Five thieves are looking for a sword. It's not for profit. Their house, the Matsuyama, was dissolved over a succession fight, and if they can deliver the sword Sanshinmaru to the Shogun in two days, they have a chance of reviving it.
It's a potboiler based on BENTEN KOZO by the prolific and well-regarded Kabuki playwright Kawatake Mokuami; I have seen an elaborate 1958 version which reminded me of a dark SCARAMOUCHE. Checking the IMDb, I discovered at least a dozen movie versions under something like the original name from 1910 through 1931. Clearly the themes of honorable, cross-dressing thieves who, when unmasked, recite long speeches of their perfidy appealed to the Japanese audiences. This one has a rather cheesy love interest and ending; perhaps they was in the original play.
According to the IMDb, this movie was a touch over two hours in length. The version I saw was only 83 minutes. Perhaps they omitted some scams and boasting speeches.
