By Pan Ji, Shanghai Star. 2002-05-09

Qian Shaochang, professor of Shanghai International Studies’ University at his study.

It was probably beyond his wildest imagination that he would become a renowned translator two decades later, and present to the long-closed Chinese people their first batch of Western films

WHEN he appeared in a photo with late Chinese leaders Mao Zedong, Liu Shaoqi, Zhou Enlai and Deng Xiaoping in the 1960s, Qian Shaochang, a doctor in his 30s, was an emerging star in the field of burns treatment.

Qian in his younger days.

It was probably beyond his wildest imagination that he would become a renowned translator two decades later, and present to the long-closed Chinese people their first batch of Western films.

Growing Pains, Falcon Crest, Hotel, Diamond, Monte Carlo, Roots, Bare Essence, The Thorn Birds, Casablanca, Legends in the Fall, Scarlet - these masterpieces were brought to audiences in a brave new world by Qian.

Qian earned his doctorate in medical studies at St. John's University, where he demonstrated a love and aptitude for both Chinese and English. As a sophomore, he translated introductory materials for Shanghai Foreign Affairs Bureau, and did interpretation work for the visiting World Youth Delegation. After finishing his task, he was invited to work at the Bureau, but he declined. He wanted to be a doctor.

His dream came true when he was appointed to a surgeon's post at Shanghai Ruijing Hospital in 1954.

He climbed the ladder of his profession quickly, working hard and effectively.

In 1958 Qiu Chaikang, a critically hurt steelworker, was whisked into Ruijing Hospital's emergency room. Qian, then a young surgeon, played a major role in saving the steelworker's life.

Later on, the steelworker, who received his injury in the course of his work, became a national hero, and his story found its way into the textbooks of elementary school students. Even a film starring Bai Yang and other stars was made in his honour. The progression of his treatment grabbed the attention of the whole nation, and Doctor Qian gained fame as a young specialist in burns treatment.

Eight years after the Qiu Chaikang case, Qian succeeded in stunning the world by initiating a new technique of skin transplant in treating large-scale burns patients.

It was then that he was invited to Beijing as a distinguished scientist. Two others invited from Shanghai were Su Buqing, the ex-president of Fudan University, and Li Guohao, a bridge designer of world fame.

Behind bars

But life can be tricky. Not long after the honour of posing for pictures with China's top leaders, Qian faced the horror and confusion of the "cultural revolution" (1966-76).

His fame and his professional excellence made it seem almost natural that he be placed in the category of "counter-revolutionary".

Being one of the "watched, utilized and reformed", he found himself a janitor, a doctor - since the fervent revolutionaries were terrible with scalpels, he still functioned as a doctor - and even an interpreter when an Egyptian delegation visited the hospital.

Recollecting this period of his life, Qian said he was happy that he was still "utilized" at the time. "That means I was not totally knocked down," Qian said with a smile. "Knocked down" was an ominous term, referring to various kinds of humiliation.

In 1975, he was framed and condemned to five years' imprisonment.

In order to keep his two daughters out of harm's way, he parted with his loving wife temporarily during those hapless years.

Teaching career

When he was released five years later in 1980, Qian was nearly 50.

He couldn't get a satisfactory job. Ruijing Hospital refused him his former position and persuaded him that he would no long fit in the hospital. There were other hospitals with their eyes on the distinguished specialist, but they didn't have a Burns Treatment Division attractive enough and Qian thought it best for him to continue his studies.

Hungry for a proper job, Qian applied to Shanghai International Studies University four months after he regained his freedom. The university was hamstrung by a shortage of qualified teachers after the decade-long dereliction.

Qian said it was his early inclination toward language studies and literature that drove him to sit on the admission exams of the city's best language-oriented university.

The competition was fierce. Most of the 300 applicants were English teachers, or at least English majors. Only Qian was a doctor with no previous experience of teaching.

Somewhat to his own surprise, he outperformed all the other candidates, and became one of the three chosen. Professor Qian said that when he received the good news on the telephone, tears swelled in his eyes.

Qian spent two days observing the classes of other experienced professors, before stepping up to the podium, himself.

Shanghai International Studies University bold use of an ex-prisoner as a teacher stirred up quite a heated discussion at the time. Many thought it improper for Qian to act as a teacher, because of his record.

It was the ex-president of the school, Wang Jiyu, who settled the dispute with great determination and courage.

In 1985, five years after Qian embarked on his teaching career, he became an associate professor. His scientific background made him a fruitful translator of scientific papers and television programmes featuring current scientific developments. His stories in China Daily also grew popular.

In 1988, Shanghai TV Station invited Professor Qian to translate the TV serial Falcon Crest. Fascinated by the classical dialogue and the dazzling cast, Qian finished the job in a stretch and the TV serial became a mega-hit.

Success seems to be gregarious. He translated more than 700 hours of films and TV serials in 10 years thereafter. His works like The Thorn Birds, Growing Pains and Roots won him national laurels.

Like most typical story endings, Qian Shaochang, this brave professor, after all the ups and downs of life, is still working with a zest for his students and for the audience.