- Source: Zhang Huichong
Zhang Huichong (1898–1962) was a Cantonese director, actor, sailor, and magician. He was the fifth oldest out of eleven total brothers in his extended family and the eldest brother in his immediate family. His brothers Zhang Qingpu and Zhang Huimin also worked in the film industry and founded their own film company called Huaju. One of his younger brothers, Zhang Damin, was the ex-husband of the famous silent film actress, Ruan Lingyu. Zhang Huichong is known for helping Ruan Lingyu start her acting career by urging her to audition for films and introducing her to a film producing company.
Films
Zhang Huichong directed and starred in many films throughout the 1920s. Several years into his acting career, he created his own company called Huichong Film Company. Zhang directed and starred in several martial arts films while he was running this company. They were some of the first martial arts films seen in China. Over time, martial arts cinema was refined by Zhang Huichong and Zhang Huimin. The two brothers shaped an ideal modern form for the genre. Zhang Huichong has also been credited as one of China's first martial arts film stars.
Films Starred In
1922 – The Lotus Falls; directed by Ren Pengnian
1922 – The Good Brothers; dir. Ren Pengnian
1923 – The Patriotic Umbrella; dir. Ren Pengnian
1924 – The Stupid Policeman; dir. Chen Shouyin
1925 – The Newlyweds' Home; dir. Ren Jinpin
1926 – The Unknown Hero; dir. Zhang Shichuan
1927 – Fallen Plum Blossoms (3 parts); dir. Zhang Shichuan
1927 – Tian Qilang (Adaptation); dir. Zhang Shichuan
1927 – Ma Yongzhen From Shandong; dir. Zhang Shichuan
1929 – Hero With No Foes; dir. Shao Zuiweng
1929 – China's Top Detective; dir. Xu Wenrong
1930 – Love and Revenge; dir. Bu Wancang
Films Starred and Directed
1924 – When Water Goes Down, Rocks Appear
1924 – Five O'Clock
1925 – Out of the Hell
1926 – Seizing a National Treasure
1927 – Hero of the Waters
1928 – The Little Tyrant Wang Zhangchong
1930 – Robber of the Yellow Sea