Sammo’s grandmother Chin Tse-ang was also a film professional, one of the first wuxia actresses during the silent era and an uncredited producer on many of her husband’s later films. They had their own studio for a while. I suspect they sent young Sammo to the China Drama Academy to prepare him for a show business career.

I haven’t completely given up hope that old films will turn up. The first Wong Fei-hung film with Kwan Tak-hing exists in an incomplete version, but for some reason has never been released on video. The reason I love these vintage flyers is because they offer a hint of what the films were like.

Also, very interesting about Hung Chung-ho. If my memory is correct, in Jackie Chan’s autobiography he talks about how when they were kids at the opera school Sammo was injured and couldn’t work out. Sammo’s grandfather kept bringing candies and treats to cheer up his grandson. Jackie says this caused Sammo to put on too much weight and led to him eventually leaving. By the time Jackie left the school, Sammo was already somewhat established in the film industry. Knowing that his grandfather worked as a director helps “connect the dots,” as it were.

Thanks!