[Dianying Zazhi电影杂志 (Movie Magazine), a biweekly published in Shanghai from October 1947 to May 1949, carried a regular feature in which readers' questions were submitted to movie stars for response. The following is the result of a q-and-a with Chen Yanyan, published in issue no.36, March 21, 1949. Although as one would expect when the respondent was able to carefully consider the answers, Chen's answers were non-controversial, even at times evasive, there are some points of interest. Her relationship with the actor Wang Hao was grist for the gossip mill, and it did result in marriage (which didn't last); the question regarding her possible relocation to Hong Kong was very timely, considering that Shanghai in early 1949 was on the verge of falling to the Communist forces, and she and Wang Hao were among those filmmakers who chose to leave, very possibly saving their lives, given the eventual fates of so many who chose to stay.]
Q: What is your opinion of Zhang Ailing [Eileen Chang]'s "Unending Love"?
A: What I think is not important: what do you think about it? I'm more interested in audiences' opinions and criticisms.
Q: Might you make any more movies with [director] Griffin Yue and [actor] Liu Qiong?
A: Of course I might, if I'm offered a good script.
Q: Tragedy, comedy, art films, spy movies..which do you best like to act in?
A: Art films, but I'm willing to try the others.
Q: I believe your hard work has added splendor to China's motion pictures, especially when you have played young girls in love. I think that's your representative work, do you agree?
A: Thank you, but you praise me too highly.
Q: Of all your movies, which one did you find was most satisfying?
A: None has ever satisfied me.
Q: When did you enter movies? What was your debut film?
A: In 1931. My first picture was "Love and Duty". [sic: this was actually her first credited role in a full-length feature]
Q: What kind of roles are you willing to try?
A: So long as the character is right for me, I like it.
Q: How do you handle it when someone criticizes or gossips about you?
A: If it's constructive criticism, I accept it; if it's malicious I laugh it off.
Q: We haven't seen you in anything new for quite a while. Why is that, and what will you be doing soon?
A: My latest film is "Wushan Meng Hui"巫山梦回 (A Young Doctor). We're filming it right now.
Q: What is your hometown?
A: Beiping.
Q: What do you find really irritating?
A: Nothing irritates me.
Q: How has your physical condition changed over time?
A: As prices have gone up, I've not eaten enough, and lost too much weight.
Q: How many roles have you played?
A: Over a hundred, but I couldn't tell you the exact number.
Q: Are you willing to correspond with movie fans?
A: Yes.
Q: Have you ever talked about your past romances?
A: My family history has driven the word "romance" from my vocabulary.
Q: It's said that you've found a 15-room mansion to live in; can you tell us where it's at?
A: I've never seen a 15-room mansion, but if I ever do, I'll let you know the address.
Q: Who is your closest friend right now?
A: They all are.
Q: From what school did you graduate?
A: A Beiping girls' middle school.
Q: It's said that you and Wang Hao (王豪) have feelings for each other now, is there anything to that?
A: Yes.
Q: I'm very interested in the life stories of young women, can you tell me about yours?
A: My life story is the same as any ordinary person.
Q: Who is your ideal man?
A: I don't have one.
Q: I've thought several times of writing to you, but I'm afraid you won't accept it. If I wrote you a letter, would you read it?
A: When I have the time, I would definitely read it.
Q: What do you do at home when you're not acting?
A: I read, and do my housework. .
Q: What do you like to do besides acting?
A: Travel, eat, play.
Q: When do you plan to get married?
A: I haven't given it any thought.
Q: How do you usually feel after finishing a movie?
A: Disappointed.
Q: What kind of books do you most like to read?
A: If it's literature or art, anything is OK.
Q: What is Wang Hao's attitude toward you, and how has he expressed his feelings?
A: I don't know what he feels, he's never expressed it.
Q: What colors do you most like to wear?
A: Black, grey, coffee, dark green. Simple and understated.
Q: Of all the directors you've worked with, which is most skillful?
A: Each has his strong points.
Q: What do you think of Wang Hao's acting?
A: That's for audiences to judge; what do you think?
Q: It's rumored you're moving to Hong Kong; is that happening?
A: Not right now.
Q: Are an actor's living expenses paid by the studio, or do you pay that out of your monthly salary?
A: On location, the studio provides food and housing. At home, we bear our own expenses.
Q: Do the actors live in a company dormitory, or do they find their own housing?
A: There is a company dormitory, but actors don't have to live there.
Q: Why aren't gunshots in Chinese movies as realistic as they are in Hollywood movies?
A: That's a technical question, which I can't answer.
