Mysteries of Edo

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Mysteries of Edo was designed as a vehicle for Hibari Misora, a musical superstar and one of Toei Studios' most popular leading ladies. While there is plenty of action, this is not a swordplay movie. It is a lighthearted swashbuckler similar to the ones Jean Marais would make in France a couple of years later. The story is a delightful mix of action, mystery, romance and comedy with lots of songs along the way. Set in the mid-1800s when Japan was opening itself to the West, the story centers on the disappearance of attractive young women in the capital city. The citizens are alarmed and pressuring comic constable Shunji Sakai to do something about it. He is willing, but clueless. When the owner of the traditional dance studio where Misora works is kidnapped, she turns for help to handsome samurai Hashizo Okana. He wants nothing to do with swordplay and conflict, preferring flower arranging and dance. Okana was one of Toei's most popular actors, so think Scarlet Pimpernel at this point. Disgusted, Misora decides to help constable Sakai solve the mystery herself. Donning male garb, she becomes his assistant. The two sleuths have a series of adventures involving government officials, foreign visitors, gangsters and a mysterious masked swordsman dressed in white. In addition to singing some good songs, Misora displays solid comic skills and handles her part of the swordplay without difficulty. Mysteries of Edo is well produced and entertaining. It was the first in a short series of comic mysteries featuring the attractive singer.