Little personally is known about Gu Kenfu 顾肯夫, especially his early years. He was born in the late 19th century in Suzhou, Jiangsu, and his original profession was the law. In 1921 he was cast as a woman in the China Film Research Society's production of "Yan Ruisheng." He was one of the founders in 1922 of China's first movie magazine, "Motion Picture Review," taking on its chief editorial responsibilities. At the same time he joined the Mingxing company, participating in set management and editing. In 1923, he started his own film studio, the Da Zhonghua (Great China) Company. In addition to serving as studio hear, Gu also wrote and directed films, then started and operated the company's film school. In 1928 he drew on his legal background to participate in drafting the Shanghai Film Review Regulations, and in 1929, served as an advisor to the national government's commission on opera and film. In 1932, Gu was the leader in establishing the Chinese Film Education Association, but died suddenly that same year.
****
Filmography
1921
Yan Ruisheng – actor
1924
Public Opinion – co-director
1925
The Newcomer's Family – writer
1926
Shanghai Nights - - writer
Leopard – director
Three Girls in Shanghai – writer
The Gate of Justice – director, writer
All for Love – director
1927
The Good Son – co-director
A Crushing Blow – actor
A Prostitute's Wish – director
