La Thoai Tan: The first marshal of Vietnamese cinema, multi-talented, at the end of his simple life, he passed away in a foreign land

La Thoai Tan was one of the leading artists in the Southern art scene before 1975. His romantic appearance and impressive roles made him one of the actors who are admired by thousands of people.

The period 1954 - 1975 is considered the period of formation and development of Vietnamese revolutionary cinema. After Sharing a River, Northern filmmakers continued to make a splash with A Phu and His Wife (1961), Fire in the Middle (1961), The Ringed Bird (1962), Sister Tu Hau (1963)... The first class of movie actors in Northern cinema at that time had many men such as Lam Toi, Long Van, Huy Thanh, Hai Ninh, but Tran Phuong is most remembered because he was always chosen to play the main role.

After 1954, in the South, cinema was a high-class entertainment subject for urban youth. Paired with stars Kieu Chinh, Tham Thuy Hang, Tuy Hong, Kim Cuong... during this period were "beautiful couples" like Tran Quang, Le Quynh, La Thoai Tan. Not only are they beautiful in appearance and beauty, but they also possess the ability to perform diverse artistic activities such as acting, singing, MCing, comedy, composing, playing music...

If Saigon before 1975 had elected "Marshal" then La Thoai Tan would definitely have been in the highest voting position.

Multi-talented artist

La Thoai Tan is a very intelligent and intellectual artist. When talking about La Thoai Tan, people often refer to him as a movie actor and actor.

His real name is Pham Van Tan, born in 1937. He was one of the first actors in Saigon to join and founder of television drama groups along with actress Kim Cuong, artist Tham Thuy Hang, actress Van Hung, comedian Tung Lam,...

At that time, La Thoai Tan was a bright name for famous comedies. Besides, he is also a popular comedian.

He is remembered by the audience through the 45-minute funny stories program or the Truong Xuan and Duy Ngoc music festivals in the years before 1975.

With his talent and passion, he fell in love with art quite early and the first land he participated in was theater. In the 60s of the last century, La Thoai Tan and Van Hung were two famous faces of the Saigon opera stage.

They always appear next to the three beauties Kim Cuong, Tham Thuy Hang and Tuy Hong. Together they have made successful plays that are sad and emotional.

Thanks to his flamboyant and handsome appearance, at that time, he received many roles as well as participated in a variety of artistic activities from films, plays, film directing, singing to being an MC.

One of the things that makes him attractive is that no matter what field he is in, he is passionate and devoted. At that time, he was considered a multi-talented, recognized artist.

However, the most fertile land that helps La Thoai Tan become famous is cinema. He was known as the "beautiful double" of the southern film industry before 1975.

His handsome looks make many women crazy. He has collaborated with many famous stars, but is very lucky to be paired with female star Tham Thuy Hang.

Films with his participation include: Truong Chi Mi Nuong (1956), Le Da (1971), Flower Shop (1971), New Flowers (1973),...

His role in the movie Four Monsters of Saigon (1973) was also a memorable mark in the actor's film career.

The movie created the brand

In the years before 1975, market films were quite developed in the South. Comedies that are part Hong Kong martial arts and part American gangster motif have become a favorite fast food in the spiritual hunger of a flashy society. Four Monsters of Saigon is one of the typical examples of that "instant" way of thinking and making films.

Four Monsters of Saigon is also a film associated with La Thoai Tan. This is a comedy movie produced by Lido studio in 1973.

The film brings together many famous actors from South Vietnam such as: Quai Kiet Tung Lam, La Thoai Tan, Kha Cap, Thanh Viet, Tham Thuy Hang, Kim Cuong, Van Giai, Tuy Hoa.

This film is also considered a typical comedy film of the South before 1975. The film has Chinese and French subtitles and was released in many Asian countries.

The Four Monsters of Saigon include 4 people: Short (Tung Lam), Fat (Kha Capable), Beard (Thanh Viet) and Lua (La Thoai Tan). They were four country guys, one day they had the idea to pack up and go to Saigon, with the hope of changing their lives.

Four people took the train to Saigon. Here, due to not understanding urban life, many riots and humorous incidents were created.

The mischievousness and smart handling of situations by 4 once famous comedians brought viewers from one surprise to another.

From two-year-olds who missed train tickets, didn't know how to order Western food, and didn't know how to use cutlery, the quartet have become "great inventors" with fan-powered boats or top scorers on the field. .

Four Monsters of Saigon is an opportunity for La Thoai Tan to show off his comedic charm. That is the reason, every time the Four Monsters of Saigon are mentioned, people remember La Thoai Tan.

After settling abroad, La Thoai Tan continued to work in the Vietnamese community until his retirement. Famous at home, but when he went abroad, because he did not have many opportunities, he lived a simple life and remembered his illustrious time through nostalgic photos.

La Thoai Tan married Mrs. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Anh and has 2 children, 1 son and 1 daughter. In 2008, he passed away in Los Angeles.

Meritorious Artist Mai Chau: A brilliant career, still sharp-minded and noble at U100 Hoàng Phúc19:45:18 11/01/2025Meritorious Artist Mai Chau's real name is Mai Thi Chau, born in 1927 in Vinh city, Nghe An province. She joined the Revolution in August 1945, was a National Salvation Woman, then a self-defense member of Vinh city.