HEARTS AFLAME

THE STORY

Many human tragedies are the result of bad social customs, which may be found anywhere in the world. In backward farming villages in some parts of North China, the age - old tradition of making a mere child a husband is a typical example of an outmoded practice which has brought sorrow into many homes.

The origin of the custom has many roots, the chief among which are the need in a household of a mature woman to aid a family in numerous ways and to prevent scheming relatives from victimising a widow or her young son. Usually, such marriages have tragic consequences.

In a farming village in North China, a ne’er-do-well drinks at the house of the prostitute, Hei Tsui, after learning the news that Shuan Shi, whom he desires, is to be married to Chang Chun, young son of the widow Meng. With his three cronies, he decides to waylay the wedding procession to the Meng home and to abduct the bride.

On the fateful day a fight takes place and the ne’er-do-well and his men are thwarted by Tsuen, a travelling trader, who sees the bride safely to the Meng home.

At the wedding ceremony, little Chang Chun, innocent and childish, is made to go through the ceremony and Tsuen, urged by Mrs. Meng, agrees to be “big brother” to Chang Chun and adopted son of the widow. His home is now the Meng household.

Shuan Shi soon pines as the wife of an innocent child and it is not long before a deep love exists between her and Tsuen. Torn by his conscience, he decides to leave the Meng home, but is stopped by Shuan Shi.