List of Hong Kong films before 1950

Cinema of Hong Kong
1909–1949
1950s
1950 1951 1952 1953 1954
1955 1956 1957 1958 1959
1960s
1960 1961 1962 1963 1964
1965 1966 1967 1968 1969
1970s
1970 1971 1972 1973 1974
1975 1976 1977 1978 1979
1980s
1980 1981 1982 1983 1984
1985 1986 1987 1988 1989
1990s
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
2000s
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
2010s
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
2020s
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

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

Title Director Cast Genre Notes
1909
Stealing the Roast Duck Liang Shaobo Liang Shaobo,
Lai Pak-hoi		 Comedy short First 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-hoi Comedy short First 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		 Drama First 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		 Romance First 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 Fly Wong Toi Romance Filmed 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 Fantasy Based 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 Snatchers Wong Toi Ng Cho-fan Horror Hong Kong's first horror film
Mourning of the Chaste Tree Flower Runje Shaw, Runme Shaw, Runde Shaw Pak Kui-Wing, Woo Tip-Ying, Tai Hau-Ho Drama
1935
Life Line Guan Wenqing [7]
The Modern Bride Kwan Man-ching Lam Kwan-San, Lee Yi-Nin, Yip Yan-Foo Comedy
Opera Stars and Song Girls Kwan Ting-Yam Tse Sing-Nong, Tam Yuk-Lan, Ma Kam-Neong, Tam Siu-Fung Cantonese opera
Scent of Wild Flowers So Yi Ma Sze-Tsang, Tam Lan-Hing, William Ko Wai-Lim, Tam Yuk-Lan, Kwong Shan-Siu, Lam Mui-mui Drama First film directed by So Yi.[8]
Yesterday's Song (aka Voice of the Broken-hearted) Chiu Shu-San Kwan 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-Kuen Drama
New Youth So Yi Ng Cho-Fan, Wong Man-lei, Nancy Chan Drama
Sum Hun Esther Eng
1937
The Light of Women Go Lee-Han Lee Yi-Nin, Leong Tim-Tim, Leung Chui-Mei, Fok Suet-Yee, To Sam-Ku War [10]
The Magnificent Country Chan Tin Ng Cho-Fan, Yin Pak, Lam Lai-Ping War [11]
Producing Citizens Lee Fa Kwong Shan-Siu, Lam Mui-mui, Tai Hau-Ho, Lee Yuet-ching, Fok Suet-Yee Drama [12]
The Sentimental Woman So Yi, Liu Shut Leong Suet-Fei, Lee Yi-Nin, Kwong Shan-Siu, Chu Po-Chuen, Ho Tai-So, Mui Yee Romance
Spring Flower and Autumn Moon Cheung Oi-Man Violet Wong, Lam Mui-mui, Wu Mei-Lun Musical
Sweetie Yeung Kung-Leung Tam Yuk-Lan, Ching Siu-Fung, Chu Ying-Mui Cantonese opera
1938
A Mother's Tears (Chinese: 慈母淚) Chiu Shu-San To Yu, Wong Sau-Nin, Chan Tin-Chung, Wu Tip-Lai, Yuet-ching Lee Drama Released 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 defence Patriotic film against Japanese invasion[6]
Incident in the Pacific Hou Yao Lee Yi-Nin, Lo Ban-Chiu, Chow Siu-Ying War [15][16]
Last Minute Call Hou Yao National defence Patriotic film against Japanese invasion[6]
Female Soldier [7]
Eighth Heaven Musical [7]
The Purple Cups Hou Yao Leong Suet-Fei, Yung Yuk-Yi, Yung Siu-Yi, Chow Siu-Ying, To Sam-Ku Drama
Rouge Tears Chuk Ching-yin Hu Die Drama Cantonese remake of 1934 silent The Goddess
Rouge Tears Wu Yonggang Hu Die Drama Mandarin remake of 1934 silent The Goddess
Shanghai Under Fire (Chinese: 上海火線後) Chiu Shu-San Yin Pak, Lee Ching War Released 9 June 1938.[17]
1939
It's a Woman's World (aka The Thirty-six Amazons) Esther Ng Gam-Ha, Liu Shut Violet 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 Yee Drama
Judge Bao Vs. the Eunuch Wan Hoi-Leng, Hung Chung-Ho Tsang Sam-To, Leong Suet-Fei, Ma Kam-Neong Historical Drama
Lone Island Paradise Cai Chusheng Li Lili National defence Mandarin film produced by the Shanghai exiles from the Second Sino-Japanese War.[7]
The Luminescent Cup Go Lee-Han, Yeung Tin-Lok Lee Yi-Nin, Chow Siu-Ying, Yung Siu-Yi Drama
The Radio Station Murder Case Xu Xinyuan Detective The Charlie Chan series.[18]
Rivals in Love So Yi Cheung Ying, Tam Lan-Hing, Violet Wong, Tsi Law-lin Drama [19][20]
The Seductive Empress Now and Then Hung Chung-Ho Kwong Shan-Siu, Ma Kam-Neong Drama
Storm over the Pacific Hou Yao National defence Patriotic 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 Scarf Sung Gim-Chiu Pak Yin, Kwong Shan-Siu, Fung Fung, Ling Mung, Chao Fei-Fei, To Sam-Ku, Chow Siu-Ying, Ho Lai-Wan Romance Film debut for Star Film Company.[21]
The Seductive Woman Lee 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 Universe Cheung Oi-Man Yee Chau-Sui, Chu Po-Chuen, Yung Yuk-Yi, Leung Sing-Bor Comedy
Golden Gate Girl Esther Eng Bruce Lee Drama Film debut of Bruce Lee (as an infant).[23]
The Metropolis Lai Ban Lai 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-Chuen War [24]
1942
The Rich House Hung Suk-Wan Cheung Wood-Yau, Liu Ming, Yung Yuk-Yi Drama

