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Film Archive's "Morning Matinee" series to revisit all-rounded acting career of Cheng Pei-pei (with photos)
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     The Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will present "Chivalry and Grace - In Memory of Cheng Pei-pei" as part of the "Morning Matinee" series. Ten of Cheng Pei-pei's films in different genres, from romantic drama, wuxia, kung fu to comedy, will be screened at the Cinema of the HKFA from October 2 to December 4, allowing audiences to revisit her versatile and extraordinary acting career.
 
     Known as the "Queen of Wuxia Films", Cheng Pei-pei remains a prominent figure in the film industry since the 1960s. With her solid foundation in dance, she captured the hearts of audiences with her image of a swordswoman embodying chivalry and grace. Cheng's acting career also expanded from film to television, dazzling in various fields.
 
     In the romantic dramas "Lovers' Rock" (1964) and "Song of the Orchid Island" (1965), exuding youthful vitality, Cheng delivered convincing performances as a pure and vivacious young lady, radiating natural charm amid the spectacular scenery of a fishing harbour and a remote island.
 
     Cheng starred in numerous classic wuxia films during her tenure with Shaw Brothers, including "Come Drink with Me" (1966), "The Golden Swallow" (1968) and "Dragon Swamp" (1969). Whether portraying a dashing heroine, a naive and innocent daughter who is new to the martial arts world, or a loving mother with a profound devotion to her daughter, Cheng's performances in the films are always on point.
 
     In addition to her achievements in wuxia films, Cheng fully showcased her dance skills in the musical film "Hong Kong Nocturne" (1967). In the spy comedy "Operation Lipstick" (1967), Cheng illustrated her ability as a comedian in a film with a farcical plot.
 
     "None but the Brave" (1973) marked Cheng's kung fu film debut, in which she perfectly mastered a physically demanding style of performance. In "Painted Faces" (1988), the veteran instructor of a traditional opera troupe she portrayed brought an elegant tenderness to a repressed romance. In classic comedy "Flirting Scholar" (1993), Cheng embraced an exaggerated, comedic performance as Madame Wah, turning this supporting role into one of her most iconic comedic masterpieces.
 
     Some screenings will be accompanied by post-screening talks, hosted by Grace Ng, Eric Tsang, Matthew Cheng and Thomas Shin.
 
     Tickets priced at $40 will be available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk) from September 5 (Saturday). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. For programme details, please visit the HKFA website (www.filmarchive.gov.hk/en/web/hkfa/2026/cheng-pei-pei/pe-event-2026-cheng-pei-pei.html) or call 2739 2139.
 
Ends/Friday, September 4, 2026
Issued at HKT 12:50
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The Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will present "Chivalry and Grace - In Memory of Cheng Pei-pei" as part of the "Morning Matinee" series. Ten of Cheng Pei-pei's films in different genres will be screened at the Cinema of the HKFA from October 2 to December 4. Photo shows a film still of "Lovers' Rock" (1964). (©Licensed by Celestial Pictures Limited. All Rights Reserved.)
The Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will present "Chivalry and Grace - In Memory of Cheng Pei-pei" as part of the "Morning Matinee" series. Ten of Cheng Pei-pei's films in different genres will be screened at the Cinema of the HKFA from October 2 to December 4, allowing audiences to revisit her versatile and extraordinary acting career. Photo shows a film still of "Song of the Orchid Island" (1965). (©Licensed by Celestial Pictures Limited. All Rights Reserved.)
The Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will present "Chivalry and Grace - In Memory of Cheng Pei-pei" as part of the "Morning Matinee" series. Ten of Cheng Pei-pei's films in different genres will be screened at the Cinema of the HKFA from October 2 to December 4. Photo shows a film still of "Come Drink With Me" (1966). (©Licensed by Celestial Pictures Limited. All Rights Reserved.)
The Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will present "Chivalry and Grace - In Memory of Cheng Pei-pei" as part of the "Morning Matinee" series. Ten of Cheng Pei-pei's films in different genres will be screened at the Cinema of the HKFA from October 2 to December 4. Photo shows a film still of "The Golden Swallow" (1968). (©Licensed by Celestial Pictures Limited. All Rights Reserved.)
The Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will present "Chivalry and Grace - In Memory of Cheng Pei-pei" as part of the "Morning Matinee" series. Ten of Cheng Pei-pei's films in different genres will be screened at the Cinema of the HKFA from October 2 to December 4. Photo shows a film still of "Dragon Swamp" (1969). (©Licensed by Celestial Pictures Limited. All Rights Reserved.)
The Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will present "Chivalry and Grace - In Memory of Cheng Pei-pei" as part of the "Morning Matinee" series. Ten of Cheng Pei-pei's films in different genres will be screened at the Cinema of the HKFA from October 2 to December 4. Photo shows a film still of "Hong Kong Nocturne" (1967). (©Licensed by Celestial Pictures Limited. All Rights Reserved.)
The Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will present "Chivalry and Grace - In Memory of Cheng Pei-pei" as part of the "Morning Matinee" series. Ten of Cheng Pei-pei's films in different genres will be screened at the Cinema of the HKFA from October 2 to December 4. Photo shows a film still of "Hong Kong Nocturne" (1967). (©Licensed by Celestial Pictures Limited. All Rights Reserved.)
The Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will present "Chivalry and Grace - In Memory of Cheng Pei-pei" as part of the "Morning Matinee" series. Ten of Cheng Pei-pei's films in different genres will be screened at the Cinema of the HKFA from October 2 to December 4. Photo shows a film still of "None but the Brave" (1973). (©2010 Fortune Star Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.)
The Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will present "Chivalry and Grace - In Memory of Cheng Pei-pei" as part of the "Morning Matinee" series. Ten of Cheng Pei-pei's films in different genres will be screened at the Cinema of the HKFA from October 2 to December 4. Photo shows a film still of "Painted Faces" (1988). (©Licensed by Celestial Pictures Limited. All Rights Reserved.)
The Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will present "Chivalry and Grace - In Memory of Cheng Pei-pei" as part of the "Morning Matinee" series. Ten of Cheng Pei-pei's films in different genres will be screened at the Cinema of the HKFA from October 2 to December 4. Photo shows a film still of "Flirting Scholar" (1993). (Courtesy of Orange Sky Golden Harvest Entertainment Group)