THE WATER MARGIN 1976 Season 1 - Episode 1 Nine Dozen Heroes and One Wicked Man

The Water Margin is a Japanese television series based on the 14th-century book Water Margin, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. Made in two seasons of 13 episodes each by Nippon Television it was shown in Japan in 1973 and 1974 as Suikoden. For an English-language version, it was adapted by David Weir without translations, using only brief plot synopses. The dubbed version, narrated by Burt Kwouk, was shown by the BBC from 1976 to 1978. Water Margin tells the story of the 108 Heroes who stood up against a corrupt government. Each hero has his own unique fighting skill, but they are all willing to die to uphold justice.

The Emperor dispatches his favourite, wicked Kao Chiu, to the sacred mountain to exorcise the evil behind the terrible plague that grips China. Kao Chiu discovers an ancient temple, its doors sealed shut on the orders of a previous emperor. Within is a pit believed to contain the souls of nine dozen rebellious knights. The souls are scattered over China, now reborn as heroes who will take a stand against the corruption that has gripped the empire. One such hero might be Lin Chung, an honourable officer in the imperial army. However, Kao Chiu hatches a plot to have Lin Chung discharged from the army in disgrace. 'One wrong can move a people, and a wronged people can move the world.' I watched this when it first came out and have been searching for years to find and rewatch finally I got my chance. My favourite character has to be Wu Sung "The Tiger Hunter" who often flattens his foes with his bare hands. Finally remember this "Do not despise the snake for having no horns, for who is to say it will not become a dragon?"