Where was Kung Fu filmed?
1972
City Locations
Los Angeles, Burbank, CA (USA)
Location Types
Film Studio, Ranch
Location Styles
Americana/Anywhere, Colonial, Georgian/Southern, Dated/50's-60's-70's, Mountain Huts, Southwestern, Ranch Style, Rustic
About Kung Fu
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of the Kung Fu TV series, which mesmerized audiences from 1972 to 1975. This action-adventure martial arts Western drama series was the brainchild of Ed Spielman, directed by Jerry Thorpe, and it starred the versatile actor David Carradine as the protagonist, Kwai Chang Caine - a Shaolin monk wandering through the American Old West in search of his half-brother.
The exploits and challenges Caine (David Carradine) faced were the center of the plot, a powerful blend of martial arts action and Eastern philosophy. This solidified its status as a one-of-a-kind television showcase, combining compelling storytelling with Taoist philosophy and flashbacks of Caine's training at the Shaolin Monastery.
In addition to its original storyline, Kung Fu was revolutionary for 1970s American television since it starred an Asian character — a rarity at the time. With its favorable portrayal of Asian characters and refusal to accept preconceptions, the series won over critics and fans alike.
Despite its lack of significant accolades, Kung Fu has received numerous nominations. When the Golden Globes were in 1974, David Carradine was nominated for Best Actor in a Television Series — Drama. This legendary series' widespread acclaim was further validated when it took home Spain's TP de Oro prize for Best Foreign Series. Kung Fu was a crucial cultural touchstone in television history because it was more than simply an exciting action series; it tackled social concerns and advocated for ethnic diversity.
Kung Fu Locations
From 1972 to 1975, the Kung Fu series was produced in a myriad of fascinating locales. Most of the filming took place at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California, which features Laramie Street, the Backlot, and other stages. Notable locales for filming also included Old Tucson Studios, Vasquez Rocks, the Yuma Desert dunes that served as the backdrop for the opening and closing titles, and the 20th Century Fox Ranch, now called Malibu Creek State Park.
A set from the 1967 film Camelot was the basis for the Shaolin Monastery, which appears in flashback scenes multiple times. Oscar nominees Ralph S. Hurst and Eugène Lourié did a fantastic job transforming this into a Chinese setting.
The famous Vasquez Rocks were chosen since they were close to Hollywood and could accommodate the train camp scenes. The Warner lot's classic western streets served the series' many purposes well. Lourié's creative and financially sound solution for the temple and other sets significantly influenced the production department to greenlight the film pilot and the following series.
Curiously, the principal set for the 1973 musical Lost Horizon was the Camelot Castle, which had already been remodeled and turned into a Shaolin temple.
Visiting these spots would be necessary for those who love vintage TV shows like the Kung Fu series. At each stop, you can learn something new about the show's origins and the genius that went into making it. Vasquez Rocks, with its untamed beauty, and Warner Bros. Studios, with its rich history, are both essential locations in the series and have their allure. Whether wandering the historic western neighborhoods on the Warner's lot, exploring the natural vistas of Yuma Desert or Malibu Creek State Park, or visiting the Warner's lot, one would embark on a nostalgic and fascinating journey into the past.
The opening and closing scenes in Kung Fu
Yuma, Arizona
The pilot episode opens with a captivating scene: a Shaolin monk avenges the death of his teacher and subsequently flees China to the American West. Throughout the series, he aids those in need while being pursued by relentless bounty hunters. This scene sets the tone for the entire series, introducing us to the monk's journey and his challenges.
The iconic opening and closing scenes featuring dunes were shot in Yuma, Arizona. Yuma is a city steeped in history and charm. It is located in southwest Arizona and overlooks the Colorado River. The area is known for the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historical Park, which preserves a Wild West-era prison's cells and guard tower.
Additionally, Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park was a 19th-century military warehouse and telegraph station, adding to the area's historical significance. Pivot Point Plaza houses a 1907 steam locomotive commemorating the Southern Pacific Railroad that once ran through the city.
