action-packed scene is from “Blood Brother,” one of the segments from Kung-Fu, the new television series produced at Warner Brothers Studio. A warm smile flashes across the producer-director’s face. The scene is repeated, and this time the reaction is different. Thorpe fondles his beard a moment, pondering, undecided, his eyes gazing down at his sandals. When physical exhaustion overcomes them, they rely on their inner strength, their chi, and continue the battle, each trying to outwit the other, each looking for an unguarded weakness. Their blows are aimed at vulnerable points: the eyes, the nose, the throat and the groin. The two martial artists flawlessly execute the ancient forms of kung-fu that have been a part of their lives since boyhood-the way of the eagle, the tiger, the crane, the snake and the praying mantis. Each step, each move, is met with counter stances, and every counter stance is followed by series of advances. ![]() They assume various stances, feigning, advancing, retreating. Although they pull their punches and kicks, their executions simulate mortal combat. The victor will advance to a higher order while the loser must wait another time for a second opportunity. Once the contest begins, Caine and Lin Wu forget their friendship and summon all their skills in kung-fu science to beat the other. It is a Shaolin Temple scene, myriads of candle lights flickering softly in the background, clouds of incense smoke hovering overhead, masters, disciples and students in ceremonial customs sitting stolidly around the stage. They stop and bow, the sadness in their expressions disclosing a reluctance to fight each other. Disciples Caine and Lin Wu, dressed in kung-fu regalia, advance toward each other. His keen, discerning eyes keep a steady vigil on the stage up front. Producer-director Jerry Thorpe, lean, bearded and handsomely tanned, stands beside one of the cameras, feet firmly planted, arms folded. “Roll!” Cameras at different angles start grinding. ![]() SOMEONE YELLS, “QUIET, PLEASE!” and the murmurs and movements of the camera crews, technicians, extras and visitors in Stage 16 gradually diminish. The series is set primarily in the American West, but there are flashbacks to the legendary Oriental shrine. Returning to yesteryear with the help of modern technology and elaborate scenery, David Carradine and Kim Yuen recreate a moment of history from the ancient Shaolln Temple of China.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |