Kung Fu (TV Series) A Small Beheading (1974) User Reviews

William Shatner and France Nuyen reunited

[kevinolzak · 9/10 · 17 August 2010]

Season 3 Episode 4- One of the third season's best entries, this KUNG FU episode reunites William Shatner and France Nuyen, who first starred together on Broadway in 1958's "The World of Suzie Wong," but are best remembered for the memorable STAR TREK episode "Elaan of Troyius." Shatner here plays Captain Brandywine Gage, who has journeyed from China to America with his bride, Lady Chi Ching (Nuyen), the niece of the Emperor, and sister of the nephew that was killed by Caine in response to his shameful murder of the blind Master Po (Keye Luke, represented only by archive footage depicting his death). Captain Gage discovers Caine working as a farmhand on the ranch of Ellie Crowell (Rosemary Forsyth), showing him a document written by the Emperor himself, promising a pardon for the killing of his nephew on the condition that Caine accompany the Captain back to China and sacrifice the little finger off his right hand, the 'small beheading' promised in the title. Captain Gage also shows Caine a ring that belonged to Master Ywang Kyu (James Hong), who had treated the foolish Liu (Yuki Shimoda), impetuously gambling away his little finger for the promise of four pieces of silver. Reluctant to accept aid, Liu finally allowed Master Kyu to amputate only after the loss of his right hand and arm became a certainty, brought on by the sight of a black crow, which the injured man believed to be a demon come to claim his life. Captain Gage informs Caine that the idea of sacrificing the finger was Master Kyu's, who has since died performing a life-saving benefit for the Emperor. Lady Ching does not hesitate to shoot Caine the first time she sees him, but is later convinced that his black crow represents the forgiving spirit of her dead brother, revealing her husband's deception. It's a pleasure to see Shatner, adopting a Scotch accent, totally unrecognizable behind red hair and muttonchop whiskers, and his final showdown with Caine provides a fitting climax. It's understandable how this may have inspired his 1975 series BARBARY COAST, also set in the 19th century, which allowed him to don different disguises every week (unfortunately, it did not extend beyond one season). Along with Nancy Kwan, France Nuyen was one of the best known Asian actresses to appear on KUNG FU, and supplies a touch of elegance despite her initial hatred for Caine. As for the ubiquitous James Hong, this was perhaps the largest part he enjoyed in his 8 episodes, and the only time he portrayed a Shaolin Master (both Richard Loo and Victor Sen Yung also played Shaolin Masters). As Ellie, Rosemary Forsyth provides the strongest love interest that Caine ever encountered during the show's three year run, agonizing over why he should remain with her, but denying her feelings to Lady Ching. An entry that seems to have everything, with an exceptional cast. Next up- "The Predators"

Under the Crow's spirit!!!

[elo-equipamentos · 8/10 · 7 April 2021]

Rarer storyline underpinned on psychological approaching where Kai Chang Caine receives a suddenly visit of the rogue seaman Captain Brandywine Cage (William Shatner) that arrives from China bringing the unexpected pardon from the powerful Emperor to Caine exchange of his little finger cut, as the windbag Captain explains that it's a little price to a murder of his nephew, for such effort the drunkard seafarer got a Chinese bride as trophy the gorgeous Emperor's niece Lady Chi Ching (France Nuyen), sister of the man that Caine killed in the past in defense of Master Po's death, nevertheless the offer shall be valid only if he goes back to China to receive the forgiveness of the own Emperor himself.

As usually Caine was working for while for a lonely she-farmer Ellie Crowley (Rosemary Forsyth) fixing the fence around, when a Crow appears and landed at Caine's harmless hand, Caine recalls an old event occurred at old Shaolin's temple when the Master Ywang Kyu a sort of medicine priest that should be try cure a cut finger on bad gambling, sadly the suspicious man seeing a Crow stays paranoid letting the wound gangrene, Caine mistrusting of the dubious Captain accepts know his bride to confirm such proposition, there the angry Lady Chi tries kill him, however the peaceful Caine wants hear from the own woman the veracity, who confirm unobtrusively.

Thus Caine promises think about it and go back to the farm, there receiving a sudden fondness of the affable Ellie that alluding a probable invite to Caine stays there as man of the house, such offer pleased Caine somewhat, however his hybrid roots spoke louder, he headed to seashore village to ensure the truth with the faltering Chinese Lady, Caine aware that aside she is so embittered, he will pull out the lowdown through the Crow that followed Caine, how great to see William Shatner again in another show, almost unrecognizable fo the trick red beard.

Thanks for reading.

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First watch: 2021 / How many: 1 / Source: DVD / Rating: 8.

Superb episode -- and a piece of film history...

[A_Different_Drummer · 10/10 · 31 January 2014]

Let's step into our time travel machine. In the current millennium Shatner is honored as one of the major figures of the last century. (See the two hour 2005 production HOW WILLIAM SHATNER CHANGED THE WORLD -- an impressive addition to any resume!) However back in 1974 his career arc was by no means fixed. The handsome young Canadian actor who had impressed so many with his brief but memorable appearance in JUDGEMENT AT NUREMBERG, and had gone on to create the iconic Captain Kirk in the short-lived STAR TREK, was in limbo at his point of his career. And from that limbo we witness the creation of an Irish sea captain with a hair and fiery beard so intense that, unless you are on "red alert," you might even miss the actor behind the role. It is an excellent performance and it hints at where Bill might have gone without the Star Trek persona to weigh him down. As for the episode itself, it is pitch perfect, a wonderful blend or mysticism, philosophy and common sense. It is as watchable today as when first set to celluloid.