Ling long women’s magazine, published in Shanghai from 1931 to 1937, was popular during a time of dramatic material, social, and political change in China. Today, the magazine offers researchers a unique glimpse into women’s lives in Republican-era (1911-49) Shanghai. This site features Columbia University’s collection of Ling long magazine, one of the most complete holdings outside China.
A little more about this:
The goal of the magazine was “to promote the exquisite life of women, and encourage lofty entertainment in society.” The magazine was divided into two parts, indicated by the front and back covers. The front cover usually featured a photograph of a woman who represented the magazine’s ideal of the modern woman, while content on the back cover was usually related to the cinema. The magazine was read in both directions. The articles that read from front to back were usually more instructional and related to women’s issues. Articles and photographs that read from the back cover were often concerned with entertainment or unusual feature stories.
And there are articles in translation, and lots of pictures. I look forward to taking a while to delve into all this great stuff. Check out this checklist of advice on how to become a Chinese film star(let):
What about in nationally produced cinema circles? No matter what kind of girl, anyone can be a movie star; she just has to meet the following list of criteria:
1. Have a face like Lin Daiyu — not only beautiful, but also able to project anxiety, benevolence, and illness, and to move her body in subtle ways.
2. She does not necessarily have to know how to ride a horse, but she must know how to drive the director’s heart.
3. Swimming is also not so important, but given the opportunity, she must wear a 1934 swimsuit showing off her curved beauty to arouse desire.
4. Most women should learn how to drive a car, because if a fan or admirer gives her a car, she herself can personally drive it and can seek publicity 24 hours a day….
