An Unforgettable Night (1958)
Li Xianglan (aka Shirley Yamaguchi Yoshiko) as Ge Qiuxia

From maid, courtesan, to murderess, a young woman endures a tragic life in the feudal society.

After World War II, Li Xianglan began to take up complicated, seductive roles. As the plot of this film spans 18 years, this could be the most challenging role Li Xianglan played in Hong Kong.

The film was adapted from Leo Tolstoy’s Resurrection. The setting of the film was changed from Russia at the end of the 19^th century to China in the 1920s-1930s.


Characteristics of the Qipao Costume

This pink satin qipao is trimmed with a finely embroidered border of chrysanthemums and butterflies. This flexible bias-cut trim can be shaped to follow the curves on the qipao. The qipao style of a high stand collar, shoulder seams, set-in sleeves, bust darts, waist darts, high side slits and narrow bottom are not standards in the Republican Era, but features of the 1950s.

Costume Designer: Lu Shihou