The 1970s were a fertile period for television, and among the many shows that graced the airwaves, Kung Fu, produced by Warner Bros. Television, stood out. It wasn’t just the martial arts that drew viewers in; it was the philosophical core and the character of Kwai Chang Caine, played by the late David Carradine, that resonated deeply. The series, which ran from 1972 to 1975, introduced audiences to a half-Chinese, half-American Shaolin monk, who, after his master’s death, flees China for the American West. His life is one of constant movement, always just out of reach of the authorities who believe he murdered a member of the Chinese royal family. This backdrop provides the stage for a unique exploration of morality, peace, and self-discovery, with plenty of action sequences to boot.
The premise might sound simple, a man on the run, but it became a framework for some very profound story telling. The show employed a non-linear narrative style, often using flashbacks to show Caine’s upbringing at the Shaolin Temple where he was raised and trained by his blind mentor, Master Po played by Keye Luke. These flashbacks, often presented in sepia tones, not only provide context to Caine’s actions but also establish a clear contrast between his peaceful training and the violence he frequently encounters in the American West. Radames Pera also portrays a young Caine in the flashbacks. They help to deepen the viewers understanding of his character and motivations.
The supporting cast of Kung Fu further enriched its tapestry. Philip Ahn portrayed Master Kan, who, like Master Po, was a strong moral influence on young Caine. Characters like Sheriff Ben, played by John Carradine (David’s real-life father) who was both Caine’s friend and sometime antagonist, added some depth to the weekly plots. The characters that Caine met on his travels would often bring their own personal stories and conflicts, creating a rich texture that went beyond simple good versus bad narratives. Episodes often dealt with prejudice, social injustice, and the struggle for understanding and personal growth. It’s the manner in which these issues were tackled, through the quiet, thoughtful character of Caine, that made the show so special. It was far from a simple action show, the martial arts served more as a backdrop to the exploration of deeper human issues.
The action sequences in the show, while not as polished as modern martial arts films, still had a certain charm and impact. Carradine’s fighting style, which blended martial arts with a sense of grace and fluidity, made the fight scenes compelling. In fact, he was nominated for an Emmy for his role. The show was also known for its thoughtful dialogue, using it as a way of examining philosophical issues, rather than resorting to action alone.
Kung Fu’s influence can still be seen in popular culture. The show was ahead of its time in its willingness to explore eastern philosophy and its depiction of a protagonist who is both physically skilled and deeply thoughtful. The success of the original series led to Kung Fu: The Legend Continues, a sequel series that ran from 1993 to 1997, starring David Carradine as Caine’s grandson, also named Kwai Chang Caine. While this continuation had a more modern setting, it tried to maintain the spirit and themes of the original. It tried to bridge a gap between its setting in the 1990s with the feel of the classic series. While not as impactful as the original it allowed the property to be discovered by a new generation.
Kung Fu was a Warner Bros. Television production.
Years ran: 1972-1975
Number of Episodes: 63
Creators: Ed Spielman, Herman Miller
Cast: David Carradine, Keye Luke, Radames Pera, Philip Ahn, John Carradine.
