Episode 35 - Matthew Polly

Episode 35 - Matthew Polly

Author: Ben Johnson October 22, 2018 Duration: 1:18:11

When Bruce Lee died 45 years ago at the age of 32, his death was shrouded in mystery. To this day, theories still abound as to the circumstances surrounding his passing and the events leading up to it. Writer Matthew Polly has his own theories, along with many other revelations about Lee’s short but incredible life which he has published in a new biography, called 'Bruce Lee: A Life', which is available now wherever you get books. Matthew’s fully comprehensive biography expands on Lee’s privileged upbringing as a child star in Hong Kong, to his formative years in America as a martial arts instructor, and then later as an actor in movies and television. Throughout the book, Lee’s enthusiasm, creativity and determination jumps off the page, rendered in amazing and insightful anecdotes sourced from years of research and over a hundred interviews with Lee’s friends, family and business partners. Matthew Polly’s book is a revealing portrait of one of the 20th century’s most important and iconic figures – not just in the world of martial arts and big-screen entertainment, but also as a self-made man who crossed the cultural divide between east and west. In this interview recorded during a promotional visit to the UK, Polly expands on Lee’s cinematic legacy, his reputation in Hollywood as a “guru to the stars”, the rumours and scandals which continue to haunt his life story, and his enduring status as one of the world's most famous individuals. Matthew Polly’s other books include 'American Shaolin' and 'Tapped Out'. His book, 'Bruce Lee: A Life', is out now. This is the last in the current season of podcasts.


LNIKS

Buy 'Bruce Lee: A Life' on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bruce-Lee-Life-Matthew-Polly/dp/1471175693

Follow Matthew Polly on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MatthewEPolly

Bruce Lee profile on Kung Fu Movie Guide: http://bit.ly/BruceLeeKFMG


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There's a particular magic in the stories behind the fights, the philosophy woven into the choreography, and the sheer dedication it takes to create martial arts cinema. The Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast is built on those stories, offering a backstage pass to the world of Hong Kong action, classic Shaw Brothers epics, and modern martial arts filmmaking. Host Ben Johnson, who created the extensive kungfumovieguide.com resource, sits down for detailed conversations with the very people who bring these films to life. Each episode features an unscripted, in-depth interview with actors who threw the punches, stunt performers who designed the falls, directors who framed the shots, and choreographers who turned violence into poetry. You'll hear about their career paths, the challenges on set, and the deep, personal passion that fuels their work. This isn't just a surface-level recap of famous movies; it's about the craft, the history, and the human effort behind every iconic scene. For anyone who has ever wondered about the artistry behind a perfectly executed fight sequence or the legacy of a genre that spans decades, this podcast provides a rich, engaging listen. Tune in for genuine insights from the heart of martial arts cinema.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Episode 38 - Don "The Dragon" Wilson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:26
When Chuck Norris convinced his martial arts buddy - the 11-time world kickboxing champion, Don "The Dragon" Wilson - to consider a career in the movies, he could never have dreamed how quickly his life would transform.…
Episode 37 - Shannon Lee / Andrew Koji [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:46
Shannon Lee was only four years old when she lost her father, the international martial arts superstar, Bruce Lee - but her father has continued to have a lasting impact on her life. As the CEO of the Bruce Lee Family Co…
Episode 36 - End Of Year Show 2018 with Mike Fury [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:55
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Duration: 1:09:14
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Duration: 1:13:56
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Duration: 1:11:55
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Episode 31 - Bryan Larkin / Ross Boyask, John Adams [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:11
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Episode 30 - Bob Wall / Timon Singh [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:58
Although Bob Wall had no desire to become a film star, he somehow ended up appearing in some of the highest grossing martial arts films of all time. As Chuck Norris’ business partner and Bruce Lee’s training buddy and fr…
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Duration: 1:15:19
UK actor and filmmaker Joey Ansah’s imagination was sparked at an early age through the power of the classic Hong Kong action movie, Dragons Forever, and the Street Fighter video game. The son of a famous Ghanaian fashio…
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Duration: 1:08:15
Alain Moussi has enjoyed a rapid rise from stuntman to starring roles to leading his own martial arts movie franchise. As Kurt Sloane, he is the poster-boy at the heart of the rebooted Kickboxer franchise – a role made f…