Connie chan Po-chu: her movies

[dleedlee]

For Better For Worse....I did not know Chan Bo Chu was in any mandarin speaking films nor did I know she spoke mandarin. She could have for that role. She did really good in it at such as young age. The kid brother was good too

Check out The Lizard from Shaw Bros. if you haven't seen it, her very last film and directed by Chor Yuen. It's a good old fashioned action/romance.

There was a talk show where two guys were talking about the Seven Princesses and what value and roles they play on the silver screen. Then they talked about the 2 who were most successful - Siao Fong Fong and Chan Bo Chu - who was better. It seems that the talk show host was a little biased to say Siao Fong Fong was a better actor than Chan - that Siao was an actor and Chan was a star. Perhaps if Chan had done more dramas - she would have reach that status...who knows...

Siao Fong Fong vs Chan Po-Chu, the debate still lives on! I like both, they're just different. Room enough in my collection for both, VISA willing.

Goddess Sword - is that the one where Tao Dat Wah wears one of those Tarzan suit and long hair to save them at the end? If it is, I think I saw this one...Boy, there were a lot of cuts in that movie - it jumped from one scene to another where I do not know how they got there and how everyone met each other... There is a young Siao Fong Fong and Chan Bo Chu in there...

No, no gorillas in Goddess' Sword. And the story is intact it seems to me. It all made sense and I could follow it. Sek Kin slays his master to get his sword but he fails to find it. He leaves his wife and kids. Ten years later, the master's children come looking for revenge. His kids, unknown to him, team up with the brother (Connie) and sister to foil him. Tso Tat Wah is Sek Kin's now grown son.

Maybe you're thinking of Wong Fei Hong Battles the Gorilla, where Tso Tat Wah slays a 'real' gorilla and another guy disguised as one? But I don't think either of the girls are in it, are they? Didn't know there were so many gorilla movies.

[duriandave]

I'll second Dennis' recommendation for The Lizard, especially considering that it will probably be (unfortunately ) the only Connie Chan film to be given a proper DVD release. I'm sure you have all been as frustrated as I have with the crappy VCD releases with missing songs and segments and bad transfers.

Speaking of bad transfers, I took a peek at Golden Hairpin last night and noticed on a couple of the discs the image was going in and out of focus in a pulsating manner. I think this must have happened when they transfered the film and the original film was slightly warped or had sprocket problems. Fortunately, it doesn't seem to occur on all the reels. Nevertheless, it's still sad that they didn't try to go back and correct the problem and do a new transfer. The film itself looks really good. Can't wait to watch it!

I think Connie is just as good an actress as Josephine! Of course I have seen many more of Connie's films than Josephine's so you could say that I'm biased

[jenb]

Hi,

My mistake, I was thinking of Golden Coat instead. Goddess Sword, yes, I remember that one...it has a very young Shek Kin and a very young Tao Dat Wah...and I agree with you that the story is pretty intact. Who is the girl who plays Chan's sister? Golden Coat also has the big spider attacking too - that was why I was confused.

The Lizard, I think why the pic quality is so much better is because it is a Shaw Bros. film. They seem to done better with saving their films in a vault for later use. Most of Chan's films, I bet were not archived correctly and with the temp in Hong Kong being so humid, things gets damaged...too bad...Some were very good at perserving what is left of the film and some not. Like Fa Yuk Gai Kay had a lot of songs but the film was so washed up and crimped and sound was so horrid that I had to send it back. Her cantonese opera Wu But Guai - even though chopped in certain places was pretty in tact...and pretty good too.

Please let me know about Golden Hairpin...if you are having the same problems, I may too. I have never seen this series...have you?

Thanks,

Sue

[dleedlee]

and noticed on a couple of the discs the image was going in and out of focus in a pulsating manner. I think this must have happened when they transfered the film and the original film was slightly warped or had sprocket problems

I've encountered that before on multiple occasions. Sometimes I just pretend it's an advance preview of what my eyes will see in the future. I think you're right, I'm guessing the film gate hasn't been tightened down enough and the you get that weird visual wobble effect. Usually, it's not too bad, hopefully Golden Hairpin is the same.

is the girl who plays Chan's sister? Golden Coat also has the big spider attacking too - that was why I was confused.

