Mr. Wong in Chinatown (1939) BORIS KARLOFF

Stars: Boris Karloff, Marjorie Reynolds, Grant Withers
Director: William Nigh
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, on a secret military mission for Chinese forces fighting the Japanese invasion. Mr. Wong finds two captains with the initial J in the case, neither being quite what he seems; there's fog on the waterfront and someone still has that poison-dart gun.

[@carolynderricks3226]

What a great, underrated actor Boris was… going from the scary non-Asian operatic villain in a Charlie Chan film to this role, and all the other roles in between! He could do anything.

[@Mrs.Frankenstein]

He was an amazing actor, he doesn't have a bad film.

[@jimyoung7366]

A very first e comment

[@karenhill3970]

Yes love Boris Karloff ...& Grant Withers ....both great men....thanks for posting ..seen this few ago .but watching again....!!

[@davidandrews8963]

Love karloff can watch these 4ever

[@benoitpellet1657]

Street is so delightfully narrow-minded, wrong-headed and almost thuggish. He is the perfect foil to the meticulous, thoughtful and gentlemanly Wong.

[@judybright884]

I think it's a very good show and I like it a lot

[@nelsonmenesesnavarro7308]

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[@Brutus-co9dt]

Agree. !

[@balin42632003]

I love the way Street, Wong and Bobbie act together.

[@kathleenfobell1331]

Just love old movies.

[@Annabelle-v1m]

Yes 💯🖐️😊

[@deerhoda7574]

Gotta give Bobbie credit, she ran, climbed up and down ladders in out of windows while wearing a straight skirt and heels! Whatta gal.

[@MichaelGunner123]

Like Ginger Rogers when dancing with Fred Astaire.....dancing backwards & in heels!

[@chrishallinger472]

Charlie Chan "The Chinese Ring" almost a word for word copy of this movie.They both have the lady reporter with the piece of broken chair hanging from her arm. In this movie the princess that was killed managed to write "Captain J." In the Chan movie, she wrote "Captain K." So there was progress.

[@bertsimmons2673]

I have never seen these movies ,thanks well written.

[@vanessaschweizer4613]

Yes thanks for taking me back to the time of the midnight movie that was on at 11:30 and the sleep over or babysitting

[@karenhill3970]

Right. ...i dont remember these but other great ole movies....ours in Ft Worth after NEWS 10:30pm....& later....Mom💜let me stay up & watch together......cant remember all but know enjoyed greatly........like Majorie Too

[@shj0792]

Great movie! Karloff s awesome as a detective!

[@Annabelle-v1m]

😊❤

[@josephdondero6275]

Marjorie Reynolds is a doll; she had a long career in films and television. I hadn’t heard of her until I saw these Mr Wong films. Marjorie was in White Christmas with Bing Crosby. Surprise, surprise. 😳

[@johnshields6852]

That era is fascinating to me, I almost feel connected to it in a personal way, I don't know what to think of reincarnation but it's probably just the way my mind romanticizes that era.

[@joanblack6672]

I’ve been binge-watching these Wong movies and Capt. Bill Street is a sh-t in every one; an absolute brute. He almost spoils the films. And did he ever say anything without yelling?

[@ravindrasinghbhambral9325]

correct

[@debbiehenri345]

Seemingly not. Found the blond bimbo equally irritating too. They both make my headphones crackle, yelling their brains out all the time. Such a shame, because Boris makes for such a mild-mannered and intelligent character, quietly biding his time as he pieces together the clues.

[@pisiata3651]

I so agree with you both. Very annoying character the policeman!! N dumb also!

[@nickweech3487]

@@pisiata3651 so right

[@joelkweskin8545]

Love Karloff as well. In 1939 alone, he was in this flick, Son of Frankenstein and Tower of London, the latter two with Basil Rathbone.

[@Mrs.Frankenstein]

Son of Frankenstein is my favorite in the series but I love them all.

[@leescott8506]

4:44: Wong's doorbell is a GONG. And why does Street always have his hat on? Even in his own office. Adore Karloff. Often wondered why he wasn't cast as Chan. Silly fun. Love this channel. Thanks for posting.

[@narvelancoleman3813]

I read that detectives kept their hats on, so they wouldn't have to waste precious time during investigations, retrieving them or trying to remember where they laid them once they took them off, There was no time for etiquette when their minds and physicality was focused on solving crimes of homicide.

[@Capkirk]

Narvelan Coleman That’s also why we park our cars/units backed in. That way we can take off quickly

[@WOLFROY47]

@@Capkirk what no warp drive ?

