The Chinese Detective
| The Chinese Detective | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Genre | Police procedural |
| Created by | Ian Kennedy Martin |
| Written by | Ian Kennedy Martin Edward Boyd |
| Starring |
David Yip Derek Martin Arthur Kelly Larrington Walker Robert Lee Allan Surtees John Bott Richard Rees |
| Composer(s) | Harry South |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language(s) | English |
| No. of series | 2 |
| No. of episodes | 14 (list of episodes) |
| Production | |
| Producer(s) | Terence Williams |
| Cinematography | Peter Chapman |
| Editor(s) | Bill Wright |
| Running time | 60 minutes |
| Production company(s) | BBC Studios |
| Release | |
| Original network | BBC One |
| Picture format | 4:3 |
| Audio format | Mono |
| Original release | 30 April 1981 – 5 November 1982 |
The Chinese Detective is a British television police procedural drama series, first transmitted by the BBC between 1981 and 1982. The series was created by Ian Kennedy Martin, who had previously devised The Sweeney and Juliet Bravo. The series starred British Chinese actor David Yip as Detective Sergeant John Ho, the first Chinese lead actor in a British television drama series. The series offered traditional police procedural storylines in a setting of occasional prejudice and distrust within the police force, and the prejudice displayed by those Ho encounters whilst doing his job. Like many other television detectives of the time, Ho was something of a maverick, often using unorthodox methods to solve crimes. The series was set in and around London's docklands, before redevelopment began in the 1980s.
His immediate superior in the force, Detective Chief Inspector Berwick (Derek Martin), often provided him a source of stress, often reprimanding him for his approach towards the cases he was investigating. Ho is also often seen visiting his father, Joe (Robert Lee), at his restaurant for advice. Like many other television detectives of the era, Ho drove a 'classic' car. In this case, Ho's vehicle of choice was a Morris Minor Traveller. Both series were released on DVD in a complete box set on April 14, 2008.
A released prisoner, a smashed window and a terrified wife lead Detective Sergeant John Ho to discover that past crimes breed present strife and future violence.
The murder of a Chinese club owner sets John Ho in the middle of a gangland struggle for power – and into the bad books of Chief Inspector Berwick.
Mr Hong holds the key to a big prize which the Fulham gang are desperate to win. John Ho observes them all, and witnesses the evil result of ambition and greed.
An-ex villain wants to put his dishonest ways behind him, so is not best pleased to be reminded of his past by the tax man and John Ho.
Ho becomes involved in a complex Chinese puzzle when a dancer becomes the victim of a hit-and-run.
Ho gambles his own life to accomplish his personal mission.
...
Wikipedia