The World of Suzie Wong (1960)

Robert Lomax tired of working in an office, wants to be an artist. So he moves to Hong Kong to try his hand at painting. Finding a cheap hotel he checks in, only to find it's used by ... See full summary »

Director:

Richard Quine

Writers:

Paul Osborn (adaptation), Richard Mason (novel),

Stars:

William Holden, Nancy Kwan, Sylvia Syms

Nominated for 2 Golden Globes. Another 1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
William Holden	...	Robert Lomax
Nancy Kwan	...	Suzie Wong
Sylvia Syms	...	Kay O'Neill
Michael Wilding	...	Ben Marlowe
Jacqui Chan	...	Gwennie Lee
Laurence Naismith	...	O'Neill
Yvonne Shima	...	Minnie Ho
Andy Ho	...	Ah Tong
Lier Hwang	...	Wednesday Lu
Bernard Cribbins	...	Otis
Edwina Carroll	...	Mrs. Marlowe
Dervis Ward	...	British Sailor
Marian Spencer	...	Dinner Guest
Lionel Blair	...	Dancing Sailor

Storyline

Robert Lomax tired of working in an office, wants to be an artist. So he moves to Hong Kong to try his hand at painting. Finding a cheap hotel he checks in, only to find it's used by prostitutes and their 'dates' who meet in the bar downstairs. Since he never picks up any of ladies, they all want to know more about him. Eventually he does hire one to model for him, but soon falls in love. But, since he's on a limited budget, he can't afford her exclusively, and doesn't want to 'share' her.

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Plot Keywords:

hong kong | artist | single parent | negative asian stereotype | tragedy | 

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Taglines:

You are the first man I ever loved... and the world has only just begun...

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English Mandarin

Release Date:

1961 (Austria)

Also Known As:

Die Welt der Suzie Wong

Filming Locations:

Hong Kong, China

Company Credits

Production Co:

World Enterprises

Technical Specs

Runtime:

126 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Jack Clayton was asked to direct this film.

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Goofs

When Robert Lomax (Holden) begins to strip the European clothes off Suzy Wong (Kwan), her hair is piled smartly up under her cap and can be seen to remain that way. However, when Lomax goes to pull the cap off her head, Suzy's long tresses are fully down and covering her back.

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Connections

Referenced in Operación Mantis (El exterminio del macho) (1985)

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Soundtracks

"The World of Suzie Wong"
Lyrics by Sammy Cahn
Music by Jimmy Van Heusen

User Reviews

Most Romantic Film from Hollywood or Anywhere

If there was one beautiful face on the screen that mesmerized me in 1960--it was Nancy Kwan as Suzie Wong in "The World of Suzie Wong". Forty five years later, I bought the DVD and I treasure this movie as much as I did in 1960. This was the time when Stars were Stars and beauty was not skin deep. Nancy Kwan stole the scenes from her "Permeanent boy friend, Lobert!" (Chinese version of Robert!). William Holden who was at the peak of his career at that time gave a subtle but memorable perf. There is more romance in this movie than "Casablanca" and "Sound of Music" combined. The location is beautifully captured, with background music embellishing the landscape. This was produced by Ray Stark and masterfully directed by Richard Quine. This was when Hollywood was the glamor capitol of the world and artistry and talent took higher billing. This movie is an attestation to the fact, that-you make good movies, people will see them no matter what, when and where. The movie was a visual treat, with an old fashioned romance and an innate beauty that the newer movies will never capture. "To who it may concern," Why can't Hollywood make more movie's like this?-"For Goodness Sake"!!!.