[@Capkirk]

WOLFROY47 Hahaha. I’ve hear that kind of thing all of my life ....I still think y’all are funny. When I was a kid and we owned a van ...the kids referred to it as the Enterprise

[@lynnsbomb]

Great stuff, I never got into this as a kid like I did Chan, Moto and Holmes. I always thought of Karloff as Dracula in our scary movies so this wasn’t interesting. I really enjoy it now and it’s basically the first time seeing most episodes. Thanks.

[@matthewblanchard9301]

This film story was remade in 1947 as a Charlie Chan film, 'The Chinese Ring' starring Roland Winters as Chan. Boris Karloff fantastic actor, from Frankenstein to The Old Dark House to The Ghoul to The Body Snatchers and The Mask of Fu Manchu. There are so many many more, especially those from the 1930's. But back in 1929 he played a Hindu servant to an explorer in the early talkie 'Behind the Curtain'. Technically this is a Charlie Chan film, written by the Chan novelist Earl Derr Biggers. It's a great movie, which is the first talkie that mentions Charlie Chan, in the beginning of the film his name is mention, but you don't get to see him till the last 10min. portrayed by a Korean - American E.L.Park. Great cast all around...🎭

[@scarygary-qq1pj]

wrong

[@stephaniehand503]

Thank you

[@remmymafia3889]

Grant Wither's is priceless in these Mr. Wong movies. His best line in this movie? , not an actual word or words,, but rather a very emphatic sigh of disgust, at the 17:39 mark- vintage!

[@patriciaannking8601]

Give Bobbie credit. She has it all! Brains, beauty and athletic 😍 👌 ❤ 💕 💖 ability to get the job very well 👏 👍 done.

[@francoisebeylie2923]

And she was persevering and mischievous.

[@jhammond64]

Boris was doing more or less the same role as Colonel Marsh of Scotland Yard 25 years later, but as an Englishman, not that you could tell the difference. Right down to the hat and brollie! If you're a Karloff fan and can find The Mask of Fu Manchu, that's a treat!

[@stephaniehand503]

Love Mr Wong

[@sueferris3685]

Well, at least reporters haven't changed much over the years.

[@karenhill3970]

Love em all Char Chan , SIDNEY TOLAR💜...Mr Wong. Boris. Thank you so much.....helping get my mind off some personal ruff times....plus remember my Precious Mom & GRANDMOM.....🙏🙏🙏💔💔😢😢😢💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

[@Red23165]

yes same story but still enjoy watching it

[@ravindrasinghbhambral9325]

in those good old days, the police captain, puts his gun, a 6 shooter in his pocket with out dozens of spare magazines

[@jerrycottrell302]

It's often the bad guys that have dozens of spare magazines , don't fight today's war with the last wars weapons !

[@garyolsen3409]

they don't make magazines for revolvers.

[@annebellette201]

Good movie thank you .. Just like these mystery movie there great 👍

[@davidfaas58777]

Another fantastic film

[@g.h.1472]

I suppose this was an answer to charlie c. an mr moto detective story an so on. still good load an cast. thanks.

[@dominicpiscopo7915]

Boris Karloff from Frankenstein monster to Japanese Detective amazing lol

[@garyolsen3409]

What's wrong with a hat. I've always worn a hat. I haven't done outside without a hat since I was 10

[@joelkweskin8545]

Anybody else recognize Marjorie Reynolds from introducing "White Christmas" with Bing Crosby...and then as Peg in "The Life if Riley" with William Bendix?

[@WOLFROY47]

wasn't he a washing machine salesman, who worked in competition to the chinese hand washed laundry ?

[@garyolsen3409]

No

[@billrea66]

2 movies watched , 19 more to go .

[@AaronHahnStudios]

I believe the theme here is... Stop leaving your window open!

[@hopewoods8821]

Yes, a lot of fun. Thanks.

[@stephaniehand503]

Great

[@MrLyndarenaud]

They tinted Karloff s face a bit but left his hands really white. I cannot stand the perky journalist who gives a blow by blow of everything the Police and Wong are doing, through her newspaper. Wonder why they dont even try to stop her? Her boyfriend even gives her the money for the calls.

[@johncrucchiola5779]

D id Karloff despise this role as much as Lorre did Mr.Moto?Glad they styuck it out,there fun to watch.

[@MichaelGunner123]

They're

[@erinaelizabeth]

This is an EXACT same plot as a Charlie Chan movie.

[@WOLFROY47]

yep, the chinese ring, hardly surprising, it's the same author of the book. a wiley fellow that

[@Robbie_S]

No wonder I felt that I've been watching this same movie over again with different cast. Thanks for the notice.

[@MichaelGunner123]

No matter to me. Both are uniquely enjoyable.

