After shooting in Beijing and Tianjin, the crew on Chen Kaige's new biopic "Mei Lanfang," including director Chen, Hong Kong actor Leon Lai and mainland actress Chen Hong, have arrived in Shanghai for another two-months' filming.

Liu Qing, the film's art director, said Peking Opera master Mei had lived and performed in Shanghai for more than 27 years.

The crew will be filming scenes at the former residence of Tang Enbo on Changle Road, Shanghai Concert Hall, Astor House Hotel Shanghai and Children's Palace of China Welfare Institute.

The crew will also recreate streets from 1930s New York at the suburban Shanghai Film Park.

In 1930, Mei was invited to perform on Broadway. His smooth and poised style as well as skillful portrayal of women fascinated both the public and American art critics.

More than 1,200 foreign expats in the city will appear as extras in a big theater scene to depict Mei's huge stage success in the United States.

The movie, which has a budget of about US$15 million is due to open in August.

(Shanghai Daily January 16, 2008)