[25][26]

The Battle of Hong Kong War propaganda The only film made during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong.
1944
1946
The Entangling Ones Chiu Shu-San Wong Hok-Sing, Kwun-Ling Chow, Wong Chiu-Miu Comedy [27]
1947
A Wealthy Family Yam Wu-Fa Ng 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 Kong Comedy [28]
Cuckoo's Spirit in March Hung Suk-Wan Ng Cho-Fan, Yu Lai-Zhen Drama [29]
The Distressed Lover Cheung Wood-Yau, Yung Siu-Yi, Yung Yuk-Yi, Fung Ying-Seung, Wu Mei-Lun Chinese Opera
The Evil Mind Wu Pang Wong Man-Lei, Siu Yin-Fei, Leung Ying, Ma Siu-Ying, To Sam-Ku Drama [19]
The Fickle Lady Mok Hong-See Ng Cho-Fan, Wong Man-lei, Yung Siu-Yi, To Mei-Mei, Lee Sin-Pan, Lee Yuet-Ching Drama
Happy Wedding Chiang Wai-Kwong Kwun-Ling Chow, Wong Chiu-Miu Comedy, Cantonese opera [30]
Lucky Bride Chiu Shu-San Mak Bing-Wing, Kwun-Ling Chow, Luk Wan-Fei Drama
The Net of Justice Xu Xinyuan Detective The Charlie Chan series.[18]
Prostituting to Raise the Orphan Hung Chung-Ho Cheung Yuet-Yee, Sun-Ma Sze-Tsang, Lau Hak-Suen, Lam Ka-Sing, Ko Lo-Chuen, To Sam-Ku, Lee Sin-Pan, Cheng Bo-Yin Cantonese opera
Romance of the West Chamber Yeung Kung-Leung Pak 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-Fei Historical Drama Cantonese opera [31]
Unforgetable Love So Yi, Chu Kei Ma 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-Mei Romance The only film produced by Gam Luen (Jinying) Film Company.
Unpredictable Tomorrow Yam Wu-Fa Sun-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-Min Drama
1948
Charlie Chan Outwits the Black Despot Xu Xinyuan Detective The Charlie Chan series.[18]
The Crazy Match-maker (aka The Crazy Matchmaker, Woman Dismantles White) Lo Duen Wong 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 Yan Drama Debut for Sei Hoi (Sihai) Film Company, a film production company.[32][33]
Four Phoenixes Take Flight Cho Kei Fung Fung, Yung Siu-Yi, Tsi Po-To, Ng Lai-Sheung, Law Mo-Lan, To Sam-Ku Comedy [34]
The Groom and His Double Kwan Man-ching Cheung 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 Ming Comedy [35]
Hundreds of Children and Thousands of Grandchildren Ng Wui Cheung Ying, Pak Suet-Sin, Yip Ping, Tang Mei-Mei, Fa Bik-Ha, Yeung Sau-Fung Comedy
Joy and Success Chow Sze-Luk Sit Kok-Sin, Pak Yin, Tang Mei-Mei Comedy
Local Scholar Mok Hong-See Liu Hap-Wai, Lo Ban-Chiu, Lee Lan, Wong Kei, Yuet-ching Lee, Gam Lau Drama
The Lusty Thief Girl Kwan Man-ching Lee Yi-Nin, Chan Sin-Yue, Ng Lai-Sheung, Tai Hau-Ho, Lam Siu-Mui, Cheng Lau-Kuen Crime [36]
Mad Fire Mad Love Esther Eng [37]
Return of the Swallows Fung Chi-Kong, Fung Yat-Wai Sit 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 Lau Comedy [38]
The Thirteenth Girl's Adventure in Nengren Temple Hung Chung-Ho Chan Yim-Lung, Luk Fei-Hung, Lam Kar-Yee Martial Arts
Wealth Is Like a Dream Yue Leung Lo 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 House Fung Chi-Kong Sheung 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 Lijun Chan Pei Chow Kwun-Ling, Sit Kok-Sin, Leung Siu-Kam, Ha Bo-Lin Historical Drama [40]
The Crazy Duke (aka The Crazy Earl) Yeung Kung-Leung Ma Sze-Tsang, Tsi Law-Lin, Lee Pang-Fei, Tang Mei-Mei, Ko Lo-Chuen, Gam Lau Musical comedy
The Eight Yang Sister Seeks Golden Knife Man Kok-Fei, Chan Yim-Lunh, Ying Lai-Ming, Lam Kar-Yee Martial Arts, Cantonese opera [41]
Sima Fu's Encounter with the Honey Gang Hung Suk-Wan Ng Cho-Fan, Yung Siu-Yi, Yung Yuk-Yi Thriller