[@douglasbarton6597]

Severel great decades for hat manufacturers - you got to have a hat to be properly dressed

[@Capkirk]

Douglas Barton My Grandpa never left the house without a hat. If he was just outside or nearby he wore a Caterpillar or International Harvester baseball cap. Otherwise it was a nice hat ....a little smaller than the cop’s hat. I wish I would have been able to get it after he died. My Grandpa/Stuart Williams was an amazing guy

[@MichaelGunner123]

So glad they became taboo during the 60's!

[@scallopohare9431]

@@Capkirk Check out Mike's Hats in Cleveland. They sell on line, men's and women's. Edit. Mike the Hatter.

[@Capkirk]

@@scallopohare9431 thank you!

[@annaweathers4614]

At 28:14 How did they know that was the little guy's footprints/ His feet appeared to be normal size like his head. A dwarf isn't dwarfed in all his body.

[@jamesellsworth9673]

Lots of action in this one.

[@waderaney7]

A good 🎥😊

[@stephaniehand503]

great

[@53pittmanjt]

Great Danes cast as vicious watchdogs? Enjoyable movie tho.

[@josephm.d.p.finnegan]

340,480 View's So Far: Film (1939). Mr.Wong in Chinatown. Stars: Marjorie Reynolds and Bessie Loo. Thursday, October 12 - 2023.

[@CissyBrazil]

The press made a nuisance of themselves in these old movies like they do today.

[@janejames9173]

I love Streat🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@ziggy72170]

... I love these series of Movies as Boris Karloff, as a Chinese detective.. (44:00 ) But Unfortunately , the only Character i can't stand is Detective "Bill Street". So, So LOUD.

[@laraycoleman8864]

ziggy72170 ...I agree, he's too damn loud.

[@laraycoleman8864]

ziggy72170...I love these old movies, though. A fun watch 😊.

[@darrellarcher9785]

Grant Withers was supposed to play the character this way. This made the verbal exchanges between him and Marjorie Reynolds more fun. She and Natalie Wood were the cutest things to ever hit the movie screen.

[@travorptrebor3358]

LAST BIT IN MOVIE ? : Infatuation w/ phones, A BIT OF A SIMILARITY, to today ?

[@jasoncollins1702]

"Mr Wong, well-known CHINESE detective." Odd line.

[@jupiterlegrand4817]

No...odd would have been "well known Italian detective..."

[@Annabelle-v1m]

😊❤

[@dorabarkley6335]

So is Myra ( who the detective was supposed to marry in a different episode ) before or after this girlfriend?

[@stanochocki8984]

'Love' how in these 'guilty pleasure' movies; how the Studios could NOT even make a minimal effort to at least 'dub-in' Chinese dialogue for Wong whenever he is interacting with fellow Country people....Wong sits with the Elders of Chinatown and chats away in English....LoL...sad, sad fact all the way through even into the Charlie Chan Series....

[@jupiterlegrand4817]

(a) Absolutely nothing in these movies resembles reality. (b) They were made for english-speaking audiences. (c) Political correctness was still thankfully many years away. C'mon, man...just enjoy these for what they are!

[@balin42632003]

@@jupiterlegrand4817 Exactly!

[@Manish_3333]

What's your IQ?

[@urdude67]

Dang he just shot those dogs. Coppers!

[@donaldcampbell9219]

Inspector Street played by Grant Withers sadly took his life at 54 yrs old.

[@kittyblak393]

Oh no, so sad

[@danielberton123]

Gosto muito desses vídeos, mas eu estou no Brasil e falo português. LEGENDA EM PORTUGUÊS POR FAVOR 🙏

[@francoisebeylie2923]

Vous pouvez avoir les sous-titres dans plusieurs langues, dont le portugais ; Il faut cliquer sur le rectangle blanc à droite en bas de la vidéo puis sur la roue crantée à côté, ensuite cliquer sur "anglais"(générés automatiquement), et enfin sur "traduire automatiquement"; Vous verrez une longue liste de langues rangées par ordre alphabétique, vous n'aurez qu'à faire défiler les noms et choisir la langue que vous voulez.

[@AndreOuellette5150]

Inspector Street needs to smoke a doobie.

[@scarygary-qq1pj]

I knew this was going to be a good movie when I saw that it was approved with certificate #5515.🙄

[@vonderingvakeelvlogsrito]

Why do I feel the story is the same as one of the Charlie chan movies!

[@leemurray7240]

This one is before the Chinese ring. So the Charlie chan film is the same as this.. Ha.

[@remmymafia3889]

Capt. Street (Grant Withers) is a 'man's man', as shown by his motion to his partner to let him by, so he can go confront an unknown danger in the other room. Of course as it turns out, it was his nemesis Bobby Logan trying to phone in her discovery. Wither's is the best.

[@scottranney5891]

Mr Wong does Smile after all I read that folks said he doesn't smile After the bombing of his taxis I caught a quick smile

[@daal9335]

Closed caption is the absolute worst. Its constantly incorrect, amazing how much it gets wrong. They can afford to do much better than that!!

