With nearly three decades on the Dragon wagon, producers have been undauntedin their quest to re-invent the revenue reaping image of Bruce Lee. Productions have ranged from potentially plausible to what can only be described as downright obscure.

Amidst the ashes of screen time we have witnessed an abundant supply of wannabees kick their way through many a simulation. I'm Spartacus!? Did any of these simulators hit the point of acceptability or did they simply miss the plot?

From a field of many, one man has sustained an audience. his movies are sill sought after by collectors all over the world. A legend in his own reel-time; BRUCE LI.

His real name is James Ho Chung Tao, a physical education graduate from Taiwan. After serving time in the stuntman school of hard knocks, Ho's profile was raised by producers, manufacturing a new screen name and in turn calculating a success story for film distributors around the world. Beyond the prodigal psuedonym, James Ho made many a good action film. Often constricted by uncaring produecers, Ho always gave an energetic performance. Teastament to this can be seen in films Lama Avenger, Deadly Strike, Gold Connection, Chinese Stuntman and the perpetual Bruce Lee - The Man, The Myth. We re-enter the dragon's den of martial art movie history with the man himself. here's James with the Ho-down.

Lin Gua Wong: When and where were you born?

James Ho: I was born in the Taiwnese countryside in 1950.

What was your life like before the movie years?

Well, approximately half way through high school, I was immersed in ancient martial art novels. I was also a keen watcher of the old Knight Errant fighting films. in addition the great 007's and especially Our Man Flint with James Coburn. I admired Coburn for his cool , calm and collected presence.

What was your first experience with martial arts?

While still at school I had an opportunity to tryout many different systems of martial arts. I took part in Judo, Tae Kwon Do, Western Boxing and some Shaolin Bak Hok (White Crane). This fever for knowledge further led me to the study of Wing Chun and Karate. Looking back on those days, all the arts were a great learning experience.

How did you get into the movie business?

In 1970 I entered physical education college, majoring in gymnastics and at the same time I enrolled in Taiwan Movie Association training school. Here I had my first introduction into the various aspects of film-making. It was my acting coach, Joseph Kwok, who provided my first steps into the movie business.

Did you get good roles straight away?

In the beginning I had to prove myself as a capable suntman/actor. You couldn't turn a part down as there would always be somebody prepared to take your place. as far as my film career is concerned, these early days proved to be quite difficult.

At what stage did you progress from stuntman to star?

In 1973 Bruce Lee died. This left a box office void that movie producers were desperate to fill. My friend as a martial art choreographer told producers about me. He said , "Look, you see Ho Chung Tao's side profile could be the image of Bruce Lee". In response the producers said, "Hey the resemblence is not bad". However, my friend explained that although I could fight and act, I would still need a bit more reel-time maturity. The producer told me, "Don't worry. you will play the lead role in your next movie". This was titled Conspiracy which was set in a 1920's style.

At what stage did producers replace your real name with the revenue reaping tag of Bruce Li or Li Hsiao Lung?

After my first movie, the films would be crafted around the life and times of Bruce Lee. However I would like to make an important point, I did not like these films. Without my knowledge or consent the producers changed my name to Li Hsiao Lung.

Was it at this point that you took time out?

That's correct. I went into the army for a copule of years. Upon fulfilling my duties I returned to the movie scene. Producers were still pursuing the Bruce Lee biography concept.

You have worked with a whole host of martial art movie legends. Can you recall the film you made with Lung Fei?

That film was Bruce Lee Against Superman. This was kind of average in story and effort. The fight choreography could have been better.

You made a selection of films with producer Jimmy Shaw. Where you happy with the finished product?

Well, looking back I made those films for Jimmy Shaw back in 1975. My favourite would have to be Fist of Fury Part 2, I played Bruce Lee's younger brother from the Ching Wu school.

Who was responsible for giving you the psuedonym Bruce Li?

It was Jimmy Shaw who marketed me under the english name Bruce Li. I was really against this. Simply, I can act-out these biographical roles, howevere, I can never be him. I would constantly tell producers "Bruce Lee is my Idol, I like and admire him, please don't keep me in this Lee-ographic limbo".

Do you have any opinion on any of the Lee Cine-Clone films that flooded the globe?

I was becoming tired of the bio-pic concept. They wanted me to play Bruce, his brother, his uncle, literally anyone who they could genetically link with the Dragon. To Chinese people, Bruce Lee has a war-god like status. We should not mock his memory as he presents true martial artistic essence.

What direction did your career take after the Jimmy Shaw productions?

In 1976 I went to Hong Kong where I signed with the Eternal Films company. My first project with Eternal was Bruce Lee- The Man, The Myth. This was shot in Hong Kong, USA, Korea and Rome, many locations. Action-wise I was not pleased. Bruce lee's image was not projected as well as it could have been. Afetr making this film I made a decision to change my style of acting and pursue other script ideas. This was evident in my next film for Eternal, Dynamo. I was very happy with this movie.

Can you recall the casting for Golden Harvest's Game of Death?

Originally Golden Harvest approached me to play apart in the, as then, unfinished Game of Death. I had to decline the offer. They wanted three actors to merge into the one role of Bruce. I did not like this concept.

Why did they require three actors for the role?

Harvest's concept was to merge attributes from three seperate people; a Hong Kong actor would provide facial profiles, a korean actor would be lensed for his kicking skills and whatever part of Bruce they had planned for me.

Why didn't you take the role?

I told Harvest, "If you want me to act in this film, I must play the part by myself. For this part I will cease all of my current obligations. I will do the best for the memory of Bruce Lee".

How many films have you made and which do you like the best?

I made about thirty films. From these three stand out the most. Firstly Dynamo. This was a good film for me to futher express my acting action skills. i like the film's simple yet subtle script. Secondly, a firm favourite for me is Fist of Fury Part 2. I liked the final feel and look of this picture. My top film would be Chinese Stuntman. Here was an opportunity to produce, direct and star in my own film. we had an ambitious blend of talent to work with. I had Peng Kang on cinematography, Phillip Ko, Kung Fu John (John Ladalski), Dan Inosanto and myself to craft agood action film.

Did you ever make any costume Kung Fu films?

There was one called Ming Patriots. I hated making this film. I was confined to the boundaries of the director's vision. This was an ancient Kung Fu film replete with long robes, long hair and classical weapons.

In 1985 you retired from films. Do you still practice martial arts?

I am still active in my martial arts sudies. I also teach students the fundementals of TV and film production.

With unlimited budget and free reign of production, what film would you like to make?

I would like to project real aspects of Chinese martial arts. as for my ideal role, I would portray a regular city guy who breaks into showbusiness and then returns to a humble lifestyle. Much like my role in Dynamo.

How would you like to be remembered?

You may call me Ho Chung Tao or James Ho. I don't like to be remembered as Bruce Li or Li Hsiao Lung because producers manipulated that for the market-place. I want to be myself.

Transcribed from the November 2001 issue of MARTIAL ARTS ILLUSTRATED by Carl Jones for the purpose of publicity only.