A Breath of Spring: Tu Chuan

I always feel a little sad when I think about poor Margaret Tu Chuan. Her career — and life — definitely didn't live up to the promises of spring. On November 30, 1969, Margaret and her girlfriend were found dead in each other's arms. In a desperate last bid for happiness, they had left notes asking to be buried together. Alas, that never happened...

Here's a glimpse from better days: 17-year-old Margaret — full of hope for the future — in her very first centerfold for Southern Screen (June 1960).

A Breath of Spring: Tu Chuan

Original name: Peng Hsiao-ping
Native of: Chengtu, Szechuan
Recent films: "How To Marry a Millionaire" and "When The Peach Blossoms Bloom"

Tu Chuan is the youngest among the Shaw stars, but she is the fastest rising one.

It was just one and a half years ago that she joined the ranks of Shaw's galaxy of stars. She scored her greatest triumph in her portrayal of Lily in "Twilight Hours", stealing all the scenes she appeared in.

Since then director Doe Ching has picked her for the stellar role in the light comedy "How To Marry a Millionaire", with Peter Chen Ho in the role of the leading man.

Tu Chuan has all the qualities that will destine her for success. She is not only talented, willing to work hard, and pretty, but she brings with her the freshness of youth to the screen and a breath of spring to the audience.

Tu Chuan has caught the attention of many a director whose keen eyes are trained to spot acting talent. It was director Li Han-hsiang who first noticed her and introduced her to Shaw Studio. When Otto Preminger visited Hongkong, he too picked Tu Chuan as one likely to succeed.

But attention and success have not turned Tu Chuan's young head. She works even harder than before to achieve her ambition to be a top actress.