Fanny Fan: "The Brigitte Bardot of China"

Man Lei Hung (aka Fanny Fan)

This pinup of Fanny Fan appeared in Universal Screen No. 7 (July, 1958), back when she was working in Shaw Brothers' Cantonese division and was still known as Man Lei Hung. Here's the accompanying article.

And here are two more articles, for which Dev Yang was kind enough to provide translations. Any errors are a result of over-enthusiastic editing on my part.

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)