One sign that Chairman Mao truly was dead came in 1982, when the People's Republic allowed the Disney people to open an exhibit on China at their Florida park. Didn't Mao criticize Walt and refuse to allow his films to be shown? "Wonders of China" was originally filmed in 1981-82 and has since had several subtle updates. The original included a segment on the disputed Chinese Tibetan possession. This was scissored out years later. Now a newer version includes Hong Hong, which was still British when the film was first made.
This well-scored travelogue stars the late Keye Luke as Li Bai/Li Po, T'ang dynasty poet, who serves as tour guide. There are interesting glimpses of the Beijing Opera, the giant Buddha along the Yangtze and the ice sculpture park in arctic Harbin.
China has changed dramatically, and for the better, since the Great Helmsman's death. The fact that this film was made and is shown daily to tourist audiences is proof of that.
This well-scored travelogue stars the late Keye Luke as Li Bai/Li Po, T'ang dynasty poet, who serves as tour guide. There are interesting glimpses of the Beijing Opera, the giant Buddha along the Yangtze and the ice sculpture park in arctic Harbin.
China has changed dramatically, and for the better, since the Great Helmsman's death. The fact that this film was made and is shown daily to tourist audiences is proof of that.