CHINESE MOVIE
Comedy about an amorous barber is breaking records in Shanghai
The smiling beauty in the picture above is Miss Li Li Hua, Chinese film actress and leading lady of a new movie called The Barber Takes a Wife. Partly because of Miss Li Li Hua's following and partly because it is a good comedy, The Barber is now smashing Shanghai box-office records and may end up the biggest movie hit ever shown in China.
The Barber Takes a Wife is a romantic comedy with a plot like a Hollywood B-picture. Miss Li Li Hua plays a young girl who advertises in a newspaper for a husband, saying she is rich. Mr. Sheh Huei plays the barber who answers the ad, saying he is also rich. Each learns that the other is lying and they quarrel, but love conquers all in Chinese movies, too. At first Shanghai barbers objected to the film, claiming their profession was libeled by the hero, who touched lady customers and attempted suicide with a razor. A few changes mollified them, however, and now The Barber has a sure-fire audience: 50,000 barbers in Shanghai alone.
BARBER IS URGED to answer a marriage advertisement from a rich girl. His adviser is a wealthy customer who would answer himself except that he is married. The two conspirators agree to split profits right after the wedding.
COURTING BEGINS the same day when the barber pays a call on the girl. He wears dressy clothes lent him by his customer but forgets to change his white barber's shoe, explains its presence by saying he has athlete's foot.
HIS PROPOSAL REFUSED by the coquettish girl, the barber pretends to slash his own throat with a razor. SELF-STRANGULATION with tie replaced the scene at left when Shanghai barbers objected to use of a razor.
COURTSHIP CONTINUES when the barber takes the girl to a swanky restaurant. In a forgetful moment he whips the napkin around her neck as if she were a customer. Then he proposes again, is accepted and gives her a large ring.
RING IS RETURNED when the girl finds out it is made of glass. The barber, slicked up in rented morning clothes and ready to be married at once, is crushed. Later on he learns by accident that the girl is just as poor as he is.
ANOTHER SUITOR, ancient but this time authentically wealthy, also proposes and anxiously proffers a box of money to seal the bargain. The ending is pure Dorothy Dix: the oldster's gold is virtuously refused and Hua gets Huei.
BY HERSELF LiLi strikes about as daring a "cheesecake" pose as a self-respecting Chinese actress usually will agree to. Her "vital" measurements are 34-19-34.
LILI HUA FROM HONG KONG...
She's a living 'doll'
HOLLYWOOD
How do you make an English-language motion picture with a leading lady who speaks no English? This problem recently confronted veteran Frank Borzage here. It arose when actor John Wayne, who also heads up Batjac Productions, assigned Borzage to China Doll, co-starring Victor Mature and LiLi Hua, the No. 1 box-office favorite of the Far East.
LiLi had been brought to town from Hong Kong by Cecil B. DeMille, who wanted her for Buccaneer, then changed his mind. A veteran of 63 profitable Chinese films, she is a devout Catholic who left China when the Communists took over. At 30, she looks much younger; never married [in fact Li Lihua had married Yan Jun the previous month], she is considered the catch of the Orient because she owns her own movie company. But still she had that problem — no English.
Borzage solved it by sending her to language school for six weeks, then giving her a script of the movie with her dialogue reduced to the bare essentials: "Yes. I go" . . . "No, I stay." LiLi learned her lines phonetically, translated each into Chinese to get the meaning, then sailed through the part.
"It was a breeze," Borzage says, "except that she was shy about clinches. Apparently the Chinese don't like their screen stars to kiss. Vic Mature, however, got her into the spirit."
The picture done, LiLi returned to Hong Kong to star in a film for her own company. By then she had learned enough English to describe Mature. "I think," she told a reporter, "Vic is big, bad wolf."
—Parade, January 12, 1958
Not For Li Li Hua!
By GLORIA KLEIN
Central Press Writer
NEW YORK — Let other movie stars kiss handsome actors and display their feminine charms to a drooling public — not Li Li Hua!
East is East, and this Chinese film star refuses to meet Western standards by allowing her leading men to kiss her or by posing for Hollywood's favorite delicacy: cheesecake.
"I act. I do not pose," maintains this Eastern star from Hong Kong. "I do not believe my legs are a reflection of my ability as an actress!"
IT WAS while working on a forthcoming film called China Doll that Miss Hua absolutely refused to be kissed by her co-star, Victor Mature. "I've been kissed by leading ladies of all nationalities in over 30 pictures," Mature pointed out.
Although he marries Miss Hua in the picture, the ceremony is a kissless, Buddhist rite and there isn't a smack on the screen at any time.
"I have 63 pictures to my credit." Miss Hua declared, "and haven't been kissed in any one of them. In China things are different."
* * *
HOW VERY DIFFERENT they are, she again proved, by again refusing to pose for cheesecake photographs. "I will not pose in bathing suits or anything like that" the Oriental beauty said. "Besides, I can't swim."
