Introduction

To enhance efficiency, movie theatres would form cinema circuits. The leading theatres from Kowloon and the Hong Kong Island partnering up with several community theatres would also establish networks with distributors, and even sign contracts with production companies to have the same film released in all theatres under their circuits at the same time.

Film production is closely dependent on the distribution network, as box office sales is essential for production companies to break even. To maintain the quality of films and a steady supply, cinema circuits were often willing to provide financial support to production companies. Major studios like Shaws and Golden Harvest had both their own film productions and cinema circuits to maximise profits.

In the 1950s, watching films was part of Hong Kong people’s daily life. Movie-goers were familiar with where foreign, Cantonese or Mandarin films would be showing. Just the names of lead actors and production companies would be enough for many to know where to get tickets.