Saturday with San Te

Hanging with Gordon Liu

I've known Gordon Liu Chia-hui, AKA Lau Kar-fai, for over 15 years now. He's my Hung Gar elder brother in arms, a real idol of mine since the days of '36th Chamber of Shaolin', we worked together when he acted in 'Dragon Squad', on which I was a producer... We live on the same street, but we're both so busy, we don't get to see enough of each other!

It took a happy and sad happenstance to bring us together today. I never got to know the late Linn Haynes as well as I would have liked, though I always had the utmost respect for him as a die hard devotee of Asian action cinema, and Shaw Bros in particular. His untimely passing robbed the genre of one of its most dedicated pundits. His commentaries on the Media Blasters Shaw Bros DVDs, had he lived to record more of them, would definitely have given me a run for my money! Everyone who speaks of Linn remembers him as a kind, gentle man, and we mourned his loss from afar.

When his widow, Monica, came to Hong Kong with several other kung fu film fans, it was my pleasure to meet them. They even came down to Pier 7 to sample some real deal Hung Gar with Mak Sifu and myself! Monica had really wanted to meet Gordon Liu, but unfortunately their schedules clashed: he was coming back from China just as Monica and her party were leaving for the US.

Undeterred, I arranged to meet Gordon to give him some gifts from her and her new partner, Terry, and to get a copy of the Dragon Dynasty '36th Chamber of Shaolin' DVD signed for Monica.

Elizabeth, my son Calvin and I met Gordon on Caine Road. I really appreciate him coming out, as he was suffering from flu at the time. We told him Linn's story, and he was more than happy to sign the DVD and pass on his warm wishes to our just departed guests.

He also has a great idea for a period kung fu movie, something we want to produce for him at B&E. Its really cool to finally be able to partner up and work with some of my idols, and Gordon is definitely one of those.

After exchanging presents, we had a long discussion about the proposed story line and other logistics, and I'll be posting more information on the project soon.

Finally, Gordon's cell phone (which has, of course!, a 'Kill Bill' ringtone) summoned him away. What a great guy; a terrific example of how you can be a hero on-screen and off.