Amongst martial arts film fans, Robert Baker's claim to fame was
portraying the Russian strong man / martial artist named "Petrov" in
the cult Bruce Lee movie Todesgrüße aus Shanghai (1972) (aka "The Chinese Connection" aka "Fist
of Fury"). Baker was a student in Lee's martial art fighting style
(Jeet Kune Do) and was recruited by Bruce, to play the role of the
sinister Russian due to his height and "tough guy" appearance.
The key fight sequence between Lee and Baker is a mixture of punishing
action and dry humor, as at one point Lee bites Baker on his leg to
escape an arm lock (and then Lee wipes his mouth just like he was
simply finishing a meal), plus Lee boxes with Baker, jabbing him
repeatedly in the face whilst wearing a cheeky grin! The fight comes to
a dramatic conclusion as Lee side kicks Baker in the head, knocking him
senseless, and then Lee delivers a lethal karate chop to Baker's
windpipe, terminating his bigger opponent.
Baker also had a minor role as a thug in Lee's next film Die Todeskralle schlägt wieder zu (1972) (aka
"Way of the Dragon" aka "Return of the Dragon"), and he has
additionally appeared in several documentaries regarding the life and
film career of Bruce Lee.
