"Kung Fu" (1972) TV series 1972-1975

User Rating:

7.9/10   

Directors:

Alex Beaton
Barry Crane

Writers:

Theodore Apstein (writer)
Bernard Bossick (writer)

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3

Release Date:

14 October 1972 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Western

Plot:

The adventures of a Shaolin Monk as he wanders the American West armed only with his skill in Kung Fu.

Plot Keywords:

Kung Fu In Title | Martial Arts | Fugitive | Cult TV | Cult Favorite

Awards:

Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 2 wins & 6 nominations

Cast

David Carradine	...	Kwai Chang Caine (45 episodes, 1972-1975)
Radames Pera	...	Young Kwai Chang Caine / ... (36 episodes, 1972-1975)
Keye Luke	...	Master Po (34 episodes, 1972-1975)
Philip Ahn	...	Master Kan (30 episodes, 1972-1975)

Also Known As:

The Warrior (USA) (working title)

Runtime:

60 min (60 episodes) | Argentina:60 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Australia:PG | Singapore:PG | Argentina:13 | Canada:G (Quebec)

Filming Locations:

Backlot, Warner Brothers Burbank Studios - 4000 Warner Boulevard, Burbank, California, USA

Company:

Warner Bros. Television

Trivia:

The only reason this show went off the air was because star David Carradine quit the series. He had sustained so many injuries, he felt he could not go on. The show got high ratings all three seasons it aired.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Abuelita de antes de la guerra, Una (1975)

Wonderfully made

I was too young to have been able to enjoy this as a child and I never saw any re-runs while growing up, so I was just exposed to these shows recently. They are absolutely marvelous; they are well-directed and well-acted. Subtlety is used very well; unlike many things we see today that just beat you over the head with their agenda or their punchlines. What a wonderful example is set of using wisdom and soft-spoken patience rather than snappy comebacks and bravado when faced with conflict and contention. I recommend these to anyone who appreciates quality.

My children have been watching these programs and they all find them fascinating and compelling. The "fight scenes" in these shows are handled very well and are not overdone as would likely be done in one of our current productions. It is wonderful to be able to take part in the main character's spiritual education and to be given the words of wisdom that he received during his training. These shows will give you many things to ponder and appreciate.