The Road to Hong Kong is a 1962 British semi-musical comedy film directed by Norman Panama and starring Bing Crosby and Bob Hope, as well as Joan Collins. The plot involves mistaken identity and the acquisition of a rare Tibetan herb, putting two con men in the world of espionage. The film is also of special interest to James Bond fans, as it was released the same year as the first official Bond movie, "Dr. No." It is considered a precursor to the "Moonraker" due to its outlandish plot. The movie received mixed reviews, with some finding it amusing and occasionally inspired, particularly in its "spy-fi" elements.
Plot
The Road to Hong Kong (1962) is a British semi-musical comedy film directed by Norman Panama.. The plot revolves around two con men, Taverner (Crosby) and Fry (Hope), who are in Hong Kong to recover from a recent mission. They meet a woman, Alma (Collins), who is the real target of the Chinese agents, and decide to pose as her to deceive them. The Chinese agents are after a rare Tibetan herb with medicinal properties, which is also a key plot point in the film.
The film is set in the early 1960s and was released in 1962, making it a period piece. The story begins in Hong Kong, where the two con men are trying to recover from their previous mission. They meet Alma Collins, who is in Hong Kong to purchase antiques. The Chinese agents, believing that Alma is carrying a rare Tibetan herb, try to kidnap her. The con men decide to impersonate Alma and her boyfriend to avoid suspicion. The Tibetan herb is a crucial element of the film's plot, as it is the reason for the Chinese agents' interest in Alma.
Trailer
Cast
- Bing Crosby as Harry Turner
- Bob Hope as Chester Babcock
- Joan Collins as Diane
- Robert Morley as Leader
- Walter Gotell as Dr. Zorbb
- Felix Aylmer as Grand Lama
- Alan Gifford as Commander
- Nicholas Phipps as Secretary
- Roger Delgado as Ahmed
- Peter Madden as Jules Joubert
- Frank Sinatra as Chester's Lookalike
- Dean Martin as Harry's Lookalike
- Michele Mok as Undetermined Role
- Irving Allan as Nubian at Lamasary
- April Ashley as Undetermined Role
- Harry Baird as Nubian at Lamasary
Director: Norman Panama
Writer: Melvin Frank, Norman Panama
Distributor: United Artists
Genre: Musical, Comedy
Release Date (Theaters): May 22, 1962
Release Date (DVD): Dec 3, 2002
Theme
The Road to Hong Kong is a British semi-musical comedy film that follows two con men, Taverner (Bing Crosby) and Fry (Bob Hope), who are in Hong Kong to recover from a recent mission. The plot revolves around mistaken identity and the acquisition of a rare Tibetan herb, putting the two con men in the world of espionage. The film is set in the early 1960s and is considered a precursor to the "Moonraker" due to its outlandish plot.
Reception
The Road to Hong Kong received mixed reviews upon its release in 1962. Some found it amusing and occasionally inspired, particularly in its "spy-fi" elements. However, others criticized the film for being too silly and lacking the charm of the earlier "Road" movies.
Production Challenges
According to Boxoffice magazine, The Road to Hong Kong was one of the heaviest production slates in the film industry at the time. The film was also the first "Road" movie to be shot in color and widescreen. The production faced several challenges, including the difficulty of shooting on location in Hong Kong and the absence of Dorothy Lamour, who had appeared in the previous "Road" movies.
Settings, Visual Styles, and Techniques
The Road to Hong Kong is set in Hong Kong and features several iconic locations, including Victoria Harbour and the Peak Tram. The film's visual style is colorful and vibrant, with elaborate sets and costumes. The film also features several special effects, including a "Bond-style" car and a "Bond-style" villain.
Trivia and Fun Facts
- The Road to Hong Kong was the last film in the "Road" series and the only one not to feature Dorothy Lamour.
- The film features cameo appearances by Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, who play lookalikes of Hope and Crosby's characters.
- The film was released the same year as the first official James Bond movie, "Dr. No," and is considered a precursor to the "Moonraker" due to its outlandish plot.
- Bing Crosby's son, Nathaniel Crosby, appears in the film as a young boy.
- The film's title song, "Teamwork," was written by Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song.