THE MAGIC SERPENT / Toei Company - 1966

It's Dragon Friday with Tabonga, here at The Dungeon!.. We gots a rare little flick from the studio who brought us GAMERA, and, get ready, this freakin' studio has a staggering 1,392 production credits, starting way back in 1937!!! My favorite alternate title for this film is FROGGO AND DROGGO.

Eegah!! sent over a soundclip from the wedding ceremony with some extras for our earjoyment, sooooo, you can push the big red 'GO' button there next to the rubber dragon, NOW, Rufus The Gnat! Here's an earfull from... THE MAGIC SERPENT!

The ninja-themed story takes place in ancient Japan, a good lord is killed by the trecherous Yuki Daijo and his wizard friend. A young prince, Ikazuki-maru, is rescued from Yuki Daijo's evil dragon by a magic bird sent by a friendly wizard. Ten years later, the prince goes to avenge his parents and the wizard's death, using his magic powers.

Ikazuki-maru knows some wild tricks to intimidate his opponents with, like, being able to detach his head for shock value!

Before the wizard dies, he tells Ikazuki-maru where he has hidden the sacred stone.

When he finds his enemies, Ikazuki-maru performs his magic, then, has to battle the powerful Yuki Daijo.

His friend, Sunate, is ordered to kill Ikazuki-maru while he sleeps, but, cannot perform the act!

During the wedding celebration, Ikazuki-maru shows up on his Magic Frog, quickly ending the festivities!

Holy crap, it's GOKU!!

The Magic Frog steps on a lot of bad guys!

There's a titanic battle between FROGGO AND DROGGO, but, good defeats evil at the end and THE MAGIC SERPENT puts a big old checkmark in it's loss column...