|
|
|
400 stuntmen are used, with iron wires and pulleys applied. |
Forty more studios were shooting similar wuxia films to satisfy demand.
From 1928 to 1931, at least 227 martial arts films were made, mostly in Shanghai, says Li.
Martial arts film stars included Zhang Yi and actress Fan Xuepeng, both professionals like Jet Lee and Jackie Chan.
The world's first talkie or sound movie was "The Jazz Singer" (1927), an American film directed by Alan Crosland.
The first movie with sound in China was Zhang Shichuan's "Singer Red Peony" (1931) starring famed actress Hu Die, known as Butterfly Hu.
Unlike Hollywood musicals that featured both singing and dance, often in lavish production, early Chinese musical emphasized singing.
"The genre of musical was the result of the exploration of the possibilities of the sound, the introduction of Hollywood musicals and the popularity of Chinese folk music," says Wan.
Simple plots with catchy songs and visually appealing dance were a refuge for many Chinese seeking relief and diversion during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1937-45) and the War of Liberation (1946-49).
Films and albums starring "golden voice" Zhou Xuan were always popular.
|
|
|
In the 1930s-40s, films and albums starring "golden voice" Zhou Xuan were always popular. |
Zhou was considered as the "queen of the silver screen" in the 1930s and 1940s, both for her sweet, innocent image and silvery voice, says Wan.
Her popular songs like "Wandering Singer" in "Street Angel" (1937) and "Floral Age" in "An All-consuming Love" (1947) are still beloved and provided nostalgic elements for films such as Ang Lee's "Lust, Caution" (2007) and Wong Kar-wai's "In the Mood for Love" (2000).
The difference between Hollywood musicals and early Chinese musicals lies in the importance of singing and dancing, says Shanghai University lecturer Wan.
In Hollywood musicals, the characters' singing is closely tied to the storyline; the music supplements the scene.
In early Chinese movies, however, the singing and music were separate decorations that added to the ambience.
Horror films, though popular today, traditionally were less popular than other genres because many Chinese people were uneasy about the supernatural. Monsters and beasts were disturbing images of evil.
"The Phantom Lover" (1937) directed by Maxu Weibang was the most sensational and successful. It's frightening promotion poster is said to have scared a girl to death.
To promote the film, producer Zhang Shankun put up a huge poster eight stories high in a bustling downtown area. It featured the leading actor and actress with eyes wide open in fright and an old ugly woman with a hunchback holding a candle in her hand.
1 2 3
