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Mystery Cult Classic

A poisoned princess, a secret society, and a detective on the trail in Chinatown’s shadowy alleys.

MR. WONG IN CHINATOWN

A poisoned princess, a phantom killer, and zero buffering.

1939 · 1h 11m · NR · Mystery / Thriller / Adventure / Crime / Drama · IMDB TMDB

A pretty Chinese woman, seeking help from San Francisco detective James Lee Wong, is killed by a poisoned dart in his front hall, having time only to scrawl "Captain J" on a sheet of paper. She proves to be Princess Lin Hwa.

Quick Answer

What is Mr. Wong in Chinatown about?

Mr. Wong in Chinatown is a 1939 American mystery thriller directed by William Nigh about detective James Lee Wong investigating the murder of a Chinese princess, unraveling a web of deception involving secret societies and international intrigue.

Programmer's Pick

Boris Karloff trades monsters for mysteries as Mr. Wong, outwitting sleeve guns, secret societies, and a San Francisco steeped in intrigue. Come for the poisoned dart, stay for the parade of treachery and a noir labyrinth only Wong can navigate.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

A mysterious Chinese woman arrives at Mr. Wong's San Francisco home late at night, seeking his help, but is fatally struck down before she can explain her plight. Wong soon discovers she was Princess Lin Hwa, the sister of a powerful Chinese general, killed by a poisoned dart from a sleeve gun. With the involvement of a secret tong society and a fortune meant to buy airplanes for China, Wong’s investigation leads him through a maze of deception, forgeries, and shadowy alliances. The film promises a blend of classic detective intrigue, international stakes, and the dangers lurking beneath Chinatown’s surface.

Details & Specs

Director
William Nigh
Writers
Scott Darling, Hugh Wiley
Release
1939
Runtime
1h 11m
Country
United States of America
Language
English

Why This Matters

This film is the third entry in the Mr. Wong series, featuring Boris Karloff in the title role and directed by William Nigh, exemplifying the recurring detective serials popular in late 1930s American cinema.
— SassyFlix Curator

Cast & Crew

View all →
Director: William Nigh Writers: Scott Darling +1 more

Why Cult

Poisoned Princess

The murder of Princess Lin Hwa with a poisonous dart sets off a high-stakes mystery with international consequences.

Sleeve Gun Innovation

A deadly Chinese sleeve gun delivers the fatal blow, adding a unique weapon to the mystery’s arsenal.

Secret Society Intrigue

A powerful tong leader provides vital clues, pulling Mr. Wong deeper into Chinatown’s hidden power struggles.

Karloff Detective Turn

Boris Karloff steps out of horror shadows into sleuthing, bringing gravitas and sharpness to James Lee Wong.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

Princess Lin Hwa seeks help from Mr. Wong

Threat

Poisoned dart from sleeve gun

Effect

Murder and a web of deception

Setting

San Francisco’s Chinatown

Questions from the Vault

When was Mr. Wong in Chinatown released? +

Mr. Wong in Chinatown was released in 1939.

Who directed Mr. Wong in Chinatown? +

Mr. Wong in Chinatown was directed by William Nigh.

How long is Mr. Wong in Chinatown? +

Mr. Wong in Chinatown has a runtime of 71 minutes.

What genre is Mr. Wong in Chinatown? +

Mr. Wong in Chinatown is a mystery, thriller, adventure, crime, and drama film.

What is the role of the tong in Mr. Wong’s investigation? +

The leader of a powerful tong provides Mr. Wong with important information about Princess Lin Hwa's mission in America, helping advance the investigation.

Trailers & Clips