thesis written by Chang Sio Man, Loretta. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1996. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 143-146). / Chapter 1. --- Introduction / Background --- p.1 / The Research Question --- p.2 / Limitations --- p.7 / Research Content --- p.8 / Chapter 2. --- The Siao Fong Fong Phenomenon: Tale of an Orphan --- p.14 / Chapter 3. --- Negotiating a Star Text: Theoretical Perspectives / Chapter 3.1 --- What is a Star? --- p.25 / "Star as Image, Star as Sign" / "Star as Person, Star as Woman" / Chapter 3.2 --- Female Strategies of Laughter --- p.45 / To Play the Male Game: Comedy as a Tool of Oppression / To Steal the Show: Comedy as a Tool of Subversion / Chapter 3.3 --- Towards a Theory of Marginal Empowerment --- p.63 / Chapter 4. --- Evolution of a Star and a Society: The Orphan Complex --- p.70 / Chapter 5. --- Star Text Siao Fong Fong: Textual Analysis / Chapter 5.1 --- Publicity --- p.82 / Chapter 5.2 --- Films --- p.90 / Chapter 6. --- Conclusion: A Star Text of Possibilities --- p.121 / Bibliography --- p.143 / Chapter Appendix: --- Figures