The Cruel Hand

Dir: Wong Hang
Scr: Fung Fung-kor
Orig Story: Yuen Long
Prod Co: The Union
Co-starring: Ng Cho-fan, Cheung Ying, Wong Man-lei, Tsi Lo Lin
1960 / B&W / D Beta / Cantonese / 123min

Based on Yuen Long's serial novel in New Evening Post, The Cruel Hand is a cautionary tale about the trials and tribulations of white-collar worker Lee Chen-man (Ng Cho-fan) and rich boy Wong Tat-ming (Cheung Ying). The film follows them as they meet at a drug den and later try to kick the habit when they learn about the harmful effects of narcotics. To Ping plays Ching Hing-wai, a paramedic who was Lee's student and is now boyfriend of Wong's sister. Having already been in several films, To Ping appears at ease and mature in front of the camera, giving a likeable performance as a kind young man who genuinely wants to help both men quit.