The World of Suzie Wong

Robert Lomax, an American architect, meets Mi-Ling aboard a ferry bound for Hong Kong, sparking a curious connection. They part when the ferry docks, leaving him intrigued by the enigmatic woman who claims to be wealthy. This chance encounter sets the tone for his year in the city.

In Wan Chai, Robert searches for affordable lodging and spots Suzie leaving the rundown Nam Kok Hotel. The hotel owner pretends not to know her, but Robert negotiates a monthly room rate anyway. The encounter introduces Suzie as the hotel’s striking and sought-after bar girl.

At the bar adjoining the hotel, Robert learns Suzie’s real name and that she is the bar’s most popular girl. He notices her with a sailor, signaling a complicated social dynamic. The revelation deepens his curiosity and attraction toward her.

Robert opens a bank account with Mr. O’Neill, who also provides letters of introduction. His secretary, Kay, is immediately attracted to him, signaling the start of a potential love triangle. Kay’s presence adds a new dynamic to Robert’s life in Hong Kong.

Robert hires Suzie to pose for his paintings and discovers she was forced into prostitution after being abandoned as a child. Suzie begins to fall in love with him, complicating their professional relationship. He keeps her as his muse while trying to navigate his emotions.

Kay discreetly pursues Robert, heightening tension as Suzie grows closer to him. After a party at Kay’s house, Robert finds Suzie waiting in his bed, shocking Kay as she leaves. He then orders Suzie out, marking a painful turning point in their relationship.

A spurned sailor assaults Suzie in the stairwell, and Robert, enraged, punches the sailor. The incident exposes the volatility of their hidden affair and the danger surrounding Suzie. The moment cements Robert’s protective, conflicted feelings toward her.

To provoke jealousy in Robert, Suzie agrees to be Ben’s mistress. When Ben reconciles with his wife, he asks Robert to tell Suzie the news. Robert finally admits his love for Suzie and asks her to stay with him.

Robert and Suzie begin living together in the hotel, and he paints with renewed enthusiasm. Their relationship deepens against a backdrop of financial uncertainty and social scrutiny. The couple’s shared life marks a new, fragile chapter in their story.

Curious about Suzie’s daily absences, Robert follows her to a hillside path and discovers she visits a small house to see her secret baby son. He accepts the child as part of their life, complicating their future plans. The moment adds a new family dimension to their bond.

Robert’s paintings fail to sell, and Kay and Suzie offer money to help, which he refuses. Suzie proposes resuming prostitution to support him, but he angrily drives her away. He soon regrets his decision and spends days searching for her.

A portrait of Suzie sells in London, but Robert reveals that he has lost Suzie. Kay misunderstands the situation and attempts to pursue Robert romantically, adding further tension. The support network around him begins to fray as rumors spread.

Suzie asks for Robert’s help to retrieve her son, who is in danger due to the heavy rains. They ascend to the hillside, only to find the baby killed by a landslide. A funeral temple ceremony follows as they mourn the loss together.

In the wake of the tragedy, Robert asks Suzie to marry him and she agrees. The moment seals their bond and points toward a hopeful, if uncertain, future together. The film closes on their united front against Hong Kong’s pressures.