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Hsu Pu-liao's final film, 'The Clown and the Swan,' to be re-screened after restoration

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The digitally restored version of "The Clown and the Swan," the final film of Taiwanese comedian Hsu Pu-liao (許不了), is set to be re-screened.
  • Hsu Pu-liao, who died on the film's release day in 1985, was a legendary comedic actor who starred in 46 films in six years.
  • The restored film will be shown at the 2026 Taoyuan Film Festival, evoking nostalgia and celebrating his enduring legacy.

The final film of the beloved Taiwanese comedian Hsu Pu-liao (許不了), titled "The Clown and the Swan," is returning to the big screen after a digital restoration. The movie, released in the summer of 1985, coincidentally marked the final day of the comedian's life, adding a poignant layer to its re-release. The restored version is scheduled to be screened at the 2026 Taoyuan Film Festival.

Hsu Pu-liao, known for his comedic genius, starred in "The Clown and the Swan" as an unrecognized clown who finds support from a showgirl, played by Chen Hsiu-chen (甄秀珍). The film, a blend of humor and pathos, resonated deeply with audiences and captured vanishing scenes of Taipei, including the Air Force Village on Ren'ai Road and the pre-renovation Children's Amusement Park, making it a valuable record of a bygone era.

Director Chu Yen-ping (朱延平) recalled an emotional moment during filming where Hsu Pu-liao broke down, confessing he "didn't have long to live" and asking Chu to look after his young daughter. Chu Yen-ping honored this request, even escorting Hsu's daughter, Yeh Jung-ting (葉蓉庭), down the aisle at her wedding decades later. Chu also revealed a shared ambition with Hsu Pu-liao to challenge the dominance of rival film company Cinema City and actors Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung. "The Clown and the Swan" achieved this indirectly, becoming the third highest-grossing film in Taipei that year, surpassing "Heart of Dragon" starring Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung.

In just six years, from 1979 to 1985, Hsu Pu-liao starred in 46 films, most of which were box office successes. The news of his passing on the release day of "The Clown and the Swan" led many viewers to watch the film through tears and laughter, contributing to its significant success. The upcoming screening at the Taoyuan Film Festival is seen not just as a revival of an old film, but as a chance for fans to reconnect with the final, brilliant, and heartbreaking performance of a comedy king.

I don't have long to live, you must promise me you will take care of my little daughter.

— Hsu Pu-liaoConfided to director Chu Yen-ping during a filming of "The Clown and the Swan."
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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