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.
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
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
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.
Cast & Crew
View all →Why Cult
The murder of Princess Lin Hwa with a poisonous dart sets off a high-stakes mystery with international consequences.
A deadly Chinese sleeve gun delivers the fatal blow, adding a unique weapon to the mystery’s arsenal.
A powerful tong leader provides vital clues, pulling Mr. Wong deeper into Chinatown’s hidden power struggles.
Boris Karloff steps out of horror shadows into sleuthing, bringing gravitas and sharpness to James Lee Wong.
Scene Gallery
Threat File
Princess Lin Hwa seeks help from Mr. Wong
Poisoned dart from sleeve gun
Murder and a web of deception
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.
How is the murder committed? +
Princess Lin Hwa is killed with a poisoned dart fired from a Chinese sleeve gun.