The Three Sisters (1957)

Left to right: Qin Qi, Diana Chang, Mai Ling

While we're on the topic of Mai Ling and Asia Pictures, here are some photos from the movie program for The Three Sisters (1957). Not only was it Mai Ling's first film (barring any uncredited appearances she might have made in the studio's previous films), but it was also Taiwan star Diana Chang's first Hong Kong movie. While most people today have probably forgotten about The Three Sisters, many will recognize Diana's hit song, "Barbecue Pork Buns" — thanks, no doubt, to the modern remixes of Stephen Chow and Ian Widgery.

I don't know if the film survives, but from the synopsis I've read, it sounds like a classic story of the older versus younger generation, with the outcome tipped slightly in favor of the new. Qin Qi plays the uptight elder sister, a music teacher and classically trained singer, who disapproves of second sister Diana Chang, who aspires to be a nightclub singer and goes out with "Teddy Boy" King Hu. Mai Ling plays the youngest sister, who with the help of mom tries to bring the family back together again.


Mai Ling and Diana Chang hanging out with "Teddy Boy" (and future wuxia auteur) King Hu


What mischief is little sister Mai Ling up to?


King Hu looking not quite fit enough for the challenge of handling bombshell Diana Chang


How to save a family torn apart by the mambo


Veteran Shanghai director Bu Wancang with Qin Qi, Diana Chang, and Mai Ling