Arnis, Karate, Kung Fu (1979)

1979 – Arnis, Karate, Kung Fu (Luis San Juan Productions) 

[Release date 7th September 1979; sometimes listed as “Arnis, Karate At Kung Fu”] 

Director/Producer Luis San Juan Story/Screenplay/Associate Director/Layout Artist Marvin B. Panganiban Cinematography J.Q. Monteloyola Editor Rodel Capule 

Cast Ramon Zamora, Robert Lee, Tony Bernal, Paquito Diaz, Larry Silva, Max Alvarado, Dinah Dominguez, Susan Villa, Susan David, Manny Samson, Romy Dimayuga, Joe Constantino, Breezy Atienza, Bong Benitez, Angel Confiado, Jun Rivas

KUNG FU

NOTES by Andrew Leavold: PLEASE HELP! This film has been out of circulation since its theatrical release, and I am desperately looking for a copy in any format.

"Most Action-Packed Movie Of LSJ", Pilipino Express 02/09/79, p.10

Luis San Juan's LSJ is already known for producing action films. Karate films. In fact, some of today's famous action stars came from him. He gave the break to the likes of Ramon Zamora, Robert Lee, Ulysses Tzan, and is now a producer as well.

But, knowing LSJ is good at making quickie pictures. But now, the said producer made a big surprise because, he really gambled, in making a movie that can be called a super-production, Arnis, Karate At Kung Fu ["Arnis, Karate And Kung Fu"] in which he combined three martial arts experts, Ramon Zamora, Robert Lee and Tony Bernal.

"This is one of the most action-packed movies I've done under my own productions," admitted director Luis San Juan. “And I am not ashamed to say, that it is different from my previous films. Apart from the action, it is big and also when it comes to the budget.”

What is the role of the three martial arts experts? Intense, was LSJ's quick answer, with pride evident in his face for what his heroes did. Ramon is good at arnis, Robert at karate and Tony at kung fu. So, the battle had variety. Especially in the battle where all three are involved, it will be seen which of the three is the eunuch. But LSJ said, I don't want to push the three of them violently when it comes to fight scenes.

Paquito Diaz, who also showed his skills as a bigtime villain, plays the role of a lawyer, who is smart but corrupt. He was the one who got interested in getting the entire hacienda where a gold mine was located.

This is what they are fighting for. The hacienda left behind by an old Don who is the father of Ramon and Tony.

Still playing an important role are Bong Benitez, Susan Villa, Dinah Dominguez, Angel Confiado, Jun Rivas, Romy Dimayuga, Susan David and the popular Manny Samson.

Based on the story and script of Panganiban, Marvin B. who is the associate director, Arnis, Karate At Kung Fu is scheduled to be presented starting September 7 in cinemas in Metro Manila.