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LING PO & I Article Year: July 13 & 14, 1963 Written by: Betty Le Di (Lok Tih) Translated by: Tuan |
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The article, "Ling Po and I", was written by Betty Ledi and it was published in the Central Newspaper on July 13 and 14, 1963. This article was written 20 days after the completing of The Love Eterne. It contains many praises by Betty towards Ling Po and the contents were as followed: One day, while I was shooting Yu Tang Chun, my colleague accompanied a few reporters from Taiwan to visit our studio. Mr. Huang, a reporter said to me: "Congratulation Miss Ledi, The Love Eterne sold very well in Taiwan." He informed me that The Love Eterne in the Far Eastern, China and Guo Du Cinemas had broken the record of all films that were shown in Taiwan. Zhou Lei, who was besides me, said, "Hey, that is an honor. The Love Eterne broke the Taiwan records, finally the Hollywood and Japanese films have to give way too." I am definitely happy about the well sold of The Love Eterne, but this is not only my credit, the credit should also goes to everyone! I have heard that Taiwan audience loves Ling Po. Her first time acting in a Mandarin film had made her a local fans' idol. Instead of saying that she is lucky, I would rather said it was the result of her hardworking. Before The Love Eterne was on the cinema, many did not know Ling Po. This film was also my first time working with her. Honestly speaking, Ling Po is a well-cultivated person. Her singing is fantastic. I remembered the first day we were shooting 'The Sworn Brothers' part of The Love Eterne. In the changing room, her scholastic make-up was so elegant, gentle and meek like a young man. I exclaimed, "What an excellent Brother Liang!" She said modestly, "Sister Ledi, I do not know how my male role looks like, that is very shy! Moreover, I am afraid that my acting would affect you! Sister Ledi, you must always teach me!" Ling Po was gentle and pretty. Her look was very lovable and when she impersonated a male, she was very handsome and very photogenic. At that time, I told myself that if she is a man, she would attract a lot of female audiences. While shooting 'The Sworn Brothers', she sang: 'Distant hills are pleasant, spring water reflects a bridge, travelers are walking to and fro...', her voice which was rich and she sounded like a male. Actually, I found that she sings quite well when I was recording. Her stage performance was very experienced and it simply doesn't look like a beginner. At that time, Director Li Han Hsiang had also said, "She has the talent of acting both male and female roles!" Ling Po has one good characteristic, which is her commitment to her work. The Love Eterne shot for more than 50 days, yet every time she would arrive at the studio one hour earlier in order to give herself enough time for makeup and preparation. At times, when she had no shooting, she would still stayed and watched others performed to gain more experience, even though the Director told her to leave early. After the first shooting, Ling Po came to me and asked, "Sister Ledi, until now my heart is still beating hard. My poor acting would cause trouble to others!" I consoled her, "Don't frighten, your acting is excellent and stable! Everyone said that the little girl, Ling Po acts well." After the first scene, while entering the changing room, I heard someone sang The Love Eterne from a far distant and it turned out to be Ling Po practicing. Even though recording for all songs from the movie was completed, Ling Po still continue to sing while shooting the film. According to her, being an actress, one must practice often; especially, being a new actress, she has to practice even harder. The Love Eterne had gone to Japan for outdoor scenes. During the few days in Tokyo, Ling Po came to my room every night to chitchat. Frankly speaking, instead of chitchatting, we were actually discussing work. She likes to listen to my acting experience and feelings. She felt that her working experience as an actress was not enough. She felt that being an actress, relying on singing is simply not enough and that acting experience is also important. At times, we would go shopping together for some gifts to bring back to Hong Kong. I felt that, Ling Po, besides being a very responsible person in her work, also has a pure and honest character. For example, when we went shopping together, she would always make the payment. Her reason was, "I am your younger sister, so I should do something for you!" Her words were so sincere and modest. Although we cooperated once, she left a profounded and good impression to me. When we were shooting, she used to visit me. She used to tell others that "Ledi should be credited for my success in The Love Eterne too." I think, such a modest girl and hardworking actress like her should be successful. |