There are actually two sisters. One is Choi Yim Heung. Not familiar with her but she also sings a duet with Connie and a solo:



Spoiler-ish:


- the older sister the pair discover is Yu So Chau



I haven't see Golden Coat yet. Maybe, they got a discount from the costume rental shop.

I've never sent one back, but there have been a few that I'd describe as sounding like a transistor radio under water.

[jenb]

Hi Everyone,

I went home and popped the 3 vcds of Red Dust into the machine and read each one:

1 - 78:37
2 - 74:45
3 - 77:39

If I added all the mins, it comes up to 231 mins totatl...the box said 251 mins, hmmm? And like you said the DVD version also say 251, does that mean it is more complete than the vcds? Your guess is as good as mine. Maybe someone can respond...

It is interesting that the older swordplay movies, people wear hats and carry their swords on their back. Then later, girls are dolled up with braids and flowers and gurys have the bun and they hold their swords...

What I also notice that in the older movies, people who stutter like Sai Guai Pow and Sum Chi Wah (2nd sister of Seven Princess) who has a heavy northern accent had important roles in the movies. In the newer movies now, they would dubbed their voices or not have these personalities or put them a comic sidekick...Which is so so stupid...These people played an important role.

Yeah, you are right...Goddess Sword - Chan has two sister, one is the one she trained with and the other is long lost Big Sister. Yu So Chow is always in love with Tao Dat Wah - As a young kid watching these movies, I say, where is the attraction? But then I was more mesmerize with the story and the fighting...

So I was so amazed and happy when Chan Bo Chu surfaced back up after more than 40 years out of the film industry to do stage plays and have a concert...What I was every more happy about is that they put some of the movies onto media so people like us can buy and enjoy and relive childhood. I just hope they can find some more of her mo hop movies and put on media for us to purchase and watch...

Ok, I am such a blabber mouth

Sue

[jenb]

Hi Everyone,

I went home and popped the 3 vcds of Red Dust into the machine and read each one:

1 - 78:37
2 - 74:45
3 - 77:39

If I added all the mins, it comes up to 231 mins totatl...the box said 251 mins, hmmm? And like you said the DVD version also say 251, does that mean it is more complete than the vcds? Your guess is as good as mine. Maybe someone can respond...

It is interesting that the older swordplay movies, people wear hats and carry their swords on their back. Then later, girls are dolled up with braids and flowers and gurys have the bun and they hold their swords...

What I also notice that in the older movies, people who stutter like Sai Guai Pow and Sum Chi Wah (2nd sister of Seven Princess) who has a heavy northern accent had important roles in the movies. In the newer movies now, they would dubbed their voices or not have these personalities or put them a comic sidekick...Which is so so stupid...These people played an important role.

Yeah, you are right...Goddess Sword - Chan has two sister, one is the one she trained with and the other is long lost Big Sister. Yu So Chow is always in love with Tao Dat Wah - As a young kid watching these movies, I say, where is the attraction? But then I was more mesmerize with the story and the fighting...

So I was so amazed and happy when Chan Bo Chu surfaced back up after more than 40 years out of the film industry to do stage plays and have a concert...What I was every more happy about is that they put some of the movies onto media so people like us can buy and enjoy and relive childhood. I just hope they can find some more of her mo hop movies and put on media for us to purchase and watch...

Ok, I am such a blabber mouth

Sue

[dleedlee]

I went home and popped the 3 vcds of Red Dust into the machine and read each one:

1 - 78:37
2 - 74:45
3 - 77:39

If I added all the mins, it comes up to 231 mins totatl...the box said 251 mins, hmmm? And like you said the DVD version also say 251, does that mean it is more complete than the vcds? Your guess is as good as mine. Maybe someone can respond...

Thanks very much for checking, Sue. I am surprised how much is on a single vcd. I've never seen anything over 70 minutes long on a disc. Now I wonder if the DVD is any different? I suspect not, though.

Yu So Chow is always in love with Tao Dat Wah - As a young kid watching these movies, I say, where is the attraction?

Yeah, I was struck, too, by how incompatible these two seemed in Goddess' Sword. I didn't realize they were frequently paired. I've only seen them together in the Buddha's Palm series so far.

I've only been watching Connie for a few years now. In fact, it wasn't until I read about her come back play at Sanney's site (Red Boat?) that I heard about her..."famous child actor" that piqued my curiousity.

