The World of Suzie Wong (film)

The World of Suzie Wong
Original poster
Directed by	Richard Quine
Produced by	Ray Stark
Written by	John Patrick Based on the play by Paul Osborn
Starring	William Holden Nancy Kwan
Music by	George Duning
Cinematography	Geoffrey Unsworth
Edited by	Bert Bates
Production company	MGM British Studios, England Hong Kong locations
Distributed by	Paramount Pictures
Release date	November 10, 1960 (USA)
Running time	126 minutes
Country	United Kingdom United States
Language	English
Box office	$7,300,000 (US/ Canada)

The World of Suzie Wong is a 1960 British-American romantic drama film directed by Richard Quine. The screenplay by John Patrick was adapted from the stage play by Paul Osborn, which was based on the novel of the same title by Richard Mason. The film starred William Holden and Nancy Kwan.

American architect Robert Lomax is an aspiring artist who relocates to Hong Kong for a year to see if he can make a living as a painter. On the Star Ferry en route to Hong Kong Island, he meets Mee Ling, a seemingly proper young woman of lofty social status. She mistakenly tries to have him arrested for stealing her purse, but the misunderstanding is resolved and they go their separate ways.

With limited financial resources, Robert looks for inexpensive rooming in the infamous Wan Chai district. By chance, he sees Mee Ling leaving a run-down hotel in the district, and he astounds proprietor Ah Tong by renting a room for a month rather than the usual hour or two. In the bar next door, he is bemused to find Mee Ling again, this time dressed in a slinky red cheongsam and in the company of a sailor. This time, she calls herself Suzie Wong.

The following day, Robert visits a banker to set up an account. The banker's secretary and daughter, Kay O'Neill, is immediately attracted to the newcomer.

Robert asks Suzie to model for him. As they get better acquainted, he learns she was forced into her profession as a means of survival when she was ten years old. She begins falling in love with him, but he tries to dissuade her, although he finds her very appealing. Meanwhile, he is also pursued discreetly by Kay. At a dinner party she is hosting, Robert meets Ben Marlowe, whom he recognizes as one of Suzie's clients, with his wife.

Ben offers to make Suzie his mistress, and she accepts in order to make Robert jealous. When Ben reconciles with his wife, he asks Robert to break the news to Suzie. She is so hurt by the rejection that Robert finally admits he loves her.