What's the Difference between Flower Drum Song the Book and Flower Drum Song the Movie?
| In the Book |
In the Movie |
Mei Li
|
May Li
Portrayed by: Miyoshi Umeki
|
Wang Chi-yang
|
Wang Chi-yang
Portrayed by: Benson Fong
|
This Character does not appear.
|
Sammy Fong
Portrayed by: Jack Soo
|
Madam Tang (Master Wang's sister in-law)
|
Madame Liang
Portrayed by: Juanita Hall
|
Helen Chao
|
Helen Chao
Portrayed by: Reiko Sato
|
Wang San
|
Wang San
Portrayed by: Patrick Adiarte
|
Mr. Li
|
Dr. Han Li
Portrayed by: Kam Tong
|
Linda Tung
|
Linda Low
Portrayed by: Nancy Kwan
|
Flower Drum Song Book vs Movie
| In the Book |
In the Movie |
|
This does not happen in the book.
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Sammy goes to Linda's apartment to beg for forgiveness for the arranged marriage to Mei Li. He says he will fix things. |
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This does not happen in the book.
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Sammy brings Mei Li out on the town to get to know each other. He brings her to a gambling hall, a bar where he flirts/kisses other women, and to a sleazy bar. He is trying to convince her not to marry him. Mei Li is not turned off by his behavior and says it is too late to back down from the weddings.
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Wang Ta shows May Li how to kiss shortly after she starts working for them as a servant. One of Master Wang's staff (Liu Ma) saw them and told Master Wang's sister (Madam Tung); they both disapproved of Wang Ta kissing May Li. Madam Tung tells Master Wang that May Li was making love to his son.
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Wang Ta visits Mei Li at Sammy's residence to bring her a wedding present; his mother's jewelry. Mei Li asks if she will see him at the wedding. He accepts the invitation and teaches her how to kiss passionately; he says he loves her and will make a plan to do something about the wedding. Dr. Li says there is nothing they can do about the marriage contract with the Fong family.
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Madam Tung recommends that Master Wang have his son marry the 2nd daughter of a local poet, Mr. Loo.
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This does not happen in the film.
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Wang Ta takes May Li out on a date where they see his friend Chang and his new Mexican wife. He has a great time and proposes to May Li the next day. She accepts.
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This does not happen in the film. |