I love all the old character actors like Sai Gwa Pau, Ko Lo Chuen, Yue Ming, Chan Lap Ban, etc. They can brighten up the lousiest thread bare movies just by being in it.

[duriandave]

I'm also glad that Connie's films are being released. I love watching her movies and I don't even speak Cantonese

I first found out about Connie from Paul Fonoroff's book of Hong Kong movie memorabilia Silver Light. The first film of hers that I saw was The Dragon Fortress. (And actually in that film Suet Nei made more of an impression on me than Connie.) But as I watched more of Connie's films, I became a big fan. I love her mo hop movies and modern action films most of all. My favorite films of hers are Xiao Nu Zhu Zhu; Young, Pregnant And Unmarried; Hei Sha Xing; and The Black Rose.

As much as I love Cheng Pei Pei, I think that Connie is the true 60s queen of wuxia films. Unfortunately, she didn't have a big studio like Shaw Brothers behind her. I also think she doesn't get the full credit she deserves for being the first great modern female action star. She is amazing in Hei Sha Xing—and on top of that she plays two roles as a brother and sister!

[dleedlee]

Paul Fonoroff's book of Hong Kong movie memorabilia Silver Light.

I still need to pick that up. Where did you buy your copy? Hopefully, it's not out of print?

I can't remember which was my first Connie film. But I know Teenager in Love was my first Siao Fong Fong teen film. I'm hoping those Lady Bond films get released.

Speaking of Chang Pei Pei, I finally watched Golden Swallow/Girl with the Thunderbolt Kick last night. Even though I read it wasn't much compared to Come Drink With Me, it was reeaally disappointing.

[duriandave]

I still need to pick that up. Where did you buy your copy? Hopefully, it's not out of print?

Dennis, I can't believe you never picked this up. This book was made for you! I'm not sure if it's out of print. I picked it up at Eastwind Books in Berkeley.

But I know Teenager in Love was my first Siao Fong Fong teen film

Teenager in Love was my first Siao Fong Fong film too and my first Cantonese oldie!

I'm hoping those Lady Bond films get released.

Me too!

Speaking of Chang Pei Pei, I finally watched Golden Swallow/Girl with the Thunderbolt Kick last night. Even though I read it wasn't much compared to Come Drink With Me, it was reeaally disappointing.

I'm not a big fan of Golden Swallow either. So far my favorite films of Cheng Pei Pei are Dragon Swamp and Thundering Sword. Thundering Sword is not highly regarded by many kung fu fans, but if you're a fan of melodramatic wuxia like me, then you will love this film. It's closer to the Cantonese tradition of wuxia films than it is to Chang Cheh's new style.

[dleedlee]

Dennis, I can't believe you never picked this up. This book was made for you! I'm not sure if it's out of print. I picked it up at Eastwind Books in Berkeley.

I know, I know, believe me I've been eyeing it for years but could never find an online site selling it except one in Australia for a ridiculously high price. Does Eastwind have a web site? If so, I'm on it.

[bkasten]

Paul Fonoroff's book of Hong Kong movie memorabilia Silver Light.

I still need to pick that up. Where did you buy your copy? Hopefully, it's not out of print?

Well, if you (or anyone else) can find a copy let me know too. I cannot find that book anywhere...

[duriandave]

Well, I was in SF Chinatown during my lunch break, so I popped in to the Eastwind bookstore there. They currently have 3 copies of the Chinese-language version of Silver Light for $56. I called the Eastwind bookstore in Berkeley, and they said that they were out of stock of the English-language version ($70), but might be able to special order it. Here is their website: http://www.ewbb.com/.

[bkasten]

Well, I was in SF Chinatown during my lunch break, so I popped in to the Eastwind bookstore there. They currently have 3 copies of the Chinese-language version of Silver Light for $56. I called the Eastwind bookstore in Berkeley, and they said that they were out of stock of the English-language version ($70), but might be able to special order it. Here is their website: http://www.ewbb.com/.

Thanks a lot. I just sent them a query via email regarding special ordering the book. Their website is sort of a front end for their inventory in abe.com, which is fine; but it contains no copies of the book, used or new. In fact nowhere on ABE does that book exist, which is quite remarkable...

