Series synopsis
Once Upon a Time in Shanghai, also known as 新上海灘 is a drama television series that premiered on TVB Jade on September 2, 1996. It ended on October 25, 1996. It stars Adam Cheng Siu-Chow, Pat Poon, Sunny Chan Kam-Hung and Carol Cheng.
Set in 1930s Shanghai, the story opens with legendary gambler Gon and his vow to recover his father's casino from Shanghai tycoon Fung In his quest, he becomes acquainted with Sou and uncovers her fiance's nefarious conspiracy. Sou gives her heart to Gon, but he can't forget his old love Gu. Meanwhile, up-and-coming gangster Hui Man Keung is quickly making his name in Shanghai. Crossing paths during chaotic times, Hui, Gon, and Ding Lik become brothers and business partners, but Fung recruits Hu ...
Premise
Set in 1930s Shanghai, the story opens with legendary gambler Gon and his vow to recover his father's casino from Shanghai tycoon Fung In his quest, he becomes acquainted with Sou and uncovers her fiance's nefarious conspiracy. Sou gives her heart to Gon, but he can't forget his old love Gu. Meanwhile, up-and-coming gangster Hui Man Keung is quickly making his name in Shanghai. Crossing paths during chaotic times, Hui, Gon, and Ding Lik become brothers and business partners, but Fung recruits Hui and Ding to his side through backhanded methods. Though deeply in love with Fung's daughter Ching Ching, Hui can only turn away from love and friendship when Fung's true nature is revealed. Fung, however, is not about to just let Hui walk away.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Adam Cheng Siu-Chow as 于镇海
- Pat Poon as 冯敬尧
- Sunny Chan Kam-Hung as 许文强
- Carol Cheng as 苏七巧
- Gordon Lam Ka-Tung as 丁力
- Nadia Chan Chung-Ling as 冯程程
- Noel Leung
- Lui Fong
Supporting cast
Episodes
This series spans 1 season with 40 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 40 | September 2, 1996 | October 25, 1996 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 KEUNG meets LIK in Pak Lok Mun. He tells LIK that he is going to leave Shanghai. However KEUNG is lurked at the entrance, he is gunned down by assassins. All happened seven years ago... KEUNG and HOI arrive at Shanghai. HOI comes to save his master KWAN. KEUNG comes across LIK and LIK provides with him accommodation. KEUNG finds WAN, who has become a famous hired dancer in Shanghai. WAN introduces KEUNG to work in a cinema. YIU's subordinates chase after KWAN and YAU. They take refuge in HAU's godown. HOI goes to save KWAN. Before he dies, KWAN tells HOI that he was had been framed and tricked by YIU and he lost his casino. HOI swears to assist YAU to “avenge KWAN's death. HAU refuses to take HOI's compensation as HAU does not want to make YIU unhappy. KEUNG's talent is appreciated by his boss LI. PING is discontented and he hires LIK to kill KEUNG. The work is in vain and LIK is hurt seriously…… |
September 2, 1996 |
| 2 |
Episode 2 KEUNG finds LIK in his house. As LIK is seriously injured, KEUNG sends him to hospital immediately. KEUNG takes no action against PING. The duel between YIU and HOI is approaching. Everyone is nervous. YAU has no confident in HOI. CHO and KIT are angry and scold YAU. YIU uses tricks but HOI manages to divert YIU's attention. LI becomes the victim. The French Ambassador suggests the postpone the duel. YIU visits LI and instructs PING to deal with HOI for him. KEUNG worries. PING attacks HOI in the cinema but KEUNG manages to divert his attack to LI. In chaos, both LI and PING die. LI's subordinates support KEUNG to be the new boss. KEUNG is excited. HOI goes to the cinema again where he meets WA. He is shocked. HOI is lurked and fortunately he is saved by NG. HOI's eyes are hurt. With HAU's assistance, he arrives at the casino in time. KEUNG also gives him a hand secretly. |
September 3, 1996 |
| 3 |
Episode 3 HOI appoints YAU as his assistant. Thinking that HOI is blind, YIU looks down upon him. HOI wins the first game. In the second game, YIU instructs his henchmen to make noise to distract HOI but his trick does not work. However HOI is shocked by WA and he loses the second game. In the third game, HOI recalls his promise made in front of KWAN. He concentrates his mind and at last wins the game. He gets the casino Xanado back. He begs WA to forgive him as he did not turn up to elope with her. However WA ignores him. YIU goes to the railway station to meet CHING who has finished her study. WING wants to kill YIU and he takes CHING as the hostage. KEUNG is also there as he goes to see WAN off. Chivalry drives KEUNG to save CHING. He drives WING and CHING away and before WING leaves, he gives him some money. CHING is safe. CHING is attracted by KEUNG. No one dares to work for HOI because of YIU's threat…… |
September 4, 1996 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | TVB Jade |
|---|---|
| First aired | September 2, 1996 |
| Last aired | October 25, 1996 |
| Runtime | 44 minutes |
| Status | ended |