“Mr. Wong in Chinatown” (1939)

Mr. Wong in Chinatown

Brief Description:

When a pretty Chinese woman seeks his help, then is killed by a poisoned dart in his front hall, a San Francisco detective takes on a perilous case.

Date: 1939

Genre: American mystery film

Running time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Cast: 

Boris Karloff: Mr. Wong

Marjorie Reynolds: Roberta Logan

Grant Withers: Capt. Street

Huntley Gordon: Mr. Davidson

Peter George Lynn: Capt. Jackson

William Royle: Capt. Jame

James Flavin: Sgt. Jerry

Lotus Long: Lin Hwa

Lee Tung Foo: Willie

Bessie Loo: Lilly May (maid)

Richard Loo: Tong chief

Ernie Stanton: Burton (butler)

I. Stanford Jolley: Hotel clerk

Angelo Rossitto: mute Little Person

Director: William Nigh

Production company: Monogram Pictures

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Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 4/5

I watched this years ago and finally rewatched it tonight to review. The setting is all right—I liked the ship especially, but Jackson's bureau also interested me. It's certainly very late-1930s in feel. 

Characters: 3/5

The only one who was somewhat likeable was Mr. Wong, the princess (who dies within seconds), and her servants (who only show in one scene). And for a lead detective, Mr. Wong was rather too quiet and slow. It almost looked like Street was trying to make up for Wong's lack of activity by being extra himself. I hated him—he was so aggressive and rude towards everyone, but especially Bobbie, and he did nothing but yell. As for Bobbie herself, I'm not a fan of the argumentative, shallow little "career woman" stereotype of the 1930s, but at least she had the distinction of saving a life. 

Plot: 3/5

I guessed the main bad guy as soon as he came on screen, which was kind of fun. The plot itself was nothing shiny. The touch of WWII hint with the Chinese buying airplanes was the most interesting part. 

Romance: 2/5

I don't see why we're supposed to ship Bill Street & Bobbie Logan. He's nothing but dismissive and nasty to her except in like 2 scenes where he rescues her/acts protective. She's just as loud and argumentative as he is but she comes off worse (what's with him physically shaking her and stuffing an apple in her mouth?!) so I feel more sorry for her. 

Content: 4/5 (low)

Maybe an euphemism or two; slight racism and ablism towards Chinese and a Little Person. 

Violence: 4/5 (low)

Murder; fighting. 

Overall: 3/5

Not the worst 1930 movie I ever saw, but certainly not my favourite and probably not something I'll rewatch.