EDITOR’S NOTE: As the journey through Cannon continues, this week we’re exploring the films of 21st Century Film Corporation, which would be the company that Menahem Golan would take over after Cannon. Formed by Tom Ward and Art Schweitzer in 1971 (or 1976, there are some disputed expert opinions), 21st Century had a great logo and released some wild stuff.

There is another Asian Devil Killer movie from 1981. This isn’t that.

This was called Ninja Exterminators on VHS. There are no ninjas in it.

Let’s start over again.

In this Robert Tai-directed film, a young boy named Darky watches the town leader’s son assault a woman but is blamed for the crime himself. He barely escapes when he’s caught by Inspector Fong Sen, who soon learns that the boy’s confession was beaten out of him. Arresting the real rapist, he and the boy are killed by the man that Fong was hunting in the first place, Liu Ta Leung. Yes, part way through the movie, most of the cast — the two heroes! — get killed.

Roll the credits? No. Now, Fong’s brother and another inspector come to town looking to solve the crime. What a strange way to put a movie together and if Richard Harrison showed up talking on a Garfield phone, I would not be surprised. Also: the foley department got no budget as they have some of the most limited punch and kick sound effects that you’ve ever heard.

You hear the name Devil Killer and think, “This is going to be awesome.” And then you get…whatever this was.

You can watch this on YouTube.