To get to Yuma, Arizona, you can fly into Yuma International Airport (YUM), which offers several flights from major cities. The city center is just a short drive away from the airport. If you prefer a scenic road trip, you can drive to Yuma via Interstate 8, which runs through California and Arizona.
The Western city scenes in Kung Fu
Warner Bros. Studios, 461 S California St, Burbank, CA
In Season 2, Episode 17, "Night of the Owls, Day of the Doves," we find the ladies of a bawdy house and their madam (Anne Francis) seeking protection from Caine against a group of menacing vigilantes. This tense episode is an engaging blend of action, drama, and the ever-present theme of justice.
Most of this series was filmed at the Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, specifically on Laramie Street, the Backlot, and several stages (7, 16, 21, 22, 27). First National Pictures built the studio lot, spanning 62 acres, in 1926 as it transitioned from film distribution to production.
The Laramie Street set, constructed in 1957, has been used for numerous westerns, including the iconic 'Blazing Saddles' (1974). In 2004, it was transformed into Warner Village, a residential street featured in popular TV series such as Two and a Half Men and The Big Bang Theory. The backlot comprises various sets, including New York Street, Hennessy Street, Midwest Street, and The Jungle.
Upon arrival at the studios, you can tour one of Los Angeles' most active production studios. Knowledgeable guides will lead you behind the scenes, offering a glimpse into the studio's rich, hundred-year legacy of creating world-class entertainment.
To get to Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and take a short drive north. If you prefer public transportation, you can take the LAX FlyAway bus to Union Station and catch the Metrolink train to Burbank.
The Native American and Caine seek the burial site scene in Kung Fu
Vasquez Rocks, CA
In the highly-rated episode "The Ancient Warrior" (Season 1, Episode 15), we see an aged Native American, the Ancient Warrior, accompanied by Caine (David Carradine), seeking to be buried in his sacred, ancestral land. Yet, the burial site lies in the heart of a hostile town named Purgatory, known for its hatred towards Native Americans. This episode stands out for its potent exploration of cultural conflict and respect for ancestral traditions.
The famous Vasquez Rocks, chosen for its proximity to Hollywood, was the shooting location for the railroad camp scenes. The unique rock formations, resulting from sedimentary layering and subsequent seismic uplift, make the area visually stunning and ideal for filming. The adaptable old Western streets on the Warner Bros. lot were used for the Western scenes.
Vasquez Rocks is a park in Sierra Pelona, northern Los Angeles County, California. Since the 1930s, its distinct terrain has made it a popular filming location. It's so iconic that it was used as a fictional alien setting in four episodes of the original late 1960s Star Trek series, earning it the nickname "Kirk's Rock." The park is open from sunrise to sunset, allowing visitors plenty of time to explore its natural beauty and imagine the dramatic scenes filmed there
Getting to Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park is straightforward. If you're coming from downtown Los Angeles, take CA-14 N to Sierra Hwy in Santa Clarita. Then take exit 11 from CA-14 N, and follow Sierra Hwy and Agua Dulce Canyon Rd to your destination. The road will take approximately 45 minutes.
Conclusion
Kung Fu (1972-1975) remains a one-of-a-kind television jewel. The lead actor, David Carradine, set a new bar for television dramas with his outstanding performance.
The plot was enhanced by the visually spectacular and various filming locales. Old Tucson Studios, Vasquez Rocks, and the Yuma Desert's dunes were used for filming, while most sequences were shot at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank. These locations did more than just provide scenery; they also took on a life of their own.
The Kung Fu series was an early adopter of Zen Buddhism, popularizing the term "kung fu" and exposing Shaolin monks to an American audience. The producers hit television gold after taking a massive bet on an unproven idea.
The cinema industry owes this series an outstanding debt of gratitude for shaking things up and establishing new benchmarks. To top it all off, seeing the sets allows you to immerse yourself in the show's universe and admire the creative talent that went into making it. These sites are worth seeing whether you're a fan of the series or just interested in the history of television.