List of Hong Kong films before 1950

Last updated

A list of the earliest films produced in Hong Kong from the first film in 1909 to 1949 in year order.

Contents

TitleDirectorCastGenreNotes
1909
Stealing the Roast Duck Liang Shaobo Liang Shaobo,
Lai Pak-hoi
Comedy shortFirst dramatic film production in Hong Kong, made by Asia Film Company of Shanghai. [1] [2]
1913
Zhuangzi Tests His Wife Lai Pak-hoi Lai Man-Wai, Lai Pak-hoiComedy shortFirst film made by a Hong Kong studio, but never screened in Hong Kong. [1] [3]
1922
Rouge Lai Man-Wai,
Lai Pak-hoi
Lai Man-Wai,
Lim Cho Cho
DramaFirst feature film produced by a Hong Kong company (China Sun), but shot in Guangzhou. [3]
1925–30
No films were made in Hong Kong as a result of the Great Canton–Hong Kong strike. [4]
1931
Iron Bone and Orchid Heart Kwan Man Ching Yao-yu Sek,
Kit-ching Fung
Romance
The Pain of Separation Lai Pak-hoi Kin-han Lap,
Wah-chi Cheung
RomanceFirst Hong Kong film adapted from a Cantonese folk tale/opera
The Witty Sorcerer Lai Pak-hoi Lai Pak-hoi,
Xu Menghen
Comedy/Drama
1932
Cry of the Cuckoo in the Temple Liang Shaobo Wong Man-lei Fable
Gunshot at Midnight Kwan Man Ching Ng Cho-fan,
Wong Man-lei
Mystery
1933
Conscience Lai Pak-hoi First partial talkie. [5]
Flowers Fall and Catkins FlyWong ToiRomanceFilmed in Vietnam, this was the first HK film shot at an overseas location, but never released in Hong Kong.[ citation needed ]
The Fool Pays Respects Hou Yao [6] Wong Man-lei FantasyBased on a Cantonese folk tale
The Shining Pearl Kwan Man Ching Ng Cho-fan,
Wong Man-lei
Action
1934
The Fool's Nuptial Chamber Lai Pak-hoi First full talkie. [5]
The Body SnatchersWong Toi Ng Cho-fan HorrorHong Kong's first horror film
Mourning of the Chaste Tree FlowerRunje Shaw, Runme Shaw, Runde ShawPak Kui-Wing, Woo Tip-Ying, Tai Hau-HoDrama
1935
Life Line Guan Wenqing [7]
The Modern BrideMoon Kwan Man-ChingLam Kwan-San, Lee Yi-Nin, Yip Yan-FooComedy
Opera Stars and Song GirlsKwan Ting-YamTse Sing-Nong, Tam Yuk-Lan, Ma Kam-Neong, Tam Siu-FungCantonese opera
Scent of Wild FlowersSo YiMa Sze-Tsang, Tam Lan-Hing, William Ko Wai-Lim, Tam Yuk-Lan, Kwong Shan-Siu, Lam Mui-mui DramaFirst film directed by So Yi. [8]
Yesterday's Song (aka Voice of the Broken-hearted)Chiu Shu-SanKwan Tak-Hing, Lee Yi-Nin, Wong Man-lei, Lam Mui-mui Drama [9]
1936
House Number 66 (aka The Case of the Dismembered Body) Lee Tit Tong Sing-To, Wu Yung, Cheng Lau-KuenDrama
New YouthSo YiNg Cho-Fan, Wong Man-lei, Nancy Chan Drama
Sum Hun Esther Eng
1937
The Light of WomenGo Lee-Han Lee Yi-Nin, Leong Tim-Tim, Leung Chui-Mei, Fok Suet-Yee, To Sam-Ku War [10]
The Magnificent CountryChan TinNg Cho-Fan, Yin Pak, Lam Lai-PingWar [11]
Producing CitizensLee FaKwong Shan-Siu, Lam Mui-mui, Tai Hau-Ho, Lee Yuet-ching, Fok Suet-YeeDrama [12]
The Sentimental WomanSo Yi, Liu ShutLeong Suet-Fei, Lee Yi-Nin, Kwong Shan-Siu, Chu Po-Chuen, Ho Tai-So, Mui Yee Romance
Spring Flower and Autumn MoonCheung Oi-ManViolet Wong, Lam Mui-mui, Wu Mei-LunMusical
