Dir: Moon Kwan Man-ching
Orig Story: Tong Tik-sang
Scr: Lau Tat
Prod Co: Jinxing
Cast: Liu Hap-wai, Cheung Ying, Tsi Lo Lin, Lai Yee, Wong Kam-oi
1952 / B&W / D Beta / Cantonese / 89min

 

Adapted from Tong's original opera written in 1950, the film marked the final on-screen appearance of Liu Hap-wai, who was gravely ill during filming and died before his only surviving work was released. At the heart of this timeless story is a moral parable: a greedy, snobbish father (Liu Hap-wai) commands his son (Cheung Ying) to marry the sister of the mayor after banishing his son's pregnant lover (Tsi Lo-lin). Ten years pass. The mayor is charged with corruption but frames his brother-in-law for the crime. The family falls apart, and all their riches and wealth vanish just like a pipe dream. Oozing human warmth and compassion,  Wealth Gone Like a Dream  makes for a delightful departure from Tong's signature romantic libretti.