The Dream of Red Mansions () is a 1927 silent film adaptation of the novel by Cao Xueqin. It was directed by Ren Pengnian and Yu Boyan. It stars comedy actor Zhou Kongkong as Grandmother Jia.
The film is told from Grandmother Jia's perspective, and uses the "all just a dream" trope. It was cut into two parts, with a duration of roughly four hours. It is one of the earliest known film adaptations of the novel.
Cast Source: Zhou Kongkong as Grandmother Jia (cross-gender acting) Lu Jianfen as Jia Baoyu (cross-gender acting) Lu Jianfang as Lin Daiyu Wang Yiyi as Xue Baochai Yuan Yijun as Madam Wang Yi Banqian as Madam Jia Yi Yinqiao as Jia Zheng Wen Yimin as Jia Lian
Notes The film's negatives are considered lost. The film's plot summary and stills are preserved in a special edition booklet issue of the film by the production company, purchased at an auction.
Due to the lack of financing, the film uses modern props and costumes. The characters lounge on European style sofas and beds, and Daiyu occasionally wears Westernised skirts and high heels.
The film premiered at Shanghai's Embassy Theatre, and was shown for four days. It received positive reviews from the media and the local entertainment industry.
External links
The Dream of Red Mansions on Hong Kong Movie Database The Dream of Red Mansions on Chinese Movie Database
References