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Drama set for gold medal debut

(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-08-14 15:13

A biopic TV drama on a witty ancient Chinese courtier is to hit the small screen on CCTV-8 at 8:00 pm on August 17.

The series, which will run daily, is based on Dongfang Shuo, who was an official under the Western Han (206 BC-AD24) emperor Liu Che. Dongfang was a prolific writer and had a strong sense of humor. His brash self-confidence and ready wit won him special favor with the emperor. Stories about him are well known in China.

Some historic books say he was the first Chinese to travel to the North Pole. His erudition won him a name as the encyclopedia of the Han Dynasty.

Popular TV anchor Cheng Qian plays the legendary scholar. Golden Horse award-winning actress Qin Hailu stars alongside Cheng as Dongfang's lover.

The show will be broadcast during the Olympic Games, which run until August 24. But Cheng says he isn't worried about audience ratings. He believes the story is attractive enough and jokingly says the show will win a "golden medal on ratings."