Discovering New Stars

The Student Prince (2K Digital Version)

Dir: Mok Hong-si
Scr: Yeung Po-hei (aka Ching Suet-mun)
Prod: Wong Cheuk-hon
Prod Co: Lan Kwong
Cast: Ting Ying, Alan Tang, Yu Ming, Mak Kay, Helena Law Lan
1964 | B&W | DCP | Cantonese | Chinese Lyrics | 103min

Obeying his father’s orders, Tang, the son of a Southeast Asian sultan (Alan Tang), hides his identity while attending an elite boys’ school in Hong Kong. Handsome and eager to help others, he gains the nickname ‘Student Prince’. Tang admires a beautiful girl from a neighbouring school, Lai (Ting Ying), and often helps her. He also engages in battles of wit and strength with a millionaire’s son Tung (Mak Kay) as they compete for Lai’s favour. They later even become involved in a diamond ring theft… This film is set in a boys’ school, a rarely-made choice. Its tone is light and vibrant, and is the first Cantonese film targeted at young adults. When Wong Cheuk-hon was casting the film, he could not find a suitable leading man. He advertised in the newspapers and received an enthusiastic response from hundreds of applicants. 17-year-old Alan Tang was chosen for his height and handsomeness. Wong worked hard to boost his status to ‘the next Patrick Tse Yin’, spending ten days in intense rehearsals. Wong also discovered Chan Chun-wah, Yiu Po-kwong and other new stars to play the students. The film was very successful at the box office, propelling Alan Tang to Youth Idol status. After the film, Wong had him return to school to complete his education before continuing his acting career, but the nickname ‘Student Prince’ stayed with Alan Tang throughout his life.