Dennis, I will pass their reply on to you as well...

[dleedlee]

Thanks, appreciate it. Checked their website, too, and it was as you described. I've checked ABE, sporadically, too and never found it listed. I did find an old used HKIFF OOP publication there last year though (the '50s Cantonese Cinema Retrospective) at a reasonable price. Now if I can find a used copy of A Comparative Study of Post-War Mandarin and Cantonese Cinema: the Films of Zhu Shulin, Qin Jian and other Directors

[jenb]

Hi eveyone,

Yeah, when I checked the length of the vcds for Red Dust - I said wow, how they fit all that in one cd...but that is what Iread...So you are right, I suspect the DVD version could be the same...

I know we are entitled to our opinions and I do appreciate some of the info people sent me...Some are very against Yesasia for the high prices.. and it is true, they are expensive but I guess I like their return policies and replacement policies...And plus them being in USA is much easier to call them inSan Francisco than calling Hong Kong...

Oh yeah, I loved Hei Sha Sing...she was really good playing both roles and for some movie back in the 60's to super-impose images on top to make believe two of them are there is pretty amazing..It sure looks like they are talking to one another. Her fight scenes in there are superb. One of the interviews I heard was that Chan may not know kung fu but because of her training in the cantonese opera fighting, her body is strong and solid and Shek Kin he enjoys doing fight scenes with her because she is strong...Young,Unmarried and Pregnant was hilarious - it was the only comedy that I have seen her in...

Now, I really wish they bring the Lady Killer series and some of the other mo hup movies - those were real good and I want my copy of it...

Now, what book is everyone talking about -

DurianDave- if you do not understand cantonese, how do you know what is going on...do you understand a different dialect?

Sue

[dleedlee]

Now, what book is everyone talking about

Paul Fonoroff's Silver Light

Fonoroff's biography

[duriandave]

DurianDave-if you do not understand cantonese, how do you know what is going on...do you understand a different dialect?

I don't understand any dialect. So, I don't know the details of the plot or what's being said, but still I like to watch the fight scenes and all the cool costumes and of course I love to watch Connie. And even though I can't understand what's being said, I can read the emotions on the actors' faces.

Maybe it's weird that I watch these old Chinese movies that I don't understand. But I'm not one to let lack of English subtitles prevent me from watching one of my favorite stars.

I wish I could speak Cantonese. I've tried learning it a couple of times, but I must say it's pretty difficult.

[jenb]

Has anyone listen to the newest dvd/vcd of the 36-38 songs put out. Some of those songs are from movies that had poor quailtiy so I wonder if they just copy the clip or what?

[dleedlee]

Yes, I picked it up and started watching it last week. I didn't have a chance to compare directly but they certainly weren't remastered. The worst ones, I think you're referring to, are from The Sweetest Moment, was pretty bad on the vcd. Of course, that had the greatest number of songs from any single film. The others are not too bad, probably just a copy from the movie from what I could tell. I really didn't expect much having bought the previous Winson compiliation (called Sound of Art at yesasia) so I got it cheap(er) from layoyo as part a huge order. Anyway, the photo cards were nice and I liked the magnet closure, that was a nice touch. If you haven't already bought it, I wouldn't pay a whole lot for it. I just couldn't resist it, though.

Sound of Art compilation

[jenb]

Well, some of the songs on there are nice...but I wish they would a cantonese opera cd of her...her potential is there...

BTW, I had problems getting to this site and i wonder what is correct syntax. I tried http://www.hkmdb.com and it says it is not there...

Any help?

[dleedlee]

BTW, I had problems getting to this site and i wonder what is correct syntax. I tried http://www.hkmdb.com and it says it is not there...

Any help?

The link works for me. Don't forget, there's access to this forum and a separate one for the database. If that's the problem, read these:

http://www.hkmdb.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=38063
http://www.hkmdb.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=38064
(except, instead of contacting Ryan, e-mail Guilao, our Sys Admn)
http://www.hkmdb.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=38065

[ciakmull]

Quote:
I went home and popped the 3 vcds of Red Dust into the machine and read each one:

1 - 78:37
2 - 74:45
3 - 77:39

If I added all the mins, it comes up to 231 mins totatl...the box said 251 mins, hmmm? And like you said the DVD version also say 251, does that mean it is more complete than the vcds? Your guess is as good as mine. Maybe someone can respond...