"In China, movie fans are interested in the face, in dramatic poses, in dramatic accomplishment, not in the dimensions of the figure."
Miss Hua's idea of sultry fashion is the traditional form-hugging Chinese gown with its high neck and side slits. "Chinese gowns have been attractive to men for centuries," she points out, "and without revealing all. I'll leave cheesecake to the others."
In laying down her "austerity" policy, the Chinese actress follows in the no-cheese footsteps of such western stars as Bette Davis, Loretta Young, Greta Garbo and Olivia de Havilland.
—The Lancaster Eagle-Gazette, July 24, 1958
"May I have a kiss?"
During the filming of the last scene of "China Doll", Victor Mature moved forward to kiss Li Lihua on the lips, but she turned her head away and muttered, "You've been eating onions!" Humiliated, Victor stomped off to his dressing room. Li, too, returned to her room. Director Frank Borzage went after her to get an explanation. Li (via an interpreter) pointed out that there was no mention of kissing on camera in the contract. Borzage went to console Victor and later they both returned to finish filming the movie.
When news of this episode reached Hong Kong, Yien Chuen (Li's fiance) said it was just a Hollywood promotional campaign and that there was indeed no kissing in the movie contract.
Thirty years later, when Li was approached about the incident, she claimed that it was not true that she told Victor off. "In fact," she said, "Victor was very helpful and respectful and I am very grateful to him. He came to the set to be with me even when there was no shooting on his part. A few years later when a friend of his visited Hong Kong, he sent his regards to me."
Li Li Hwa in U.S.A.
After the completion of "Rain Storm in China Town" and "Nonya and Baba", Li Li Hwa has left Hongkong for San Francisco by S. S. President Wilson. While in San Francisco she was accorded a warm welcome by overseas Chinese, and then she proceeded to Hollywood, where she was introduced to Mr. Frank Freeman, vice president of the Paramount Motion Picture Co., Mr. Cecil De Mille, director of the "The Ten Commandments", and Mr. Henry Wilson, production manager of the production. After two days sojourn, she began her tour over all the leading cities in the United States.
While in Washington, D.C., Li Li Hwa was also accommodated by Mr. Judd, the congressman, who accompanied her to visit the Chinese Embassy, being entertained also by the Chinese Ambassador Tong Shen Kwong. In New York, Li Li Hwa also entertained the local press in a big party, and was finely impressed.
Some press men said she looked much like Elizabeth Taylor; others said she looked like Merle Oberon, but above all, Mr. Cecil De Mille entertains a high hope and estimate in Li Li Hwa because of her unique and distinguished Oriental personality.
Li Li Hwa is expected to be back to Hollywood to report for her part in "The Buccaneer", the preparation work for the said production will soon be started.
CHINESE FILM STAR SIGNED BY DE MILLE
HOLLYWOOD, June 7—Cecil B. DeMille announces that he has signed Li Li-Hua, Chinese actress, to a contract and hopes to co-star her with Yul Brynner in a musical version of "The Buccaneer".
DeMille filmed the life story of the famed pirate, Jean Lafitte, in the thirties. The remake, which the veteran director calls a musical dramatization, will be made under his banner next year.
Brynner will direct as well as star and DeMille's assistant, Henry Wilcoxon, will produce.
DeMille said he has never met Li Li-Hua personally but she was so highly recommended to him that he sent for some test footage of her.
"She is a very fine actress endowed with great beauty, charm and grace. She also has a very fine singing voice."
DeMille, recalling the success of Anna May Wong, said the American screen long has needed a popular, Chinese actress.
In the silent era, one of DeMille's most popular discoveries was another Oriental — the Japanese Sessue Hayakawa.
—Oakland Tribune, June 8, 1956
HOLLYWOOD BOUND
China's leading movie actress Li Li-Hua poses prettily on rail of SS President Wilson on arrival in San Francisco. She's in the U.S. under refugee act and is on her way to Hollywood under contract to Cecil B. DeMille. She is accompanied by her nine-year-old daughter. Miss Li made 63 movies before fleeing to Hongkong when Communist armies swept across China in 1948.
—Port Angeles Evening News, July 9, 1956
Chinese Movie Queen Balks at Cheesecake
NEW YORK, Aug. 6 (U.P.)— Chinese movie queen Li Li-Hua gave notice to American moviegoers today not to expect her to appear in bathing suits, low-cut dresses or high-split gowns.
The lovely five-foot, four-inch 98-pound actress explained to a news conference in Chinatown that those were the only personal measurements she cares to make public.
"I do not consider myself a Marilyn Monroe type," she said through an interpreter, when asked if she could be compared with the American ideal of sex appeal. A reporter suggested she was more like Grace Kelly.
Li Li-Hua, who is the top Chinese movie star and one of the most popular actresses throughout the Far East, agreed.
