Betty Loh Ti

Infobox Chinese-language singer and actor
name = Betty Loh Ti
tradchinesename = 樂蒂
simpchinesename = 乐蒂
birthname = Xi Zhong Yi (奚重儀)
birthdate = birth date|1937|7|24
birthplace = Shanghai, China
deathdate = death date and age|1968|12|27|1937|7|24
deathplace = Hong Kong
spouse = Peter Chen Ho (1962–1968)
yearsactive = 1953–1968
goldenhorseawards = Best Actress
1963 "The Love Eterne"

Betty Loh Ti (樂蒂) (24 July 1937 – 27 December 1968) was a Chinese actress who was often described as the 'Chinese Classic Beauty'. In the 1960s, she was popular among both Chinese and Western filmgoers.

Biography

Born in Shanghai, Chinese as 奚重儀, Betty was raised by her maternal grandmother following her parents' death. With her family, she left Shanghai in 1949 and settled in Hong Kong.

Betty started her career in the film industry in 1952 and played in 44 films until her death in 1968. During this period, she joined three film production companies: Great Wall Film Production Limited (1953–1958), The Shaw Brothers (Hong Kong) Limited (1958–1964), and Motion Picture and General Investments Limited (1964–1968). In her 44 films, she played varied roles which showcased her skill as an actress.

She married the actor Peter Chen Ho in 1962. Her brother Kelly Lei Chen was also an actor with MP&GI. Several sources mention that she committed suicide, although this information is subject to debate.

Major films

"The Enchanting Shadow"

In 1960, "the Enchanting Shadow" (倩女幽魂) was shown in the Cannes Film Festival. The film produced by the Shaw's Brother Production is the first Mandarin film in colour to take in a major international film festival. An enthusiastic reception was given by the Cannes audience to the film, and Betty was praised as 'The Most Beautiful Star of the East'.

"Dream of the Red Chamber"

In 1962, she played the role of Lin Daiyu in this film, based on the world-renowned piece of literature of the same name written by Cao Xueqin during the Qing Dynasty, the love tragedy of the graceful girl with her cousin Jia Baoyu. Though the play was not well received, fans were touched by her performance.

"The Love Eterne"

In 1963, Betty Loh Ti became the Best Actress of Golden Horse Awards in Taiwan for her role in the legendary blockbuster "The Love Eterne". This film had broken the box office record in many South East Asia countries, Taipei even became 'the crazy city'. Many people saw the film over one hundred times, we can say it was as lengendary as "Gone with the Wind" in the Mandarin film world.

Filmography

The films she played for the Great Wall Film Production Limited were as follow:
* "The Peerless Beauty" (1953)
* "Tales of the City" (1954)
* "Loves of the Youngsters" (1955)
* "Diamond Thief" (1955)
* "The Apartment for Women" (1956)
* "Sunrise" (1956)
* "Three Loves" (1956)
* "A Widow's Tears" (1956)
* "The Song of Harmony" (1957)
* "Suspicion" (1957)
* "The Chivalrous Songstress" (1957)
* "Love Affairs of a Confirmed Bachelor" (1959)

The films she played for The Shaw Brothers (Hong Kong) Limited were as follow:
* "The Magic Touch" (1958)
* "Love Letter Murder" (1959)
* "The Adventures of the Thirteenth Sister" (1959)
* "The Deformed" (1959)
* "The Malayan Affair" (1960)
* "Back Door" (1960)
* "Love Thy Neighbour" (1960)
* "The Enchanting Shadow" (1960)
* "When the Peach Blossoms Bloom" (1960)
* "The Rose of Summer" (1961)
* "The Pistol" (1961)
* "The Bride Napping" (1962)
* "Dream of the Red Chamber" (1962)
* "Mid-Nightmare (Part One)" (1962)
* "Mid-Nightmare (Part Two)" (1963)
* "Revenge of a Swordswoman" (1963)
* "Love Eterne" (1963)
* "My Lucky Star" (1963)
* "The Dancing Millionairess" (1964)
* "The Story of Sue San" (1964)
* "Sons of the Good Earth" (1965)

The films she played for Motion Picture and General Investments Limited (MP&GI)were as follow:
* "A Beggar's Daughter" (1965)
* "The Longest Night" (1965)
* "The Lucky Purse" (1966)
* "Lady in the Moon" (1966)
* "A Debt of Blood" (1966)
* "The Magic Fan" (1967)
* "Darling, Stay at Home" (1968)
* "Travels with a Sword" (1968)
* "Red Plum Pavilion" (1968)

See also

* Cinema of Hong Kong

External links

* [http://www.ledi-web.com/ The Classic Beauty, Betty Loh Ti] – s website done by the fans of Betty in Taiwan
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