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
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This Character does not appear.
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Sammy Fong
Portrayed by: Jack Soo
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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 |
|
Before Wang Ta can tell his father about his proposed marriage to May Li, Master Wang tells his son that he has been engaged to marry the 2nd daughter of Mr. Loo. Wang Ta is very upset and tells his father he will choose his own bride, then leaves. Shortly after, Madam Tung informs Master Wang that Mr. Loo's daughter is already engaged to an American and cannot be married to Wang Ta. Master Wang is secretly relived by this.
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This does not happen in the film. |
|
May Li is accused, by the other servants, of stealing a gold clock that belonged to Master Wang's deceased wife. Wang Ta arrives home during the accusations and tells May Li that he has arranged to marry her that day. Everyone else is shocked. When the missing clock is found in May Li's luggage, she denies stealing it and flees the house along with her father.
|
This does not happen in the film.
|
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A guilt stricken servant (Liu Lung) confesses to Master Wang that his wife (Liu Ma) framed May Li. Wang Ta hands Liu Lung a bamboo stick; Liu Lungs gives his wife a harsh beating.
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This does not happen in the film. |
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Wang Ta leaves his father's house to track down May Li and her father to explain that the other servants were the actual thieves. He denounces Madam Tang (his aunt) for her role in accusing May Li of theft. Master Wang curses at his son for leaving. Wang Ta tells his father that he needs to embrace modern American culture/medicine.
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This does not happen in the film.
|
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Madam Tang tells Master Wang she will find Wang Ta and bring him to her house. She is unable to locate Wang Ta and returns with news that Wang Ta will go into the grocery store business with his friend Chang.
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This does not happen in the film. |