Dir: Wu Pang
Orig Story: Ling Siu-sang
Scr: Fung Yat-wai
Prod Co: Lingfeng
Cast: Ng Cho-fan, Wong Man-lei, Lo Duen, Siu Yin Fei, Yee Chau-shui
1947 | B&W | DCP | Cantonese | 122min

Ling Siu-sang became famous by writing slushy, sentimental stories (Mandarin Duck and Butterfly School) with complicated plots about urban relationships and human degradation. This film inherited all characteristics of his novels with a story that spans decades: a university graduate takes a wrong turn and becomes a swindler. Instead of making a fresh start after multiple jail terms, he discards his wife and betrays his mentor. Filled with many twists and turns, the plot may have been a standard ploy to keep readers interested, but it also reflects the social disarray and human dysfunctionality during post-war Hong Kong. Ng Cho-fan showed off his acting skills in his portrayal of the male lead who degenerates from a upright person to an evil-doer. Wong Man-lei also starred in a breakthrough role as an undercover policewoman left helpless on her own eventually.