An escort service must transport a large shipment of gold to a famine stricken location. A number of martial artists are also on hand as it is learned that the dreaded Death Valley Gang, led by Golden Arm (Lo Mang) plan to intercept them and steal the gold for themselves. Another villain, Iron Feet, waits in the wings for the opportune moment to strike.Another of Chang Cheh's comic book laced adventures. This one is especially colorful with every character having his own signature color. The fights are plentiful as the evil gang battles them or simply leaves deadly poison traps for the heroes to fall into. This is one of the most beloved entries by fans. I never cared much for this movie as the only print available was a badly cut TV version. Seeing it now in its new uncut, remastered and widescreen glory, it's much better but I still wouldn't call it a favorite as so many others do. Supposedly, Celestial has a scene out of sequence in this Chinese version. The same scene is featured differently in the US cut. Either way, it's not distracting and it's not noticeable if you've never seen the English dub version.Lo Mang is excellent as the righteous villain Golden Arm. His arms are invulnerable to weapons attacks but his body is not. His final fight between the Drunk, Hai To (Kuo Chui) is a highlight as well as the late appearance of the villain Iron Feet, who is discussed several times by various characters during the film. Lo could successfully portray heroes or villains. He played a lot of both throughout his 30+ year career.Kuo Chui is also memorable as always as the sheriff Hai To (pronounced 'toe') who drinks in nearly every scene he is in. His near constant confrontations with Swordsman Li (Wei Pai) are quite amusing. Pai's character could be viewed as a parody of Chang's heroes seen in his many bloody chivalry movies during the late 60s thru the 70s. He is the epitome of the stubborn, arrogant and righteous hero whose doom is foretold early on.Chiang Sheng and Sun Shu Pei are also funny as Long Axe and Short Axe. The two are in constant competition over who kills the most bad guys. These two are involved in the best fight scene in the entire film. The duel between Short Axe and Silver Spear (Lu Feng).The other gang members are the above mentioned Silver Spear who uses trick spear weapons as well as a waist belt armed with smaller spear projectiles, Iron Robe (Wang Lung Wei) whose coat is made of Iron and he also uses an Iron Fan with tips like razors. Brass Head (Yang Hsung) wears a lethal head piece as well as his great strength. There's another gang called the Seven Hooks and an assassin known as the Black Sand Palm among the many characters.This is probably Chang's most comic styled movie. Not just in the colors, but the extravagant characters as well as their weapons and outfits. Truly a comic book come to life. The gore is also OTT and gives the film a comic book feel. Some of the death scenes of the characters are simply outrageous and if you've never seen any of Chang Cheh's films from this time period, you'll be amazed by what you see.A very enjoyable movie whose recent restoration adds immensely to the viewing experience.

I saw this movie on "Kung Fu Theatre" when i was an early teen and just fell in love with this action/adventure! I found a copy on VHS a few years back and have damn near worn out the tape playing it... Anyone who has been over for an extended time has been shown this and for the most part the reaction is solid: This is a great film.One of the shortcomings is also what makes it so powerful: It's a comic book style with a very simple storyline... on the surface. With characters like Brass Head (who gets killed off way to early!), Silver Spear, Iron Robe and the title character, there are very visual and easily digestible stereotypes to hook the young viewer. But on a more subtle lever there are sub- plots galore and of course lots of twists and intrigue woven into this chop-opera...Compared to "Five Deadly Venoms", which on some levels is a more richer and stronger storyline, "Kid With The Golden Arm" is less dark and brooding. All of the actors seem to play similar characters in both but this one there is a charm to the ones here that still resonate with me to this day...I totally recommend this if you like fantastical kung fu, especially in light of movies like "Crouching Tiger..." or "Shaolin Soccer..."

I LOVE this movie. It is one of the few violent movies "grandfathered" into my children's approved stack (Master Killer is another). The movie is a fantasy with superheroes such as Short-axe, Long-axe and Hai-Toh; and, super-villans, such as Brass Head, Iron Robe, Iron Feet, Silver Spear and the Kid with the Golden Arm. Many may disagree with me, but I find this movie better than The Five Deadly Venoms, mostly because it is a lot less sadistic...It is an easy movie to make fun of, I'll grant you; but, there is a solid, if simple, plot line. Agent Hai-Toh is the main hero and easily the most charismatic character. The Kid with the Golden Arm is a less compelling character, with a face that makes you think that he was hit squarely with a board BEFORE becoming invulnerable...The fight scenes are long, even for a Chinese movie; but, for a colorful piece if violent escapism, this is unbeatable...I'd give it, for its genre, three out of four stars...

Kid with the Golden Arms is a superb and classic kung fu movie. If you want to know what old 70's Kung Fu flicks are all about, this is your reference point. This is the movie that highlights the Toad (Lo Mang) from the 5 Deadly Venoms. It's cast of of characters is unparalleled and are excellent examples of the Kung Fu genre. Members of the "Chi Saw Gang" are 1. Golden Arms( Lo Mang): who doesn't need weapons because he is so good, he's virtually unbeatable. Golden Arms depicts the ultimate Kung Fu Warrior whose strength is unbelievable; 2. Silverspear played by the centipede displays flawless swordplay, and totes a menacing silver tipped pole used to perfection 3. Brass Head played by another Shaw Brothers strongman; smashes opposition with a steel crown that he wears on his head; 4.Iron Robe wears a Iron Robe that protects his body and yields and intimidating steel Fan as a weapon. Then there is special agent Hi Toe who fights best when he is drunk. Hi Toe is hired by the Gov't to help protect a sizeable shipment of gold that needs transported. Hi Toe is played by the Lizard in the Venom movie (Phillip Kwok). Also in the Movie is Lee played by the snake in 5 deadly Venoms. Lee teams up with an admiring female and is dealt a deathblow from the Poison "Sand Palm" technique, yet somehow excretes the poisons from his skin. Lee wants very badly to be remembered as a hero and feels he can beat Golden Arms only to fall short. Long Axe Short Axe played by the student in the venom movie also graces the screen. The ending fight scenes are classic with agent Hi Toe spitting wine in Golden Arms eyes to blind him. Golden Arms asks Hi Toe that he be spared due to his blindness so he can live the remainder of his life quietly. Lee's girl shows back up at a most unfortunate time to deal Golden Arms his demise. Almost a perfect flick, as good as it gets for Kung Fu Movies. A Shaw Brothers Masterpiece. Also the introduction of the movie when the Gov't Agent (Scorpion) introduces the vicious Chi Saw Gang ; this is a superior lead on into the movie and individually demonstrates the text of their skills. Excellent Chang Cheh production.