The Joys and Sorrows of Ting Ying

Homeless Children

Dir/Scr: Tu Guangqi
Prod: Wong Cheuk-hon
Prod Co: Lan Kwong
Cast: Ting Ying, Tsui Siu-ming, Fung Hak-on, Cheung Sang, Leung Suk-hing
1964 | B&W | Digital File | Cantonese | 103min

In 1963, Wong Cheuk-hon engaged renowned Mandarin film director Tu Guangqi to join Lan Kwong to make Cantonese films. This story is adapted from a Rediffusion Radio airwave novel. Lam (Tsui Siu-ming) is expelled from school due to his inability to pay school fees. His teacher Tsui (Ting Ying) begged the principal to reconsider, and when she failed, quit in frustration. She went to work at an orphanage. She found Lam and helped him and his friends to continue their education; however, trouble soon followed…. There were a huge number of poor children in post-war Hong Kong, forced to roam the streets aimlessly, due to the lack of educational opportunities or poor living conditions. Without proper care and education, they could only be child labourers, and often became criminals. Tu focussed on the children’s lack of education and made an outstanding and very educational social realism film. The stellar cast included Tsui Siu-ming, Sung Kam-sing, Fung Hak-on and numerous others who gave natural and lively performances. Ting Ying portrayed her character sincerely and was incredibly touching. Wong Cheuk-hon makes a rare on-screen appearance as well. Try to spot him!

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