SweetieYeung Kung-LeungTam Yuk-Lan, Ching Siu-Fung, Chu Ying-MuiCantonese opera
1938
A Mother's Tears (Chinese :慈母淚)Chiu Shu-SanTo Yu, Wong Sau-Nin, Chan Tin-Chung, Wu Tip-Lai, Yuet-ching Lee DramaReleased 25 May 1938. [13]
To Lei Chang Chun [14]
Ou Sui Sing Chi [14]
Mei Yan Kuk [14]
Behind the Shanghai Front Line Tang Xiaodan [7]
Great Wall of Blood and Flesh Hou Yao National defencePatriotic film against Japanese invasion [6]
Incident in the PacificHou YaoLee Yi-Nin, Lo Ban-Chiu, Chow Siu-YingWar [15] [16]
Last Minute Call Hou Yao National defencePatriotic film against Japanese invasion [6]
Female Soldier [7]
Eighth HeavenMusical [7]
The Purple CupsHou YaoLeong Suet-Fei, Yung Yuk-Yi, Yung Siu-Yi, Chow Siu-Ying, To Sam-Ku Drama
Rouge Tears Chuk Ching-yin Hu Die DramaCantonese remake of 1934 silent The Goddess
Rouge Tears Wu Yonggang Hu Die DramaMandarin remake of 1934 silent The Goddess
Shanghai Under Fire (Chinese :上海火線後)Chiu Shu-San Yin Pak, Lee ChingWarReleased 9 June 1938. [17]
1939
It's a Woman's World (aka The Thirty-six Amazons)Esther Ng Gam-Ha, Liu ShutViolet Wong, Tai Hau-Ho, Wu Mei-Lun, Wu Tip-Lai, Ha Bo-Lin, To Sam-Ku, Chan Sin-Yue, Chan Pooi-Choh, Tong Lee-Lee, Mui YeeDrama
Judge Bao Vs. the EunuchWan Hoi-Leng, Hung Chung-HoTsang Sam-To, Leong Suet-Fei, Ma Kam-NeongHistorical Drama
Lone Island Paradise Cai Chusheng Li Lili National defenceMandarin film produced by the Shanghai exiles from the Second Sino-Japanese War. [7]
The Luminescent CupGo Lee-Han, Yeung Tin-LokLee Yi-Nin, Chow Siu-Ying, Yung Siu-Yi Drama
The Radio Station Murder Case Xu Xinyuan DetectiveThe Charlie Chan series. [18]
Rivals in LoveSo YiCheung Ying, Tam Lan-Hing, Violet Wong, Tsi Law-lin Drama [19] [20]
The Seductive Empress Now and ThenHung Chung-HoKwong Shan-Siu, Ma Kam-Neong Drama
Storm over the Pacific Hou Yao National defencePatriotic film against Japanese invasion [6]
1940
The Boundless Future Cai Chusheng [7]
The Love of a Woman (Chinese :潘巧雲) Wang Yin Wang Yin Drama
The Red ScarfSung Gim-Chiu Pak Yin, Kwong Shan-Siu, Fung Fung, Ling Mung, Chao Fei-Fei, To Sam-Ku, Chow Siu-Ying, Ho Lai-WanRomanceFilm debut for Star Film Company. [21]
The Seductive WomanLee Tit Pak Yin, Cheung Ying, Wu Mei-Lun, Tai Hau-Ho, Ha Bo-Lin, To Sam-Ku Romance
White Clouds of Home Situ Huimin [7]
1941
A Mother's Madness (aka Dianpo Xun Zai)Wong Fook-Hing Tam Lan-Hing, Sun-Ma Sze-Tsang, Yung Yuk-Yi, To Sam-Ku Drama [22]
Chaos in the UniverseCheung Oi-ManYee Chau-Sui, Chu Po-Chuen, Yung Yuk-Yi, Leung Sing-Bor Comedy
Golden Gate Girl Esther Eng Bruce Lee DramaFilm debut of Bruce Lee (as an infant). [23]
The MetropolisLai BanLai Cheuk-cheuk, Cheung Ying, Wu Tip-lai, Lee Sun-fung, Yuet-ching Lee Drama
Roar of the People Tang Xiao-Dan Cheung Ying, Fung Fung, Wong Aau, Chan Tin-Chung, Fung Ying-Seung, Ng Wui, Lee Dan-Lo, Leung Miu-Sik, Walter Tso Tat-Wah, Ko Lo-ChuenWar [24]
1942
The Rich HouseHung Suk-WanCheung Wood-Yau, Liu Ming, Yung Yuk-Yi Drama