[@dominicpiscopo7915]

So this begs the question was Dr Motto a Japanese or a Chinese detective??

[@MichaelGunner123]

Moto

[@Bettyfan92614]

Japanese

[@mfmayes]

wow, was remade in Charlie Chan and the Chinese ring

[@peterstephens1994]

Forget about it Wong, it's Chinatown

[@gregb6469]

How is it that Wong, a Chinaman who lives in San Francisco, looks and acts like a London banker?

[@remmymafia3889]

That's part of the attraction of these Mr. Wong flicks with Karloff. And Wither's is great-I love his expression as he's looking at the dwarf for the first time. Then when he walks him over to the desk-holding his hand like he's walking a chimpanzee.

[@michaelwertzy9808]

@@remmymafia3889, notice the moving shadow behind the "little" fellow out the window?!

[@butterflyladeda1080]

I believe the Wong character was educated at Oxford and Heidelberg, it came up in one of the movies.

[@laraycoleman8864]

The character Mr. Wong was educated at Oxford.

[@benoitpellet1657]

That’s supposed to be the point. Karloff insisted that his character NOT be a caricatural « Chinese detective » speaking pidgin English and quoting nonexistent pithy proverbs. He is supposed to be a suave, urbane Western-educated gentleman. In a way, he is the « good guy » équivalent of the evil Dr. Fu Machu character that Karloff played a few years earlier.

[@richardlegault5644]

The wong guy for the wight job

[@thomasknight1190]

😂👍👍👍

[@curtissmith9271]

Now a days all these acters would be racist for daring to portray someone not of their own race. Which of course Is ludicrous parts should be given on ability of the actors or actresses not because of race, Creed, color, nepotism or anything else that doesn't pertain to their ability as a thesbian...

[@joanblack6672]

"Thesbian"??

[@curtissmith9271]

Sorry, Thespian meaning actor or actress spelled it wrong...

[@curtissmith9271]

Why doesn't the cop throw the reporter in jail for breaking and entering and have a judge put a gag order on her for 48 hrs ...

[@WOLFROY47]

them's fighting words, do you wonder, why, women are now running your business

[@davidowen9671]

Access to her body desired?

[@johnpogany2444]

Boris Karloff was a great actor but trying to be a Chinese guy with a English accent is kind of a stretch

[@conveyor2]

Where were all of the Japanese detectives??

[@roanhielkema5714]

planning Pearl Harbor attack please so sorry..

[@goodowner5000]

Mr. Moto was over at Twentieth Century Fox.

[@jerryburton6825]

Saw a girl with huge Boris Karloff tattoos covering her upper torso

[@McLKeith]

Handcuffing someone to a chair? There are so many flaws in this movie. But it is still interesting.

[@WOLFROY47]

yep, that was their idea of equal opportunity, look at how fair we are being, to small people. but they weren't to happy when they stole the show. Mini-Me, fantasy island etc

[@D-Vinko]

These films were edited by a 35 year old named Russel Schoengarth

[@Tralala691]

Americans play the best Chinese. Too bad they can’t do that anymore.

[@gailfisher1350]

These bozos still calling a Ship a boat. See if oars can move this "boat".

[@dominicpiscopo7915]

Oh he was a Chinese detective so sorry chop chop

[@markwitte303]

boris is awesome as are the actors but this production is aweful.

[@stringhawk3639]

Get back to the hainted

[@stringhawk3639]

What's your problem you turned off the hainted

[@stringhawk3639]

Haunted

[@Sch00lbu5]

Copied a Charlie Chan movie

[@carolinejohnson845]

Can you tell me which CC movie it copies? I llooovvvveee all of these.

[@Sch00lbu5]

@@carolinejohnson845 The Chinese Ring with Roland Winters

[@Sch00lbu5]

@@carolinejohnson845 See the Wikipedia write up on Chinese Ring and how it's the same story, with a few changes, as Mr Wong in Chinatown - they're short - play the back to back

[@carolinejohnson845]

I am not fond of the Roland Winters movies, that’s why I didn’t connect the two plots. Thanks!!!

[@gregorywellssr7857]

Caroline Johnson Same here,I guessed it was after the great Oland died and before they found Toler?Watched as much of The Golden Eye as I could stand,had hoped it was the only one.Poor low-grade comedic junk it was,the actor seemed to be a weak attempt to recreate Oland.I don't even watch Toler,but they were at least well-made movies with a good actor who gave the character his own spin.

[@floricehenderson17]

Love Mr. Wong but that reporter is irritating could do without her

[@gailfisher1350]

The Perky journalist is too saccharine, is extremely overacting.