgotten like the beat of my heart,

blossom in all its glory in the depths of Hell...

THE END