*********************************************************

Films buffs will now have a chance to appreciate 31 classics of Hsia Moon, Fu Che, Shek Hwei, Chen Sisi, Bai Guang...all superstars in the 50s and 60s, in the Hong Kong Film Archive's (HKFA) new programme "The Progressive Tradition: Film of Great Wall, Feng Huang, Sun Luen" from November 9 to January 11, 2002.

The films were produced by the renowned film studios Great Wall, Feng Huang, Sun Luen and related studios. Though it cannot be referred to as a complete retrospective, the programme includes varied selection of popular hits and the sometimes overlooked classics in different genres from 1949 to 1978 providing audience an opportunity to get a glimpse of the changes in direction of the three studios in the decades past.

Great Wall and Feng Huang were founded by progressive mainlanders in Hong Kong while Sun Luen was founded by local Cantonese filmmakers who subscribed to the same thought of filmmaking with an aim of arousing social conscience and promoting patriotic themes.

The three companies adapted the "progressive tradition" in their cinema and had produced many memorable films that were entertaining as well as recording the social and political development of Hong Kong. Many of the films had been box-office successes and stars like Hsia Moon, Fu Che, Shek Hwei and Chow Chung were idolised in their time.

In addition to the 52 screenings at the HKFA cinema, a free exhibition named "Panorama of Great Wall, Feng Huang & Sun Luen Studios" will be held at the Archive's Exhibition Hall from November 9 to December 26. Through the reenactment of classic studio sets like the palace scene, nostalgic architecture of the 50s and a squatter area, the audience can have a better understanding of the history of the three important production companies. Two delicate costumes in "My Darling Princess" formerly worn by Hsia Moon and Ding Saijun will also be displayed.

The Archive is also releasing the second volume of its oral history publication series --"An Age of Idealism: Great Wall & Feng Huang Days", which highlights influential figures in the three companies. Through the oral history of nine former artists: producer and sound technician Lu Yuanliang; cinematographer and director Lo Kwan-hung; actress and producer Hsia Moon, actresses Chu Hung and Wei Wei; actors, scriptwriters and directors Bao Fong and Shu Shi; actor and scriptwriter Chu Hak; actor and director Hu Siao-fung, relationship between Hong Kong and Chinese movies was portrayed. Impressive stories were told and conflicts revealed of their struggle between ideals and reality. Priced at $120, the publication will be on sale at the HKFA from November 9.

The screenings provide a golden opportunity to review Great Wall's "Crown Princess" Hsia Moon's outstanding performance. Hsia Moon, a rare actress who embodied the beauties of a modern woman and those of a historical maiden, rocketed to stardom in her debut. She made 40 films in 17 years, eight of which have been selected for screening. They include one of her best performances on screen "A Widow's Tears", "Sunrise" which was adapted from Cao Yu's play, an upbeat comedy "Those Bewitching Eyes", a tragedy on moral values "The Eternal Love", Shaoxing operas, "Bride Hunter", "Princess Falls in Love" and "My Darling Princess", and another literary classic "Garden of Repose".

Other highlights include the opening film "The Golden Eagle", a high-quality production shot in the prairies of Inner Mongolia; "Mud Child" and "The Hut on Hilltop", both performed by Shek Hwei; "Three Charming Smiles", a light music opera with featured folk lyrics; "The Jade Bow" which opened the new style martial arts films in the 60s.

In the early 50s, films like "Blood-Stained Begonia" and "The Flower Street" have assumed a role of social critique. From the late 50s to mid 60s, the studios produced many light comedies with a message such as "The fascinating Love" and "So Siu-siu". Films like "Spring Summer Autumn Winter", "Chu Yuan" and "Romance on the Bus" were examples of the 70s' production where social conscientious spirit was emphasised.

Most of the films were in Mandarin or dubbed into Cantonese while "So Siu-siu", "Golden of Repose", "Three Charming Smiles", "My Darling Princess", "The Golden Eagle", "The Jade Bow", "Spring Summer Autumn Winter", "The Hut on Hilltop", "Mud Child", " Chu Yuan" and "Romance on the Bus" have Chinese and English subtitles.

The event is organized by the HKFA of the Leisure and Cultural Services Departments. Tickets of "The Progressive Tradition: Films of Great Wall, Feng Huang, Sun Luen" priced at $20 are now available at all URBTIX outlets. Half-priced concessionary tickets are available for senior citizens, people with disabilities and full-time student. Reservations can be made at 2737 9009 and programme enquiries at 2739 2139. Website: www.filmarchive.gov.hk

End/Friday, November 2, 2001

NNNN