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GAMES
GAMBLERS PLAY
AKA:
Mr. Boo 1: Games Gamblers Play
Year:
1974 Reviewer: Andrew
Saroch
1974
saw one of Hong Kong's landmark films released to immense
business. 'Games Gamblers Play' not only smashed box-office
records, it also made comedy actor Michael Hui a major star
and helped Cantonese to become the predominant cinematic
language. After this, audiences would have a new local hero
following the tragic death of Bruce Lee and for the next six
or seven years Michael Hui would remain the box-office king.
The
basic components of the storyline are borrowed from 'The
Sting' i.e. conmen tricking a gangster. Here, however, the
film opens with leading gambler Teng (Michael Hui) serving out
the remaining days of a prison sentence. While there he
befriends naive youngster Liu (Samuel Hui) who is quickly
fascinated by his new mentor. On leaving prison, the pair
combine forces and turning their minds to all manner of money
making plans. Having tried quiz shows and just about every
form of gambling, Teng and Liu devise an elaborate con with an
off-track betting shop being the target. With meticulous
execution the scheme succeeds, but their victim learns of his
deception. Using all of his criminal hordes, the deceived boss
goes looking for revenge.
It's
remarkable looking back at this 1974 film and noting how
self-assured Michael Hui's screen persona already was. He
plays a character-type who would be constantly associated with
his name: a bad-tempered, money grabbing misery who eventually
gives some indication of having a slightly more appealing
side. 'Games Gamblers Play' shows Hui easing into this part
with real confidence and lapping up every minute of his screen
time. He also transfers the natural chemistry he enjoyed with
Samuel in their popular television show to the screen
flawlessly.
In
some ways, however, this is a slightly dated Michael Hui
comedy that doesn't have the lasting appeal of the classic 'The
Private Eyes'. Some of the humour doesn't have the stamp
of quality of Hui's later efforts nor does it translate with
as much ease to an English-speaking audience. Whereas certain
scenes call for that unique spark of Michael Hui magic they
end up taking the safe and predictable route that ends up
disappointing. For a first major comedic film though, this can
be forgiven on Michael Hui's part and there is still enough
amusement to be had from this. His skills at drawing out
humour from even the most mundane situations is very much in
evidence here and there are definitely more hits than misses.
'Games Gamblers Play' is much more than just a milestone that
should be viewed for curiosity value. As an introduction to
the Hui brothers or Hong Kong comedy in general, this is a
fine starting point.
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