[25] [26]

The Battle of Hong Kong War propagandaThe only film made during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong.
1944
1946
The Entangling OnesChiu Shu-SanWong Hok-Sing, Kwun-Ling Chow, Wong Chiu-MiuComedy [27]
1947
A Wealthy FamilyYam Wu-FaNg Cho-Fan, Ng Dan-Fung, Lee Lan, Tsi Po-To, Yee Chau-Sui, Fung Ying-Seung, Ma Siu-Ying, Cheng Kwun-Min, Fung Pak-Wah, To Mei-Mei, Leung Ming, Keung Chung-Ping, Sin KongComedy [28]
Cuckoo's Spirit in MarchHung Suk-WanNg Cho-Fan, Yu Lai-Zhen Drama [29]
The Distressed LoverCheung Wood-Yau, Yung Siu-Yi, Yung Yuk-Yi, Fung Ying-Seung, Wu Mei-LunChinese Opera
The Evil MindWu PangWong Man-Lei, Siu Yin-Fei, Leung Ying, Ma Siu-Ying, To Sam-Ku Drama [19]
The Fickle LadyMok Hong-SeeNg Cho-Fan, Wong Man-lei, Yung Siu-Yi, To Mei-Mei, Lee Sin-Pan, Lee Yuet-ChingDrama
Happy WeddingChiang Wai-Kwong Kwun-Ling Chow, Wong Chiu-MiuComedy, Cantonese opera [30]
Lucky BrideChiu Shu-SanMak Bing-Wing, Kwun-Ling Chow, Luk Wan-FeiDrama
The Net of JusticeXu XinyuanDetectiveThe Charlie Chan series. [18]
Prostituting to Raise the OrphanHung Chung-HoCheung Yuet-Yee, Sun-Ma Sze-Tsang, Lau Hak-Suen, Lam Ka-Sing, Ko Lo-Chuen, To Sam-Ku, Lee Sin-Pan, Cheng Bo-YinCantonese opera
Romance of the West ChamberYeung Kung-LeungPak Yuk-Tong, Lee Suet-Fong, Wong Man-Lei, Kwai Ming-Yang, Cheung Yuet-Yee, Siu Yin-Fei, Kam Yi, Yiu Ping, Ma Siu-Ying, Lau Kwai-Hong, Tsi Hau-Tsat, Lam Ka-Sing, Chao Fei-FeiHistorical Drama Cantonese opera [31]
Unforgetable LoveSo Yi, Chu KeiMa Sze-Tsang, Hung Sin-Nui, Lau Hak-Suen, Yip Ping, Siu Wong-Ang, Ling Mung, Ko Lo-Chuen, Law Mo-Lan, Wong Sau-Nin, Lai Ming, Ng Tung, Fung Ying-Seung, Tang Mei-MeiRomanceThe only film produced by Gam Luen (Jinying) Film Company.
Unpredictable TomorrowYam Wu-FaSun-Ma Sze-Tsang, Siu Yin-Fei, Yee Chau-Sui, Wu Mei-Lun, Ma Siu-Ying, Tsi Po-To, Leung Ying, Bai Yang, Sin Kong, Keung Chung-Ping, To Sam-Ku, Cheng Kwun-MinDrama
1948
Charlie Chan Outwits the Black DespotXu XinyuanDetectiveThe Charlie Chan series. [18]
The Crazy Match-maker (aka The Crazy Matchmaker, Woman Dismantles White)Lo DuenWong Chiu-Miu, Tsi Law-Lin, Lo Duen, Chan Yeuk-Ho, Lee Yuet-Ching, Tang Chuk-Kwun, Yip Chuen-Wah, Ho Bik-Kin, Fong Yeung, Fung Ging-Man, Wong Gam, Lau Ming, Hark YanDramaDebut for Sei Hoi (Sihai) Film Company, a film production company. [32] [33]
Four Phoenixes Take FlightCho KeiFung Fung, Yung Siu-Yi, Tsi Po-To, Ng Lai-Sheung, Law Mo-Lan, To Sam-Ku Comedy [34]
The Groom and His DoubleMoon Kwan Man-ChingCheung Ying, Ng Lai-Sheung, Yee Chau-Sui, Lam Mui-mui, Tang Wai-Zhen, Sun Tsi-Hing, To Sam-Ku, Yip Yan-Foo, Law Sin-Yee, Lisa Mok Wan-Ha, Hui Yee-Wan, Lai MingComedy [35]
Hundreds of Children and Thousands of GrandchildrenNg WuiCheung Ying, Pak Suet-Sin, Yip Ping, Tang Mei-Mei, Fa Bik-Ha, Yeung Sau-FungComedy
Joy and SuccessChow Sze-LukSit Kok-Sin, Pak Yin, Tang Mei-MeiComedy
Local ScholarMok Hong-SeeLiu Hap-Wai, Lo Ban-Chiu, Lee Lan, Wong Kei, Yuet-ching Lee, Gam Lau Drama
The Lusty Thief GirlMoon Kwan Man-Ching Lee Yi-Nin, Chan Sin-Yue, Ng Lai-Sheung, Tai Hau-Ho, Lam Siu-Mui, Cheng Lau-KuenCrime [36]
Mad Fire Mad Love Esther Eng [37]
Return of the SwallowsFung Chi-Kong, Fung Yat-WaiSit Kok-Sin, Siu Yin-Fei, Tsi Law-lin, Ma Siu-Ying, To Sam-Ku, Law Mo-Lan, Yeung Sau-Fung, Law Sin-Yee, Ma Siu-Ling, Gam LauComedy [38]
The Thirteenth Girl's Adventure in Nengren TempleHung Chung-HoChan Yim-Lung, Luk Fei-Hung, Lam Kar-Yee Martial Arts
Wealth Is Like a DreamYue LeungLo Ban-Chiu, Siu Yin-Fei, Lam Ka-Sing, Lam Kar-Yee Drama
Woman's Heart (Chinese :天下婦人心) Wu Pang Cho Yee-Man, Yung Yuk-Yi, Cho Man-Ngai, To Sam-Ku, Yuet-ching Lee, Gam Lau Drama
1949
Adventure at the Women's HouseFung Chi-KongSheung Hoi-Mui, Yu Lai-Zhen, Tong Sing-To, Chun Siu-Lei, To Sam-Ku, Ha Bo-Lin, Chan Lap-Ban Chinese opera. [39]
The Ancient Beauty, Meng LijunChan Pei Chow Kwun-Ling, Sit Kok-Sin, Leung Siu-Kam, Ha Bo-LinHistorical Drama [40]
The Crazy Duke (aka The Crazy Earl)Yeung Kung-LeungMa Sze-Tsang, Tsi Law-Lin, Lee Pang-Fei, Tang Mei-Mei, Ko Lo-Chuen, Gam LauMusical comedy
The Eight Yang Sister Seeks Golden KnifeMan Kok-Fei, Chan Yim-Lunh, Ying Lai-Ming, Lam Kar-Yee Martial Arts, Cantonese opera [41]
Sima Fu's Encounter with the Honey GangHung Suk-WanNg Cho-Fan, Yung Siu-Yi, Yung Yuk-Yi Thriller
Strange BedfellowsYue LeungPak Wan, Pak Lei, Ma Siu-Ying, Lam Mui-mui, Lau Kwai-Hong, Tang Mei-MeiComedy
Tan Kei in the Meat HillBut FuMan Kok-Fei, Chun Siu-Lei, Lau Hak-Suen, Kam Yi, Piu Wai-MuiHistorical Drama Cantonese Opera
To Kill the LoveChu Kei Pak Yin, Cheung Wood-Yau, Tsang Nam-Sze, Lee Ngan, Chan Chui-Bing, Ho Chung-FongDrama
The True Story of Wong Fei HungEarly Kung Fu film

