Chinese Film Classics, 1922-1929 (2021), by Christopher Rea
An essential guide to the first golden age of Chinese cinema, offering detailed introductions to fourteen films.
The Unfinished Comedy 沒有完成的喜劇 (1957)
When two star comedians start making films in New China, will they produce “flowers of comedy” or just “weeds”…especially when they meet the censor, Comrade Bludgeon?
Window to America 美國之窗 (1952)
Mao-era farce! Window washer Charlie Kent is ready to jump out the window when the capitalist Mr. Butler stops him with a proposition.
Crows and Sparrows 烏鴉與麻雀 (1949)
An epochal film, produced and set at the end of civil war, centering on a fight over housing. Who will stay and who will go?
Wanderings of Three Hairs the Orphan 三毛流浪記 (1949)
Follows the misadventures of Sanmao as he tries to fill his belly on the streets of Shanghai. Adapted from the comic strip by Zhang Leping.
Street Angels 馬路天使 (1937)
Zhou Xuan sings two hit songs in this social drama by experimental filmmaker Yuan Muzhi, costarring heartthrob Zhao Dan.
City Scenes 都市風光 (1935)
Yuan Muzhi’s experimental directorial debut shows a country family’s farcical attempts to make it big in Shanghai.
Poor Daddy 怕老婆 (1929)
Poor Daddy (1929) is a slapstick silent comedy starring Liu Jiqun
Laborer’s Love 勞工之愛情 (1922)
Laborer’s Love (Laogong zhi aiqing, 1922) is the earliest known extant complete film made by Chinese filmmakers.