Thanks very much for checking, Sue. I am surprised how much is on a single vcd. I've never seen anything over 70 minutes long on a disc. Now I wonder if the DVD is any different? I suspect not, though.

I've the dvd version in two discs:

Disc 1 » 112:57
Disc 2 » 117:08
Total » 230 minutes

[dleedlee]

Figured as much. Thanks for confirming.

I guess I should pick it up anyway.

[ciakmull]

The strange thing is the fact there are two main credits at the beginning of each dvd, so I don't know if Winson edited the three movies to fit on the discs as if they're two movies, or if the third episode is really missing. The total duration of the two dvds seems to be a little bit too long for just two cantonese movies. When I'll watch them I hope to have an answer.

[jenb]

Hi Everyone,

Long time! I seem to be having problems getting to this site...I am in USA and when I try to invoke http://www.hkmdb.com - it says not found...Is this site during the USA time while Hong Kong is sleeping?

Anyways, anyone heard anymore news if they will release more Chan Bo CHu movies...I love her swordplay ones specially. The dramas are ok but I often wonder if she is indeed this naive of people in general...I read somewhere that she was so busy with doing movies that she never dated til later in life...so her husband could be her first love...

I heard and read that they are going to release a dvd of her stage show
Gim Shuet Fa Sheng, any truth to that? It is supposed to be about her sifu Yum Kim Fai

Let me know if i am accessing this site correctly

Take care everyone

Sue

[dleedlee]

(Seems to me, the movies talk and db talk forums and getting mixed up these days. But it might just me be me.)

http://hkmdb.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=42123

I saw this posting elsewhere online and I thought I copy it over here to see what answer I will get just curious

http://www.dvdshelf.com/cgi-bin/ncommer ... 2&curr=USD

connie chan just came out with 2 dvd on her latest stage performance where she plays her teacher yam kim fai

although so far I see 2 place online that sells it , their price difference is over $13 and that is outrageous.

can anyone tell from this dvd is everything you saw 'live' the stage show is here on the dvd? was any scene cut on the dvd version?

any comment and review appreciated.

thank you

stooges:

First, I didn't know the dvdshelf url still worked. I thought they had switched everything to layoyo.com. Whenever I try the dvdshelf.com home page recently, my browser just freezes.

Thanks for pointing out the release, I saw jenb's recent post but hadn't heard anymore on it. It looks tempting. I hate buying multiple disc sets or boxes from layoyo though, the shipping gets expensive. Perhaps that's the difference between the two online prices (you didn't mention the other one or which was the higher).

Jenb: not sure what problem you having exactly. Is it due to the fact that there are separate rights to the forum and the database that's you're talking about? The database itself is physically here in the US, isn't it (Bob?) ? Anyway, I don't think it's a time zone difference but have you tried accessing at different times? You're on the West Coast right? My bookmarks are set to the forum page or the search engine, so I rarely go through the main url.

[dleedlee]

Sensasian's listing for Sentimental Journey:
http://sensasian.com/cgi-bin/sensasian. ... t/V11298-D

similar to layoyo's price. (~ layoyo 22.99 vs 26.99 sensasian)

[jenb]

Thanks for the information. Is Sensasian an outfit in Hong Kong like Layoyo? I notice it is region code 3 dvd...That does me no good since I am in the USA...People on some site complained about Yesasia that prices are high, but I think it all comes up to within $5 within because you have to pay a lot more for shipping to USA -whereas Yesasia, shipping is free even though the merchandise is more...I am not spoke person at all, just making an observation. Did anyone order this as yet?

Sue

[dleedlee]

jenb, sensasian in based in Malaysia, a long time and reputable etailer. I haven't used them in years but there are many satisfied customers. Myself, these days, I'm mainly a yesasia (4.99 Winson/China Art/Century Entertainment vcds !, free shipping, $5 coupons [fish bites hook, hook bites back]), dddhouse and layoyo customer (now that my VISA card works with them again).

You should really get yourself a cheap region free player if you don't have one. Certainly, there must be a Target or other big box store near you. Of course, once you have one, there's no excuse not to enter the world of region coded disks, ka-ching $. There's also s/w that you can get to make your PC DVD drive region free, though I haven't used any myself yet.