|
Vintage original complete set of 8 (eight) U.S. lobby cards from the 1950's WW2 drama romance, CHINA DOLL, released in 1958 by United Artists and directed by Frank Borzage. In China, gruff Air Force captain Cliff
Brandon (Victor Mature) wakes up after a night of drinking to discover he has purchased the
housekeeping services of comely, young Shu-Jen (Li Li Hua) from her father. Disappointed by
Cliff's insistence on staying out late in bars, Shu-Jen leaves for home when
Cliff, made aware that she is carrying her child, finds her and marries her in
a delightful traditional Chinese ceremony. Happy days are spent as Shu-Jen and
her infant daughter join Cliff at a forward base until Cliff, returning from a
supply-drop mission, hears the base is under attack by Japanese bombers.
This complete set of 8 lobby cards features one title card and seven scene cards. They are all unrestored in fine to very fine- condition with a small stain in the border on one of the scene cards from a piece of Scotch tape that was subsequently removed. The title card exhibits slightly more wear than the scene cards.
Frank Borzage and Victor Mature set-up a production company but this was the only movie they made together. Victor Mature's salary was $125,000. The female lead actress Li li hua nicknamed "Evergreen Tree" was the biggest star of the Chinese film industry during the 1950’s and 1960’s, mostly working in Hong Kong. During an interview in the 1990s, she admitted that she refused to do the kissing scene that was highly publicized in the news but not because she has the right in the contract. She said she cannot stand the strong onion smell of the lead actor's mouth! Li li hua passed away on March 20, 2017 at the age of 92. |