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References

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  2. Fonoroff 1988, p. 293.
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  13. "A Mother's Tears". hkmdb.com. 25 May 1938. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
  14. 1 2 3 New York State Archives Film Scripts Index
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  28. "A Wealthy Family". hkmdb.com. 2 November 1947. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
  29. Stokes, Lisa Odham (2020). Historical Dictionary of Hong Kong Cinema. Scarecrow Press. pp. 563–564. ISBN   9781538120620 . Retrieved 15 November 2020.
  30. "Happy Wedding". hkmdb.com. 1947. Retrieved 18 November 2020.
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  32. "Film Screenings - The Crazy Matchmaker". filmarchive.gov.hk. 18 May 2019. Retrieved 12 November 2020.
  33. "The Crazy Match-maker". hkmdb.com. 3 November 1948. Retrieved 12 November 2020.
  34. "Four Phoenixes Take Flight". hkmdb.com. 16 May 1948. Retrieved 12 November 2020.
  35. "The Groom and His Double". hkmdb.com. 22 March 1948. Retrieved 6 January 2021.
  36. "The Lusty Thief Girl". hkmdb.com. 25 April 1948. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
  37. "Mad Fire Mad Love (1948)". bfi.org.uk. 1948. Archived from the original on 15 April 2016. Retrieved 18 November 2020.
  38. "Press Releases - HK Film Archive's "Early Cinematic Treasures Rediscovered 3" to feature pre- and post-war productions (with photos)". info.gov.hk. 11 December 2016. Retrieved 12 December 2020.
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  41. "The Eight Yang Sister Seeks Golden Knife". hkmdb.com. 27 November 1952. Retrieved 13 January 2021.

Bibliography