Pete's Drag On

Attending the wedding of the Wongs.

Just as there is no beginning to my talents, there seem to be no end to those of Pete Wong, who worked for me on 'The Blood Bond' as dialogue coach and 2nd AD, and who played the role of brave Lieutenant Wuche. He's also a kick ass Mantis kung fu practitioner, and all around good guy.

When Pete told me he was getting married to the lovely Julia, I was delighted for both of them. (Julia also pops up as an extra in the film!) He invited me to the reception, and I duly turned up with my associate producer, Fraulein Christine Von Ip, and my French buddy Eric Faber (he of the Spiderman tattoo on one arm).

On arrival, Pete asked me if I'd be prepared to say a few words. I told him I'd be delighted. In Cantonese, he continued. I promised to do my best. And try to be funny, he suggested. My Cantonese always sounds funny, I thought. And we were hoping you'd sing something... With a band? No, acapella. I see... And without a mic, as the manager won't allow it...

So: an improvised speech in Cantonese without a mic followed by an acapella rendition of a song I haven't rehearsed...

It would mean so much to us, said Pete, his eyes wide and shining.

How did it go? Pretty well, and here's the photos to prove it:

Here's me negotiating, in vain, for the use of the mic, with Bunny Wailer.

And let the games begin...

My witticisms delivered, I burst into the opening verse and chorus of Can You Feel The Love Tonight? With Christine (hiding somewhere in the crowd) heard but not seen on backing vocals.

By the way, contrary to what the photos above seem to indicate, there were more than three people there (at least, when I started speaking there were...)

Pete and Julia, love you guys, and wish you many happy years ahead...