What Is To Be Continued About?
The premise of To Be Continued in 275 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
At the heart of To Be Continued is filmmaker and campaigner Haider Kikabhoy, whose involvement in the 2016 grassroots effort to save Hong Kong’s State Theatre from demolition becomes the starting point for a much broader cultural investigation. What begins as a local preservation campaign opens into a search through the city’s collective memory, connecting the theatre’s uncertain future with the history that first gave it a place in Hong Kong’s imagination.
That history centers on Harry Odell, a stockbroker turned showman who founded the Empire Theatre in 1952, the original incarnation of the State Theatre. Odell’s life spans continents and generations: a Russian Jew born in Cairo, he served in France during the First World War and later fought for Hong Kong during the Second. His theatrical ambitions also helped introduce internationally celebrated performers to the city, including classical musicians, pop stars, and prominent Indian and Western acts. His legacy offers a vivid portrait of a city reshaping itself after the war.
Structured as two parallel journeys, the documentary follows Odell’s pursuit of a cultural enterprise and Kikabhoy’s effort to reconstruct a fragmented life through research and testimony. Family members, former colleagues, and recollections from the celebrated performer Rebecca Pan add intimate voices to the story, while experts in Hong Kong popular culture, music history, and military history provide wider context. Writer Fionnuala McHugh captures the film’s central idea when she describes it as “the story of one passion project that gave birth to another.” The tone is affectionate, reflective, and richly textured, inviting curiosity about how public spaces preserve private dreams—and how a city’s identity can endure through architecture, performance, and shared memory.
What Happens in To Be Continued?
The complete story of To Be Continued, from the first scene to the last, in 209 words (about 1 minute). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
The film chronicles the 2016 grassroots campaign to protect Hong Kong’s State Theatre from demolition, a movement in which co-director Haider Kikabhoy played a key role. This effort evolved into a deep dive into the legacy of Harry Odell, a former stockbroker who transitioned into a showman and founded the Empire Theatre (the original State Theatre) in 1952. Odell is recognized for significantly shaping Hong Kong’s post-war cultural landscape by bringing legendary global artists—including The Beatles, Issac Stern, Ravi Shankar, and The Carpenters—to the city.
The narrative structure interweaves two parallel storylines: Odell’s original pursuit of his cultural enterprise and Kikabhoy’s modern quest to reconstruct Odell’s life story. As writer Fionnuala McHugh describes the film:
“the story of one passion project that gave birth to another.”
The documentary provides a comprehensive look at Odell’s diverse background as a Russian Jew born in Cairo who served in the US Army during World War I and fought for Hong Kong in World War II before being captured by the Japanese. To piece together this history, the film features insights from Odell’s family, recollections from diva Rebecca Pan, memories from former colleagues, and expert commentary from music historian Oliver Chou, military historian Kwong Chi Man, and pop culture scholar Ng Chun Hung.
To Be Continued Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “The Fight to Save the State Theatre” to “Two Stories Intertwined”. 11 events name a place, across 4 locations.
- 1
The Fight to Save the State Theatre
A grassroots campaign emerged in 2016 to save Hong Kong's State Theatre from demolition. Filmmaker Haider Kikabhoy, co-director of 'To Be Continued', was among the campaigners fighting to preserve the historic venue.
When:2016 Where:State Theatre, Hong Kong
- 2
A Campaign Becomes a Quest
As the campaign unfolded, it transformed into a journey to uncover the legacy of Harry Odell, the man behind the theatre. Kikabhoy found himself searching for the story of a forgotten showman who had shaped the city's cultural life.
Where:Hong Kong
- 3
Tracing Odell's Origins to Cairo
The investigation reveals that Harry Odell was a Russian Jew born in Cairo, Egypt. His multinational background marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey that would eventually lead him to Hong Kong.
Where:Cairo
- 4
Odell Serves in the First World War
During the First World War, Odell served with the US Army in France. His wartime experience was the first of two global conflicts that would define his early life.
When:First World War Where:France
- 5
Odell Fights for Hong Kong
In the Second World War, Odell fought for Hong Kong against the Japanese invasion. His defense of the city marked the beginning of his deep and lasting connection to Hong Kong.
When:Second World War Where:Hong Kong
- 6
Captured by the Japanese
After Hong Kong fell, Odell was captured by the Japanese and held as a prisoner of war. Surviving the ordeal cemented his resilience and his bond with the city he had defended.
When:Second World War Where:Hong Kong
- 7
The Empire Theatre is Born
In 1952, Odell founded the Empire Theatre, the original incarnation of the State Theatre. This venue became the cornerstone of his ambition to build a world-class entertainment empire in post-war Hong Kong.
