The World Of Suzie Wong (1960)

An American architect (William Holden) arrives in Hong Kong with the intention to make a living as a painter. With limited funds, he stays at a rundown hotel which is frequented by prostitutes and their customers. It is there he becomes emotionally involved with one of the prostitutes called Suzie Wong (Nancy Kwan). Based on the award winning 1958 Broadway play by way of the novel by Richard Mason and directed by Richard Quine (BELL BOOK AND CANDLE). Unlike the original novel which was more serious, the film (and the play) is more of a dramedy with the emphasis on its romcom elements. Its portrayal of its "heart of gold" prostitutes is in line with other films like NEVER ON SUNDAY and IRMA LA DOUCE which sees prostitutes living happy go lucky lives while waiting for a "prince charming" to rescue them. The film also reinforces the stereotype of the exotic and submissive Asian woman. For example, after a sailor beats her up, a beaming Kwan runs to her friends and proudly tells them Holden beat her up because he was jealous. I don't mean to be too harsh on the film because it's quite entertaining although its 2 hours plus running time seems excessive for such a slight story. Although the 42 year old Holden is on the mature side for the struggling young artist of the book and play, he and the appealing Kwan (in her film debut) are fine. The film benefits from the Hong Kong and Macao locations handsomely shot by the great Geoffrey Unsworth (2001 A SPACE ODYSSEY). With Sylvia Syms, Michael Wilding, Laurence Naismith, Yvonne Shima and Jacqui Chan.