Gems of Cantonese Opera

The Princess in Distress

Dir: Wong Hok-sing
Orig Story: Tsui Tsi-long
Scr: Lee Yuen-man
Librettist: Pong Chow-wah
Prod Co: Tai Lung Fung
Co-starring: Mak Bing-wing, Leung Sing-por, Wong Chin-sui, Tam Lan-hing, Chan Ho-kau, Lau Yuet-fung
1962 | B&W | Digital File | Cantonese | Chinese Lyrics | 96min

The Princess in Distress is adapted from famous librettist Tsui Tsi-long’s opera of the same title, a signature production in the repertoires of both the Tai Lung Fung Opera Troupe and Fung Wong Nui. The tune, ‘Song of a Barbaric Land’, which had been especially composed for the opera, has also become an enduring classic among audiences and opera lovers.

On her way home from foreign lands, Princess Hong-luen (Fung Wong Nui) is robbed and separated from her lover (Mak Bing-wing). Injured and suffering from amnesia, she gets rescued by Ni (Leung Sing-por), who treats her as his daughter. When Prince Di (Lau Yuet-fung) seeks a translator, Hong-luen dresses as a man and impresses him so much that he offers his daughter’s hand in marriage… Full of twists and turns, The Princess in Distress is a fascinating tale with never a dull moment.

The film features two leading men, two leading ladies, and two chou (clown) roles; one of its key highlights is the chemistry between Leung Sing-por, Tam Lan-hing and Fung Wong Nui in its outstanding comedy scenes. Fung Wong Nui handles her character’s manifold transformations and complex situations with aplomb, and even shows a dopey, absent-minded side in the scenes where she loses her memory. There is little doubt that The Princess in Distress is a classic work of Cantonese opera film.

Please note that the image quality of parts of the film is short of ideal. We appreciate your understanding.

Courtesy of Tien Shing Records Company Limited

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