dahlswede Walk Like a Dragon (1960) was a courageous and important film. Released in an era when segregated facilities, transportation, schools and residential neighborhoods still existed in many part of the South in the United States, and at a time when the public debate about racial equality and African-American Civil Rights occupied the attention of an increasing number of Americans, it broke many unspoken Hollywood conventions of its day.Although the script now in some places seems painfully stereotyped, it provided substantive roles in a period when box office racism in Hollywood often limited the scope and range of the parts available for minority stars to play. Walk Like a Dragon (1960) benefits both from a well crafted script by Daniel Mainwaring and James Clavell, and from an extremely talented roster of players. The cast included the late Nobu McCarthy portraying "Kim Sung", the heroine of the story, Jack Lord as her would-be rescuer ("Lincoln Bartlett"), and James Shigeta as "Cheng Lu", a recent immigrant smitten by her charms. Josephine Hutchinson, Mel Torme, Benson Fong and Lilyan Chauvin also appear in pivotal supporting roles.The film uncompromisingly depicts the cruel exploitation and racism often encountered by Chinese immigrants in the United States, a young nation which promulgated ideals of civil rights but often found upholding that standard impossible in practice. But the writers do so within the context of also addressing many of the less attractive medieval aspects of Chinese society during the 1800s, including slavery, racism, rural poverty, the oppression and humiliation of poor people by an entrenched wealthy ruling class and, especially, the inferior status accorded to women in traditional Chinese society.Set in the aftermath of the Civil War in the West, the story centers around the dilemma facing Kim Sung,a young slave who had been transported from China to the United States to be sold as a brothel worker. In the West, she attracts the romantic interest of two men, a Civil War veteran with strong anti-slavery views and a young worker from China disappointed by the lack of opportunity, and the lack of respect, he encounters in the USA. Sheltered by Ma Bartlett, Lincoln Bartlett's strong-willed and influential mother, a devout Christian, Kim Sung suddenly finds herself in a position to make independent choices for the first time in her life. But she discovers that the society at large around them does not really value her new found civil rights. She is equal in the eyes of the law but not in reality. How she resolves this conflict speaks volumes about individualism and community in multicultural societies.This film does have some violence and adult themes, but it is probably suitable for older youngsters because the content is not graphic, especially by today's standards.

William Giesin I recently had the opportunity to watch "Walk Like A Dragon" on Turner Classic Movies. It had been some 48 years since I had first seen this little gem that was way ahead of it's time. Back in the day, I was really impressed with singer Mel Torme's acting performance as a deacon turned gunfighter baddie. Some things change over the years while other things do not. Looking back on it now, Torme's performance that I once thought was "top of the line" turned out to be as disappointing as it was amateurish. Perhaps that was the reason he was reduced to just doing various bit parts on television roles thereafter. Having said that, kudos are in order for director/writer James Clavell for his wonderful "cross over" story. The plot involves a young man named Linc that rescues a young Chinese woman Kim Sung (Nobu McCarthy)from being sold as a slave by buying her. During the process of the film, he begins to overcome his own prejudice and begins to see her as a person, and soon falls in love with her. Keep in mind at this point in time the Chinese "coolies" and their women were looked down on, and were considered to be less than human. To complicate matters, a young Chinese man, journeying with Linc, Cheng Lu (James Shigeta) shares the same affections for her, and wants to buy her. Consequently, he hires a gunslinger, the deacon, to teach him how to use a firearm as he plans to kill Linc and take his woman for himself. The gunfighter (Torme) attempts to stop him, but in the process is killed. Now the Chinaman must face off with the man who trained the gunfighter (Linc) to take possession of the woman (Kim Sung). This film deals with a lot of issues regarding "slavery" "freedom", as well as "racism". In a sense, it is just as innovative a film as "Guess Who"s Coming To Dinner" that hit the screen seven years later. Consequently, it covers a lot of lingering issues that are as real today as they were then. Questions such as "How will two people deal with all the prejudice and racism that will surround them in the future?" and "Will it be possible for them to find the acceptance and tolerance that will allow them to live a normal life?" are showcased for the viewer to ponder. It took a brave group of filmmakers to make these two remarkable films as that risked the loss of box office revenue for the sake of principle back then. Heavy stuff to be played out in an Old West setting. To my way of thinking, the film passes my 48 year test while good old Mel Torme's performance does not.

Ranchugirl I am a great fan of Jack Lord, and on my quest to find all his movies, I came upon this one...Its a superbly done movie, with a great plot! Its strange to see Jack Lord in any other role than in Hawaii 5-0.... I just loved it! Well done, James Clavell!

lobowolf The movie is very typical of westerns with the exception of the role played by Mel Torme. Also it was different with a chinese man becoming a gunfighter. Very unusual for that time era. Jack Lord plays the usual hero. Protect the girl - fall for the girl - lose the girl.