The Seaman and the Dancing Girl

Dir: Li Pingqian
Scr: Yan Kai
Prod Co: Great Wall
Cast: Li Tziang, Ping Fan, Wang Xiyun, Jin Sha, Su Qin
1961 | B&W | D Beta | Mandarin | 88min

For survival, men may take incredible risks, but women may sell their bodies. Ling has become a taxi dancer to feed her family. She meets seaman Zhu at the dance hall and falls in love with him but the two lovers accidently lose touch with each other. Just then, Ping's mother becomes critically ill. Ling tries to raise money for medical expenses but to no avail and her mother dies. Ling's father is disgraced to discover what she does for a living but cannot do anything due to their heavy debts. Li portrays his characters in vivid detail. Through the love they feel for and the oppression they exert on one another. Li conveys his understanding of society.

The Betacam tape used for the screening is a sole copy; the image and sound quality is short of ideal. We appreciate your understanding.