On the set at the Grandview Film studio in San Francisco Chinatown. From left: Chow Kwun-Ling, Wong Hock-Sing, Wong Chiu-Mo, and Joseph Sunn Jue. 1944.
An accomplished Cantonese opera performer, Wong Chiu-Mo on tour in America when War II prevented him from returning to Hong Kong. Stranded in San Francisco, the actor found work at Grandview Film’s San Francisco studio. Not only did Wong Chiu-Mo act in his first films there, but he also met his future wife, actress Chow Kwun-Ling 周坤玲, his co-star in at least six known Grandview American movies.
After the end of the war, the couple traveled to Hong Kong where their movie careers soared. Besides contemporary film roles, Wong advanced the art of Cantonese opera, both in movies and on stage. In his later years, resettled in America, he was devoted to the Baht Wo Association/American Branch 美西八和會館 in San Francisco Chinatown to help promote Cantonese opera and the well-being of its performers in the U.S.
Wong’s story is a featured profile in Arthur Dong’s upcoming book, Grandview Film: Cinematic Crossings with Joseph Sunn Jue.
Sandra Wong, daughter of Chow Kwun-Ling and Wong Chiu-Mo, is interviewed by writer Arthur Dong via Zoom.
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