The World of Suzie Wong ** (1960, William Holden, Nancy Kwan, Sylvia Syms) – Classic Movie Review 9254

Director Richard Quine’s 1960 romantic drama The World of Suzie Wong stars Nancy Kwan as the alluring Hong Kong prostitute Suzie Wong, who is hired as a model by émigré American businessman turned artist Robert Lomax (William Holden) and becomes the object of his affections.

This soapy melodrama is written by John Patrick, and based on a novel by Richard Mason and the play version by Paul Osborn.

The good-looking but low-fizz movie fails to capture the vivacity of Hong Kong life and the essence of a growing relationship between people of two differing cultures. However, Holden and Kwan are excellent, and Sylvia Syms, Michael Wilding, Laurence Naismith and Jacqui Chan support strongly.

Geoffrey Unsworth’s colour cinematography and John Box’s production designs are classy and special.

Nancy Kwan won the Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer – Female and was nominated as Best Actress – Drama. George Duning was also nominated for Best Original Score.

It was shot in the studio at MGM British Studios, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, England, as well as on location in Hong Kong.

Also in the cast are Yvonne Shima, Andy Ho, Bernard Cribbins, Lier Hwang, Edwina Carroll, Dervis Ward, Marian Spencer and Lionel Blair, who plays Dancing Sailor.

Naismith replaced Ralph Richardson.

Chubby Checker taught professional dancer Lionel Blair how to dance the Twist.

 © Derek Winnert 2019 Classic Movie Review 9254

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