When:1952 Where:Hong Kong
- 8
World-Class Artists Come to Hong Kong
As a showman, Odell stamped his mark on the city's post-war cultural landscape by bringing world-class artists to Hong Kong. Legends such as violinist Isaac Stern and bandleader Xavier Cugat performed under his banner, elevating the city's entertainment scene.
Where:Hong Kong
- 9
Booking The Beatles
Among Odell's greatest coups was bringing The Beatles to Hong Kong. This landmark booking demonstrated his stature as an impresario capable of attracting the biggest names in international music.
Where:Hong Kong
- 10
Ravi Shankar and The Carpenters Perform
Odell's venue also hosted other global icons, including sitar master Ravi Shankar and The Carpenters. These performances cemented the theatre's reputation as a premier destination for international entertainment.
Where:Hong Kong
Show the other 5 events of To Be Continued Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Interviewing Odell's Family
Kikabhoy's documentary quest leads him to interviews with Harry Odell's family members. Their personal insights offer an intimate look at the man behind the showman persona.
- 12
Rebecca Pan Shares Her Recollections
Diva Rebecca Pan offers her recollections of Odell and the golden era of Hong Kong entertainment. Her testimony provides a first-hand account of the city's rich cultural past.
Where:Hong Kong
- 13
Experts Weigh In
The film features commentary from leading experts: Hong Kong pop culture scholar Ng Chun Hung, music historian Oliver Chou, and military historian Kwong Chi Man. Their analyses contextualize Odell's contributions to both the city's entertainment scene and its wartime history.
- 14
Former Colleagues Remember Odell
Memories from Odell's former colleagues add a personal dimension to the documentary. These accounts help paint a fuller picture of Odell as both an impresario and a human being.
- 15
Two Stories Intertwined
'To Be Continued' interweaves two parallel storylines: Odell's pursuit of his cultural enterprise and Kikabhoy's quest to piece together his life. As writer Fionnuala McHugh observed, the film is 'the story of one passion project that gave birth to another.'
Who Are the Main Characters in To Be Continued?
2 characters, among them Haider Kikabhoy and Harry Odell: who each one is and the part they play in the story.
- HK
Haider Kikabhoy
Haider Kikabhoy is a passionate advocate for preserving Hong Kong's cultural landmarks, driving the grassroots campaign to save the State Theatre. His determination leads him on a quest to uncover the legacy of Harry Odell, showing his dedication to honoring the cultural contributions of the past. Kikabhoy represents the voice of a community that values its history.
- 👤 Activism
- 🎬 Documentary
- 💪 Determination
- HO
Harry Odell
Harry Odell was a stockbroker turned showman, known for his profound impact on Hong Kong's cultural scene after founding the Empire Theatre. His legacy includes bringing renowned artists to the city and shaping its post-war cultural identity. His life story unfolds in parallel with Kikabhoy's journey, underscoring his lasting influence.
- 🎤 Artistry
- 🌍 Influence
- 📜 Legacy
Where and When Is To Be Continued Set?
To Be Continued is set in Hong Kong (1952, 2016). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1952, 2016
The film spans multiple decades, primarily focusing on 1952 when the Empire Theatre was founded, marking a pivotal moment in Hong Kong's cultural evolution. It also reflects on events from 2016, showcasing a grassroots campaign to protect the State Theatre from being demolished, highlighting the ongoing struggles for cultural preservation.
Where
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage and iconic skyline. Home to a fusion of Eastern and Western influences, it has a significant post-war cultural landscape. The State Theatre, established amid its bustling fabric, is a symbol of its artistic history and community efforts to preserve cultural landmarks.
- 🌆 City
- 🎭 Culture
What Are the Themes of To Be Continued?
2 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Cultural Heritage and Legacy.
-
01
Cultural Heritage
The movie explores the importance of preserving cultural heritage through the lens of the campaign to save the State Theatre. It highlights how historical figures like Harry Odell shaped the cultural landscape of Hong Kong. The intertwining stories emphasize the struggle and passion for maintaining cultural identity in a rapidly changing world.
-
02
Legacy
At its core, the film is about legacy—both Odell's and Kikabhoy's quest to uncover it. It shows how past endeavors influence contemporary culture and the importance of remembering those who have contributed significantly to societal art forms. The juxtaposition of past and present narratives underlines the continuous impact of individual stories.
What Kind of Film Is To Be Continued?
Tense in tone, with variable pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Tense
- Pacing
- Variable
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
A darkly comic thriller that turns the trio’s desperate bid for online fame into an escalating nightmare, balancing internet-driven absurdity with accident footage and creeping menace.
- darkly comedic
- suspenseful
- unsettling
- anxious
- chaotic
- macabre
- influencer culture
- financial desperation
- online fame
- creative ambition
Content notes: accident footage, disturbing imagery, invasive filming.
Quiz
How well do you remember To Be Continued? Test yourself on the story.