—United Press, August 6, 1956
The Pink Murder
Shaw's latest suspense thriller "The Pink Murder" revolves around the theme of a woman's seductive powers to enslave men and bend them to her will.
In the spicy and torrid role of the enchantress is Shaw's curvaceous Fanny Fan, whose natural gifts make her a most fitting choice for the role.
Countless men in the film fall under the spell of this beautiful and ruthless woman, and they commit murder for her sake.
Her first victim is none other than her old millionaire of a husband, whose wealth was his undoing. To inherit the vast fortune, she gets her paramour to dispose of the old man.
Another victim of hers is the lawyer who is charged with altering the will of the old man. He falls prey to her seductive wiles and becomes the victim of blackmail. In desperation he kills to extricate himself from his predicament.
In the role of the lawyer is Yen Chun, who takes on the dual role of director and star in the film.
Others in the film are Yu Kwong-chao who plays the millionaire husband, and veteran character actor Yang Chih-ching who is the blackmailer in the film.
Fanny Fan An Overnight Success
Curvaceous Fanny Fan is a success overnight with the release of her first Mandarin film "The Pink Murder".
Her maiden film on the Mandarin screen enjoyed a record-breaking run at the Rialto and Zenith Theatres in Hongkong and Kowloon.
Her fame spread so rapidly that when she volunteered to model a set of the latest creations in the way of Cheong-sams for amateur camera enthusiasts she attracted more than a 1,000 eager shutter-bugs. They had all gone there to capture this buxom star on celluloid.
Beauteous Betty Loh Tih
Real name: Hsi Chung-yi
Age: 21
Native of: Pootung, Kiangsu Province
Has played in: "The Magic Touch", "Love Letter Murder", "Adventures of the Thirteenth Sister", "The Enchanting Shadow" and "Malaya Affair".
Meeting Loh Tih for the first time, you may find her the picture of a cold classic Chinese beauty, aloof and proud on a pedestal.
You speak to her and as if smiling, radiating charm and warmth lights up that lovely face. You'll find her friendly and that aloofness was just a figment of your imagination.
During her short time with Shaw Studio, she has starred in roles that are diametric opposites, and her versatility has become a byword among movie circles.
She has starred in "The Magic Touch", and "Love Letter Murder" and is starring in "Adventures of the Thirteenth Sister".
The 21-year-old beauty hails from Shanghai, where she grew up. Her real name is Hsi Chung-yi.
Chinese Brigitte Bardot — Man Lei Hung
It's important to choose the right stage name. It must be inspiring and beautiful, yet easily remembered by moviegoers. Here comes Man Lei Hung [literally "a thousand miles of red"]. This is a vivacious and youthful stage name for a new star, and she has been given the precious chance to be leading lady in a coming feature [not specified]. Man Lei Hung has put a great deal of effort in preparation, and there is no doubt that she will have a positive outcome. In the studio and on the film set, friends and colleagues have given her another name — "the Brigitte Bardot of China". This nickname has caught on more than her stage name, but Man Lei Hung regards this as a compliment. In real life, the lovely Man Lei Hung possesses a touch of innocence. She is courteous and respectful of her veteran colleagues, and they love and care about her. Man Lei Hung is bound to have a bright future.
from Film Star No. 21 (1958 or 1959)
The Seductions of Man Lei Hung
In such a freezing cold winter, even if you are "bold and daring", you must possess real courage to pose for photos like these! When we came to Man Lei Hung's residence for an interview about her transition from the Cantonese to the Mandarin screen, she was very courteous and polite, asking what kind of photos we wanted. We told her that our editor wanted something "special" and truly exceptional. Man Lei Hung cleverly read between lines and said, "Please wait for me a minute, and see if this is special enough". Here is her "special" sarong outfit. These photos, from the perspective of art, are neither obscene nor vulgar but indeed prove that Man Lei Hung possesses a true beauty that gives a feeling of "reality and tangibility"!
from The Movietune Pictorial No. 6 (March, 1959)
Margo the Z Bomb "Blows" in Dec. 1
Six years ago, Margo the Bomb "blasted" away at Luz Garcia's Sinaloa. Anyone who visited the San Francisco Powell Street night club during that time will never forget her. Never before, or since, has anyone been able to shake her torso in so many directions at one time as formful Margo.
After a long run at Sinaloa, Margo received an offer (a three figure sum) to appear in a Manila club with the contract understanding that if she was a big hit, her salary would double at the end of six weeks.
Never one to hold back the career of any of her acts, Luz Garcia wished Margo "bon voyage" and good luck — thinking she would return to the Sinaloa in three or four months.
Margo was such a "shaking" success that all options on contracts were picked up and for the past six years she has been in the three figure weekly salary bracket. The publicity raves from all over the world stamp this little lady as being "number one" in her field.
Because Miss Garcia was kind enough to release her from the local contract six years ago, Margo has agreed to again headline the Sinaloa all-Mexican show beginning next Thursday, December 1.
