Hong Kong Entertainment 1979: A Beating Up the Manager at the Start

Two weeks after its release, "Happy Ghost" had grossed HK$831 million in Shaw Brothers theaters, completely overshadowing "The Killer" starring Hung Kam-po, which was released at the same time by Golden Harvest.

The release of "Happy Ghost" was a phenomenal success, grossing HK$60 on its opening day and rising to HK$70 on its second day.

"Fight for Life" only grossed 20 on its first day, and then dropped slightly to 18 on its second day, showing a clear lack of staying power.

Faced with the strong performance of "Happy Ghost", Golden Harvest Cinemas drastically reduced the number of screenings of "The Killer" after 20 days, making it only shown in a few scattered theaters. The film was eventually pulled from theaters after 20 days, with its total box office in the local area settling at HK$2.4 million, nearly HK$500,000 lower than its original box office of about HK$2.9 million.

However, because the investment was not large, the film still made a profit before it was taken off the screens.

In contrast, "Happy Ghost" generated a sustained viewing frenzy among students and young audiences, and with the full support of Shaw Brothers cinemas, it continued to be screened for 24 days, eventually ending its run with an astonishing box office of HK$1240 million, becoming the most dazzling dark horse of the year and even in Hong Kong film history.

The day after the film's theatrical run ended, almost every newspaper in Hong Kong was flooded with the same news.

This wasn't due to the film company's public relations efforts, but rather the sheer shock of the box office figures themselves: a Shaw Brothers production with a low budget, directed by Li Jiangbo who was recently an unknown actor specializing in erotic films, miraculously broke Jackie Chan's box office record for self-directed and self-acted films, and even surpassed the 10 million mark.

This box office miracle has made many people envious, and many are looking for the successful model of the film to follow suit and make their own.

Among them is Lei Juekun, the owner of Lisheng Cinemas.

He almost went out of business because he couldn't compete with Golden Harvest and Shaw Brothers. Fortunately, he changed the cooperation system between theaters and distributors and abolished the film monopoly system, which allowed him to survive.

He saw a glimmer of hope in the dark horse hit, "Happy Ghost".

The key to survival lies in owning a film production company to ensure that your theaters have enough films to screen.

Since Li Jiangbo met with Li Hanxiang, there has been no further news from Li Hanxiang. Li Jiangbo is very patient and has been waiting. He understands that some things can only be obtained through patience.

Today is also the day Shao Daheng is holding a celebration banquet for Li Jiangbo.

The celebration banquet was held at the Peninsula Hotel, a frequent partner of Shaw Brothers.

As Li Jiangbo, Chung Chuh-hung, Rosamund Kwan, and Angie Chiu stepped out of the car, a barrage of flashes from cameras blinded them.

Before Cherie Chung and Rosamund Kwan could understand what was going on, a group of reporters surrounded them.

One of the reporters asked, "Director Li! Congratulations on 'Happy Ghost' surpassing 10 million at the box office and becoming the year's champion! From being an unknown director of erotic films to becoming a box office dark horse, how do you view this dramatic change?"

Li Jiangbo smiled calmly, "Nothing has changed. I'm just working for myself now. I used to make erotic films to make a living. Now I'm making 'Happy Ghost' so that more viewers, especially young people, can enjoy a movie. The biggest recognition is that the audience is willing to buy tickets."

A reporter from Oriental Daily News, microphone in hand, pushed his way to the front of the crowd. "Director Li, does the success of this film mean that your future works will completely shift towards youth comedies?"

Li Jiangbo pondered for a moment, "I haven't thought about what to film yet, but I won't set any limits for myself. It could be a kung fu comedy, or it could be something else."

"Mr. Li, your movie has been a box office hit this time. Does Time Pictures have any new filming plans recently?"

Li Jiangbo glanced at the reporter, then took out his business card from his pocket and handed it to everyone. "Time Pictures has just moved to a new office building, and we're currently short-staffed. We need to recruit some employees before we can consider the next filming plan. So please help spread the word, thank you."

The reporters holding Li Jiangbo's business card exchanged bewildered glances. What did this mean? Was he admitting defeat? How utterly shameless!

After Li Jiangbo's questioning tactics, the reporters lost interest in interviewing him and turned their questions to the three female companions who came with him.

"Ms. Chung, how does it feel to have such a successful first starring role in a film?"

Chung Chor-hung smiled gently, slightly shyly, "It's like a dream, all thanks to Director Lee and everyone else's help."

"Ms. Guan, as a newcomer to the film industry, how do you feel about your performance? I heard you're still in school; will you consider taking a break from school to enter the entertainment industry?"

