Hong Kong Beat | Gwulo: Old Hong Kong

Hong Kong Beat

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Submitted by 80sKid on Sun, 2010-05-23 20:01

Does anyone know much about Hong Kong Beat - it was a nine-part BBC documentary on the HK police force that aired in 1978. I'd love to see it. The theme tune became a hit too... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBdavMIMfq0)

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Submitted by sf (not verified) on Mon, 2010-05-24 04:36.

Being a fan of RHKP, I too would like to view this BBC documentary if anyone can find it. There was also a 3 part series on RHKP aired by a TV police documentary called To Serve and Protect in Canada back in the early 90's. 1st part was about RHKP Vice Squad. 2nd was EU and 3rd was Border Patrol. I can only find the Border Patrol episode on youtube. Link here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwGtPV3fw54&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3x97_E4yTO0&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONCYdUVzAxU&feature=related

Submitted by gweipo on Mon, 2010-05-24 15:02.

http://www.bfi.org.uk/filmtvinfo/faq/access.html

Submitted by 80sKid on Mon, 2010-05-24 15:14.

Thanks - they've got two episodes of HK Beat at least. http://ftvdb.bfi.org.uk/sift/series/4296

Submitted by David on Fri, 2010-05-28 16:57.

I couldn't find any copy in the HK Film Archive's online search, but they might still be worth writing to in case they know of any copies. Similarly, have you tried contacting the police to see if they can help?

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 2010-05-28 18:38.

I saw this program when screened in the UK while I was on leave there.

It did not show the HK Police in a very good way in many episodes. In fact many scenes were quite brutal.

When it was due to be screened in HK I understand it was withdrawn under pressure from the police authorities here. It's understandable therefore why it is hard to find. I had taped it but the episodes were wiped years ago.

Submitted by sf (not verified) on Sat, 2010-05-29 12:17.

In fairness to BBC, RHKP in mid 70's was still trying to shred its old image as a police force besieged with corruption, old style colonial management and low morale. High profile corruption scandals and tells all public trials of former high ranking police officers on the take dominated local news headlines for months on end. I can understand if the show did not portray RHKP in very favorable light at the time.

It was not until late 70's/early 80's when a new generation of better educated and higher paid police officers entering the force that eventually transformed RHKP into a modern professional law enforcement agency we all come to witness today.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 2010-07-10 05:52.

I also remember the series as i was 15 years old but I thought the sound track was different to the one shown ? I even think that a single was released.

 

Submitted by Kevin (not verified) on Wed, 2011-01-26 08:19.

Has anybody tried writing of BFI to see if they have copies for sale?

Submitted by Ah Lok on Sat, 2012-08-18 07:55.
I'd love to find a copy. I watched the series in my teens and was inspired by it to visit HK. 25yrs later I'm still there!

Submitted by Admin on Fri, 2014-05-23 10:34.

Received by email:

Someone called G Cheng has uploaded some HK police interest to you tube. There’s a few episodes of the elusive HK Beat! Quality is poor but better than nothing. (Video 1, Video 2, Video 3, Video 4, Video 5)

Also Governor Sir David Wilson’s parade at PTS:  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiCJzTz1Zek

Submitted by jennym on Tue, 2016-03-01 15:05.

I tried to access these but the links no longer seem to work. Does anyone know another site where these can be found, particularly episode 1.

 

Thanks

Submitted by David on Tue, 2016-03-01 17:31.

There are some episodes on Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=hong+kong+beat

Regards, David

Submitted by Bails on Tue, 2016-03-01 18:33.

I recall watching these episodes when they came out - and 'yes' they didn't paint our wonderful Police force in a great light!