Picture bride Mei Li (Miyoshi Umeki) and her father arrive in San Francisco, having smuggled themselves into the country so Mei Li can marry nightclub owner Sammy Fong (whose mother arranged the whole deal). Mei Li is fascinated by the city and immediately charms its denizens with a delicate rendition of "One Hundred Million Miracles." Fong (Jack Soo), who is having an affair with his star singer, the sexy and scheming Linda Low (Nancy Kwan), pawns Mei Li off on the Wang family, whose eldest son, Ta (James Shigeta), needs a wife (at least that's what his father has decided). Old Chinese culture and new American ideals clash at every turn, with the elders struggling to understand their Americanized children and the children struggling to accept and honor their heritage. Though the movie is dated in some respects, the theme of assimilation vs. separation holds up remarkably well and rings true. "The Other Generation" beautifully illustrates the generation gap.
As this is a romantic musical, you know from the beginning which couples will end up together. The most famous song is "I Enjoy Being a Girl," sung by Linda Low as she dresses to seduce Wang Ta. Though too many triangulations and misunderstandings prolong the inevitable conclusion, Flower Drum Song is a very enjoyable and often funny ride. (Source: Dana Van Nest for Amazon.com)
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Starring:
Miyoshi Umeki - Mei Li
Nancy Kwan - Linda Low (singing voice by B.J. Baker)
James Shigeta - Wang Ta
Benson Fong - Wang Chi-Yang
Jack Soo - 'Sammy' Fong
Juanita Hall - Madame "Auntie" Liang
Reiko Sato - Helen Chao (singing voice by Marilyn Horne)
Patrick Adiarte - Wang San
Kam Tong - Dr. Li
Victor Sen Yung - Frankie Wing
Soo Yong - Madame Fong
James Hong - Headwaiter
Spencer Chan - Dr. Chou
Arthur Song - Dr. Fong
Weaver Levy - Policeman
Herman Rudin - Mugger
Cherylene Lee - one of Sam's Girlfriend
Virginia Ann Lee - one of Sam's Girlfriend
Jon Fong - Square dance caller
Virginia Grey - TV heroine
Robert Kino - Bank manager
Frank Kumagai - Tradesmen
Ching Wah Lee - Professor
Laurette Luez - Mexican girl & Beulah Quo
Ward Ramsey - Great white hunter
Paul Sorenson - TV sheriff
Beal Wong - Tailor
Studio: Universal Studios
Filmed: 1961 - Released: 1961
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