Rosamund Kwan was poised and confident, saying, "There's still so much to learn, and I'm grateful to Director Lee for the opportunity. Also, I've already signed a contract with Time Pictures, so if anyone needs me to act in a film, they can contact Time Pictures."

Upon hearing this, the reporters were somewhat bewildered. Another one getting dumped? It seems like like boss, like employee!

"Ms. Zhao, what are your thoughts on starring in 'Happy Ghost'? And are you satisfied with your performance on screen?"

Zhao Yazhi smiled and replied, "I'm quite satisfied. This was quite a challenge, but if the audience can remember me, then I've already succeeded."

Seeing that the reporters hadn't finished their interviews in ten minutes, Shaw Brothers staff finally stepped in to help.

Li Jiangbo then led the three of them into the restaurant.

As soon as they entered the hall, Shao Yifu and Fang Yihua came to greet them.

"Bo-zai, well done!"

Li Jiangbo laughed and said, "Sixth Uncle, you flatter me!"

After shaking hands with Shao Yifu, the others followed him to their seats.

The celebration banquet today was attended by many people, most of whom were from Shaw Brothers, with a small number from TVB. Among them were familiar faces like Wang Tianlin and Li Hanxiang, as well as people he had only met on set, such as Chu Yuan and Zhang Che.

After looking around, Li Jiangbo suddenly noticed that someone in a corner was being greeted by people frequently.

He looked down and asked, "Brother Jing, who is that person?"

Wang Jing glanced at it only once, "The real helmsman of TVB - Li Xiaohe."

Li Jiangbo was a little confused when he heard the name, and he subconsciously asked, "What about Sixth Uncle?"

"Oh! Uncle Liu is the managing director."

Li Jiangbo suddenly realized that Shao Daheng had not yet completely taken control of TVB! In his mind, TVB had always been under Shao Daheng's leadership.

This is where impressions can be deceiving. Shao Yifu only truly took control of TVB after Li Xiaohe's death, which is in June of next year, but he just didn't know it.

After all the guests had arrived, Shao Yifu was about to go on stage to say a few words when an uninvited guest arrived, interrupting his speech.

At the entrance of the hall, an elderly man in his fifties led a group of people toward the center of the hall.

Li Jiangbo looked closely and realized that it was none other than Ho Koon-cheung of Golden Harvest. Behind him were Cheng Lung, Hung Kam-po, and others.

Ho Koon-cheung walked to the center and laughed loudly, "Uncle Six, thank you for sending the invitation to Golden Harvest. I'm here to congratulate director Li Jiangbo on his box office success!"

Shao Daheng was also a very shrewd man. He said calmly, "I am very happy that you could come to the celebration banquet, Achang. Ahua, please invite Achang to take a seat."

Fang Yihua responded, "Yes!"

She was about to step forward and guide Ho Koon-cheung to his seat. Ho Koon-cheung didn't say anything and simply followed Fang Yi-hua's instructions to sit down.

Looking at all this, Li Jiangbo seemed to understand something. This must be an invitation sent by Shao Daheng to Golden Harvest, wanting to use it to demonstrate his power.

Unexpectedly, Zou Wenhuai actually sent someone, and it was none other than the very influential He Guanchang! This was a great show of respect to Shao Daheng.

Ho Koon-cheung's visit this time was also ill-intentioned. The fact that he was followed by Cheng Lung indicates that Golden Harvest has already secured Cheng Lung's support, so Shaw Brothers shouldn't waste their efforts.

None of this affected Shao Yifu on stage; he simply smiled and raised his glass.

"Director Li Jiangbo deserves much credit for the success of 'Happy Ghost' in topping the annual box office. Today, I would like to raise a glass to Director Li. At the same time, I wish 'Happy Ghost' great success in overseas markets and all the best to Shaw Brothers."

Everyone present stood up and raised their glasses in celebration.

After Shao Yifu stepped down from the stage, the celebration banquet officially began. The atmosphere in the hall became lively, and everyone lined up to toast Li Jiangbo, getting him quite drunk.

Only when no one else came forward to offer a toast did Li Jiangbo lower his head and speak to Wang Jing.

"Brother Jing, do you need to come help me?"

Wang Jing shook his head. "Sign a contract with you? Do you want to quit the business, or do I not want to? Be careful, tycoon Shao might block your theater chain!"

Upon hearing this, Li Jiangbo was speechless for a moment, then lowered his head and stopped speaking.

Suddenly, a blur appeared before his eyes, and a fat figure enveloped him completely.