Reflections of Time

The Long Lane

Dir: Richard Poh
Orig Story: Sha Qianmeng
Scr: Lo Chen
Prod Co: Asia Pictures
Cast: Chen Yanyan, Wang Yin, Grace Chang, Jin Quan (aka King Hu), Wang Lai, Kao Pao-shu
1956 | B&W | Digital File | Mandarin | Chinese Subtitles | 99min

The Long Lane—both the original short story and its film adaptation—emerged from Cold War international relations. Journalist Chang Kuo-sin founded Asia Press Limited in 1952 with US support to publish works by Chinese writers who had fled China during the civil war. One such work was Sha Qianmeng’s novelette The Long Lane. With similar backing, Chang also established Asia Pictures Limited in 1953, which produced its film adaptation.

The film focuses on a mother (Chen Yanyan) burdened by guilt after abandoning her newborn daughter in a long lane 17 years earlier, so that she could adopt a son to fulfil the traditional belief that only a male heir could continue the family line. However, when her adopted son (King Hu) becomes a disappointment, the mother’s regret deepens. On her deathbed, she confesses her secret to her husband (Wang Yin), who resolves to find their lost daughter.

Scripted by Lo Chen, known for his expertise in depicting intricate human relationships, The Long Lane won Best Screenplay at the 3rd Southeast Asian Film Festival (now Asia Pacific Film Festival). Directed by Richard Poh, the film delves into the inner turmoil of the parents, with Chen Yanyan delivering a powerful performance as the anguished mother. King Hu, later famous as a director, plays the prodigal son, sharing captivating chemistry with Chen.

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