A mysterious lady thief who steals from the rich and gives to the poor is striking fear into Hong Kong’s high society. The enigmatic character is named the Black Rose, for she leaves behind a black rose after each job. Yet unknown to their victims, there are two women behind the working classes’ heroine. And what’s more, they’re wealthy.
The Chan sisters (Nam Hung and Connie Chan Po-chu) make up the Black Rose team, operating from home and running their missions at night. Audiences meet the Chans as they get caught up in a fraud case - a rich man pretends to lose a jewel ring at a fancy dress party, blames the Black Rose and claims compensation. Insurance investigator Cheung Man-fu (Patrick Tse Yin) is brought onto the case and assists the police in going after the black catsuit-clad ladies.
Following the ladies and their pursuers through a series of delightful twists and turns, Chor Yuen spawned enduring Cantonese cinema icons in The Black Rose. Working from a lavish mansion, complete with secret passages and aptly named The Rose Garden, the Chans continually outsmart bumbling policemen and, as the final showdown approaches, engage in a battle of the wits with investigator Cheung. Action figures in with occasional brawls - Lau Kar-leung makes an appearance in one of them - but ultimately its the quick plotting and charming leading ladies that steal the show.
Tim Youngs