Zhou Man Hua

Biography

Zhou Man Hua (1922–2013), originally named Zhou Guiying, was from Pudong, Shanghai. She was a prominent film actress active in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Shanghai from the late 1930s to the mid-1960s. She began her career by joining Jin Hui's "Bright Moon Song and Dance Troupe". In 1937, at age 15, she joined Zhang Shichuan's "Mingxing Film Company" and appeared in the film "Night Meeting" (夜会), followed by "Women's Rights" (女权) directed by Zhang Shichuan, and "Mother's Secret" (母亲的秘密) with Lu Luming. During World War II, she joined the "Film Artists Troupe" and toured with stars like Bai Yang. After returning to Shanghai, she joined "Guohua Film Company" and co-starred with Zhou Xuan in "New Hell" (新地狱). In 1948, she acted in "Deep Hatred" (仇深似海) with Guotai Company and "Land of Freedom" (自由天地) with Datong Company. In 1949, she moved to Hong Kong and appeared in over 150 films, including "Woman and Tiger" (女人与老虎), "A Woman's Heart" (妇人心), "Bedroom Joy" (闺房乐), "Long Live the Bride" (新娘万岁), "Happy Reunion" (喜相逢), "Women's World" (女人世界), and "Return to the Nest" (凤还巢). Her farewell film was "Top Scholar" (状元及第, 1964), directed by Li Hanxiang for Lianbang Company in Taiwan.