ACF 835: Another year, another ACF Happy Birthday wish for Sammo Hung

Sammo squares off against Bruce Lee at the beginning
of Enter the Dragon (1973)

Sammo Hung (a.k.a. Samo Hung, Sammo Hung Kam-Bo, etc.) was born in Hong Kong on January 7, 1952. Remarkably fast and flexible despite his ample girth, he has made his mark as an actor (over 149 movies at IMDb.com and counting), director (37 films), producer (26), and as a stunt and/or action director or coordinator. Oh, and I got to meet him in person at the 2010 New York Asian Film Festival, as evidenced by the periodic presence of the banner picture of the two of us taken at Lincoln Center. What an honor, what a thrill!

Sammo and his sifu enjoy a rare light moment
in Close Encounters of the Spooky Kind (1980)

Some of my fondest memories are of his work as the title character of the Martial Law TV series (44 episodes, 1998-2000), which also featured Kelly Hu. The first episodes were fantastic, featuring sub-titles (on prime time American network television!) and outtakes during the end credits.

My recollection is that, not satisfied with a surprise success, the suits at the network (CBS) and/or the producers decided to make it a smash hit by tinkering with the cast. Apparently thinking that what worked for Jackie Chan in Rush Hour would do the same for Sammo, they introduced a black man to be the star's sidekick. Unfortunately they picked Arsenio Hall (!?) and the show promptly started to go into the toilet.

The second season (1999-2000) found only Sammo, Kelly and Arsenio returning and the thrill was gone. If Sammo was as bitter as I recall reading that he was, he certainly had a right to be. Something wonderful was ruined 'cause some fools couldn't leave well enough alone.

Sammo and Donnie Yen square off in S.P.L., a.k.a. Kill Zone (2005)
(The two can soon be seen again engaging in martial arts mayhem
in IP MAN 2, scheduled to open in NYC and LA on January 28th!)

Still we have lots of Sammo on DVD to be thankful for and hopefully many more years of being amazed, entertained, and blown-away by him. Happy Birthday, big guy!!!!!