PREFACE

A HARD MISTRESS

　　"Down to the sea in ships." From time immemorial the vast coastline of China has been the haven of refuge-the home- of generations of fisherfolk. Where the waves break on the shore, there you will find the fisherman - and his family. And the waves break on a vast shoreline in China.

　　In "A Fisherman's Honour", the Yung Hwa Studios have captured with the magic eye of the motion picture camera a tale of the lives and vicissitudes of these hardy people-a story of their loves, their hatreds and their tragedies.

　　Perhaps nowhere in the world is the task of the film producer and director so ably aided by natural elements as it is in Hongkong. And, for a picture of the sea, Hongkong is the ideal spot. All the background scenes in this film were taken in and around Hongkong and, under the able guidance of Cheng Pukao, veteran director, realistic storm scenes were staged in a special tank erected in the Studios. In addition, camera crews were sent out. to sea to film background shots.

　　A hard taskmaster, the sea claims its toll of human lives and any picture of its moods-gay, inviting, sullen or stormy- must portray the hazardous aspect of its hold on the human race. This the Yung Hwa cameras have captured and, with the help of beautiful Li Li-hua and bold, dashing Tao Chin, a love story has been woven through the mesh of fishing nets, through calm and storm and through life and death.

　　"A Fisherman's Honour" brings the fisherfolk to the screen. It is a gallant production with a gallant cast to portray the lives of a gallant folk. Lee Tsu-yung, the producer, has added to his already well-established reputation with this film, which has been chosen to be shown to international audiences.