Dirty Ho

Dirty Ho

Year: 1979

Runtime: 103 mins

Language: Cantonese

Director: Lau Kar-Leung

ActionComedy

A prince enlists a thief to serve as his bodyguard to protect him from assassins.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Dirty Ho (1979)

Trace every key event in Dirty Ho (1979) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Wang meets Ho Ching at the brothel and tension rises

Master Wang and Ho Ching vie for the courtesans, using different currencies—Wang with legitimate jewelry and Ho with stolen pieces. They clash as each tries to outwit the other, with Wang deftly deflecting Ho's advances and revealing hints of his hidden skill beneath a refined exterior. The confrontation hints at a larger game that will pull them together later.

Opening sequence Brothel
2

Wang reveals his royal seal to police

When the police arrive to arrest them, Wang secretly flashes his royal seal, convincing the captain to back off. The authorities detain Ho Ching instead, while Wang preserves his anonymity and freedom to maneuver. This moment marks the first controlled manipulation of power that underpins the prince's plans.

Immediately after brothel encounter Police station
3

Ho Ching is released and seeks his stolen jewelry

Ho Ching is released, but his attempt to retrieve the jewels from Wang spirals into trouble. He defeats a group of local thugs and is arrested again, yet Wang orders the police to release him once more. The repeated detentions underscore Wang's ability to steer events without revealing his true identity.

Soon after first arrest City streets / police custody
4

Wang uses Choi Hung as a 'bodyguard' in a final confrontation

In the climactic confrontation, Wang enlists a female musician, Choi Hung, as a deceptive bodyguard. He manipulates her arms and instrument to force Ho Ching into a fight and even grazes him with a poisoned blade. The ruse keeps Ho safe while advancing Wang's covert plan to root out his enemies.

Final confrontation before the throne reveal Confrontation location (public event hall/music room)
5

Choi Hung moves away; antidote and training for Ho

Ho seeks the antidote from Choi Hung, but Wang reveals she has moved away to marry and left behind the antidote. He then administers the antidote to Ho in small, carefully timed doses, binding Ho to become his student. Ho accepts the tutelage, still sensing only the surface of Wang's martial prowess.

After final bodyguard ruse Choi Hung's residence / training lair
6

First assassination attempt: wine-tasting attack

General Liang orchestrates an attack at a wine-tasting, forcing Wang to respond with calm, practiced defense. Wang counters with elegance and restraint, maintaining the facade of a courteous conversation while fending off the danger. The skirmish signals that a larger conspiracy is at play.

During the early attempts on Wang's life Wine-tasting venue
7

Second assassination attempt: the antique-dealer's shop

A second assassination attempt follows at an antique-dealer's shop, arranged by General Liang and the 4th Prince. Wang again defends himself while maintaining the appearance of a refined dispute over antiques. A dealer's stratagem wounds Wang's leg, intensifying the peril surrounding him.

Shortly after the wine-tasting incident Antique-dealer's shop
8

Wang and Ho retreat to an abandoned residence

The master and his disciple retreat to an abandoned residence to recover and to train Ho in basic kung fu. Wang keeps his royal identity concealed, while Ho begins to learn under real tutelage. News about a bounty for a fugitive draws bounty hunters closer, raising the stakes.

After the shop attack Abandoned residence
9

Bounty hunters and the doctor

A doctor, sensing a payout, hires bounty hunters to capture Ho and the injured Wang. Ho and Wang turn the plan to their advantage: Ho pays the hunters to look away while Wang buffs them with non-lethal techniques. The move buys time as they continue toward the throne assembly horizon.

While in hiding Abandoned residence / outskirts
10

Journey to Peking with Wang in disguise

With the throne assembly looming, Wang and Ho undertake a dangerous journey to Peking. Wang travels in disguise, while Ho pushes him in a wheelchair to help slip past adversaries. The risky voyage sets the stage for the climactic showdown with the princes and their generals.

Just before the throne announcement En route to Peking
11

Defeating assassins and uncovering Number Four

In a ruined city, they defeat an army of assassins and extract the identity of Number Four, the Prince targeting Wang. The victory reveals the deeper conspiracy woven by the rival factions. The revelation propels them toward the throne room to confront their enemies.

During the journey to Peking Ruined city
12

Final showdown with General Liang and the 4th Prince

The climactic fight pits Wang and Ho against General Liang and his captains, with the 4th Prince looming as the mastermind. The duel tests their skill, resolve, and loyalty as they push toward the throne room. They manage to defeat their enemies just in time for the Emperor to appear and confirm the heir.

Final confrontation Climax: throne room / surrounding corridors
13

Beads and the fall of Ho near the throne room door

Outside the throne room, Ho passes his necklace of beads to Wang, a signal that the Prince uses to hurl Ho through the door. The moment underscores the peril and misdirection of the final challenge. Ho is sent flying as the fight nears its end.

End of the final fight Throne room doorway
14

Freeze-frame on Dirty Ho

The film ends on a freeze-frame of Dirty Ho mid-air, capturing the rogue at the moment of impact. The image hints at ongoing mischief and the fragile balance between deception and loyalty. Ho's fate remains playful and unresolved in that final shot.

End Throne room vicinity

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 12:33

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