The Show Must Go On
Dirs: Zhu Shilin, Qi Wenshao
Scr: Qi Wenshao
Orig Story: Fei Mu
Prod Co: Dragon-Horse
Co-starring: Yan Su, Han Fei, Liu Lian, Liu Su, Wang Yuenlong
1952 / B&W / D Beta / Mandarin / 91min
Scr: Qi Wenshao
Orig Story: Fei Mu
Prod Co: Dragon-Horse
Co-starring: Yan Su, Han Fei, Liu Lian, Liu Su, Wang Yuenlong
1952 / B&W / D Beta / Mandarin / 91min
A band of acrobats are stranded in Hong Kong, enduring hardships of every shade. With the establishment of New China, the men and women of the show, their hearts tied to the motherland, bound for home together. The story came from the great director Fei Wu, who unfortunately passed away in 1951 before he could realise it on film. The project was directed instead by veteran Zhu Shilin and scriptwriter Qi Wenshao. Wei Wei had always felt that had Fei been able to helm the film, it would be at once bitter and sweet, as life often is. But Wei's performance in the film is exempt entirely from bitterness, as she throws herself into her character, mounting difficult acrobatic acts with aplomb and abandon, all without stunt doubles and special effects.
The Betacam tape used for this screening is a sole copy; the image and sound quality is short of ideal. We appreciate your understanding.
The Betacam tape used for this screening is a sole copy; the image and sound quality is short of ideal. We appreciate your understanding.