Hong Kong Beat

Submitted by 80sKid on Sun, 05/23/2010 - 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, 05/24/2010 - 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

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?

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Submitted by
Anonymous (not verified)
on
Fri, 05/28/2010 - 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When it was due to be screened in HK I understand it was withdrawn under pressure from the police authorities here.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.

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.

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Submitted by
Anonymous (not verified)
on
Sat, 07/10/2010 - 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.

 

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!

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