Strange Bedfellows Yue Leung Pak Wan, Pak Lei, Ma Siu-Ying, Lam Mui-mui, Lau Kwai-Hong, Tang Mei-Mei Comedy
Tan Kei in the Meat Hill But Fu Man Kok-Fei, Chun Siu-Lei, Lau Hak-Suen, Kam Yi, Piu Wai-Mui Historical Drama Cantonese Opera
To Kill the Love Chu Kei Pak Yin, Cheung Wood-Yau, Tsang Nam-Sze, Lee Ngan, Chan Chui-Bing, Ho Chung-Fong Drama
The True Story of Wong Fei Hung Early Kung Fu film
  1. ^ a b "Timeline: Hong Kong cinema". hollywoodreporter.com. 23 March 2009. Retrieved 30 November 2020.
  2. ^ Fonoroff 1988, p. 293.
  3. ^ a b Fonoroff 1988, p. 294.
  4. ^ Fonoroff 1988, p. 295.
  5. ^ a b Fonoroff 1988, p. 298.
  6. ^ a b c d Ye & Zhu 2012, p. 77.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g Fonoroff 1988, p. 299.
  8. ^ "Scent of Wild Flowers". hkmdb.com. 8 February 1935. Retrieved 21 November 2020.
  9. ^ "Yesterday's Song". hkmdb.com. 1 February 1935. Retrieved 5 December 2020.
  10. ^ "Film Screenings - The Light of Women". filmarchive.gov.hk. 14 April 2019. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  11. ^ "The Magnificent Country". hkmdb.com. 30 April 1937. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
  12. ^ "Producing Citizens". hkmdb.com. 17 June 1937. Retrieved 10 November 2020.
  13. ^ "A Mother's Tears". hkmdb.com. 25 May 1938. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
  14. ^ a b c New York State Archives Film Scripts Index
  15. ^ Chan, Kelly Kar Yue (11 May 2020). Chinese Culture in the 21st Century and its Global Dimensions: Comparative and Interdisciplinary Perspectives. Springer Nature. p. 132. ISBN 978-9811527432. Retrieved 8 December 2020.
  16. ^ "Incident in the Pacific". hkmdb.com. 7 April 1938. Retrieved 5 December 2020.
  17. ^ "Shanghai Under Fire". hkmdb.com. 9 June 1938. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
  18. ^ a b c Fonoroff 1988, p. 301.
  19. ^ a b "Early Cinematic Treasures". bcmagazine.net. December 2016. Retrieved 21 November 2020.
  20. ^ "Film Screenings - Rivals in Love". lcsd.gov.hk. 11 February 2017. Retrieved 12 December 2020.
  21. ^ "The Red Scarf". hkmdb.com. 29 June 1940. Retrieved 17 November 2020.
  22. ^ "A Mother's Madness". hkmdb.com. 7 November 1941. Retrieved 21 November 2020.
  23. ^ "Golden Gate Girl (1941)". bfi.org.uk. 1941. Archived from the original on 15 April 2016. Retrieved 18 November 2020.
  24. ^ "Press Releases - HK Film Archive's "100 Must-See Hong Kong Movies" to screen historically significant films in February and March (with photos)". info.gov.hk. 24 January 2014. Retrieved 10 May 2021.
  25. ^ "Press Releases - HK Film Archives "Early Cinematic Treasures Rediscovered" to present long-lost cinematic gems". January 2015. Retrieved 27 November 2020.
  26. ^ "Film Screenings - The Rich House". lcsd.gov.hk. 30 May 2015. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
  27. ^ "The Entangling Ones". hkmdb.com. 1946. Retrieved 18 November 2020.
  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.
  31. ^ "Romance of the West Chamber". hkmdb.com. 10 August 1947. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
  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.
  39. ^ "Adventure at the Women's House". hkmdb.com. 24 December 1949. Retrieved 7 November 2020.
  40. ^ "Film Screenings - The Ancient Beauty, Mang Lai-kwun". lcsd.gov.hk. 10 April 2020. Retrieved 18 November 2020.
  41. ^ "The Eight Yang Sister Seeks Golden Knife". hkmdb.com. 27 November 1952. Retrieved 13 January 2021.