The Protector (1985)

Two New York City cops, Billy Wong and Danny Garoni, head to Hong Kong after the daughter of a rich businessman is kidnapped by the drug lord, Mr. Ko.

Director:

James Glickenhaus

Writers:

James Glickenhaus, King Sang Tang (Hong Kong version)

Stars:

Jackie Chan, Danny Aiello, Sandy Alexander

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jackie Chan	...	Billy Wong
Danny Aiello	...	Danny Garoni
Sandy Alexander	...	Gang Leader
Victor Arnold	...	Police Captain
Kim Bass	...	Stan Jones
Irene Britto	...	Masseuse #1
Jesse Cameron-Glickenhaus	...	Jesse Alexander
Al Cerullo	...	Helicopter Pilot
Roy Chiao	...	Mr. Ko
Richard Clarke	...	Superintendant Whitehead
Patrick James Clarke	...	Michael Alexander
Ron Dandrea	...	Martin Shapiro
Valerie De Pena	...	Punk Woman
Saun Ellis	...	Laura Shapiro
Richard Epper	...	Man in Bar

Storyline

Billy Wong is a New York City cop whose partner is gunned down during a robbery. Billy and his new partner, Danny Garoni, are working security at a fashion show when a wealthy man's daughter, Laura Shapiro, is kidnapped. The Federal authorities suspect that Laura's father is involved with Mr. Ko, a Hong Kong drug kingpin, so the NYC police commissioner sends the two cops to Hong Kong to investigate. Once in Hong Kong, the pair causes no end of trouble for both Mr. Ko and the local authorities.

---

Plot Keywords:

assassination attempt | hong kong | drugs | partner | businessman | 

---

Taglines:

Now, New York has a new weapon - A cop with his own way of fighting crime

---

Genres:

Action | Crime | Thriller

---

Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

Hong Kong USA

Language:

English Cantonese

Release Date:

23 August 1985 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Protector

Filming Locations:

Hong Kong, China

Box Office

Budget:

$5,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$341,076, 25 August 1985, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$981,817

Company Credits

Production Co:

Eurasia Investments, Golden Harvest Company, Golden Way Films Ltd.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby (US version) Mono (Hong Kong version)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Apart from the New York City exterior shots and selected interiors, the majority of the movie was shot in Hong Kong, including the bar interior for the opening gunfight.

---

Goofs

As the bad guy drives away in the stolen boat near the beginning of the movie, the stunt driver is visible in the cabin below.

---

Quotes

Danny Garoni: [seeing the sniper and asking for the portable cannon] Give me that fucking thing! Give it to me, come on!

---

Alternate Versions

The Japanese cut of the film, footage-wise, is virtually identical to the Hong Kong cut. However, the scenes in New York maintain their English dialogue, while the scenes that take place in Hong Kong (which is the bulk of the film) are in Cantonese. The biggest difference is that the Japanese cut is the only version to contain an end credits outtakes montage. This version has been available on laserdisc as well as a 2014 Japanese "Extreme Edition" blu-ray.

---

Connections

Edited into Chu dao gui jing (1990)

---

Soundtracks

ONE UP FOR THE GOOD GUYS
Composed and Performed by Chip Taylor

User Reviews

Chan may not like it, but I do

(57%) Back in the mid 80's Mr Chan didn't much care for this movie as he felt it was made not fully utilising his talent, for which I can understand. Featured here there's none of his trademark comedic fights, or insanely dangerous stunts, instead we get a gritter, more typically 1980's R-rated American action flick with plenty of shoot-outs, fist fights and explosions. The level of strong language, along with quite a lot of nudity also sets this apart from the usual Chan flick, but I cannot say I didn't enjoy this. The action is solid with plenty of it, and for a medium budgeted 80's action flick this is better than average.