Mr. Wong, Detective 1938
"Thousands asked to see Collier's Magazine famous detective on the screen... here he is!"
In the shadowy underbelly of 1930s San Francisco, detective James 'Mr.' Wong—brought to life with eerie gravitas by Boris Karloff—steps out of the pages of Collier's Magazine and onto the screen in this atmospheric crime thriller.
Director: William Nigh
Cast
Boris Karloff
James Lee Wong
Grant Withers
Police Capt. Sam Street
Maxine Jennings
Myra Ross
Evelyn Brent
Olga Petroff / Countess Dubois / Sophie Dome
George Lloyd
Devlin
Lucien Prival
Anton Mohl
John St. Polis
Carl Roemer
William Gould
Theodore Meisle
Hooper Atchley
Christian Wilk
John Hamilton
Simon Dayton
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mr. Wong, Detective (1938) about?
Detective James Wong, portrayed by Boris Karloff, is drawn into a high-stakes investigation after a chemical manufacturer is murdered shortly after seeking his help. As Wong delves into the case, two more killings occur, each connected to the same dark secret. The film follows his relentless pursuit of the truth in a world of deceit and danger.
Who directed Mr. Wong, Detective?
William Nigh directed Mr. Wong, Detective, bringing his experience in crime and thriller films to shape the movie's tense atmosphere.
Who stars in Mr. Wong, Detective?
The film stars Boris Karloff as Detective James Wong, with Grant Withers, Maxine Jennings, Evelyn Brent, and George Lloyd rounding out the main cast.
Is Mr. Wong, Detective (1938) worth watching?
As a classic mystery from the golden age of detective films, Mr. Wong, Detective offers a compelling blend of suspense and old-school charm. While it may not boast cutting-edge effects, its tight plot and Karloff's magnetic performance make it a standout in the genre. Fans of crime thrillers and noir enthusiasts will find plenty to appreciate.
How long is Mr. Wong, Detective?
Mr. Wong, Detective runs for 70 minutes.
Mr. Wong, Detective (1938): A Classic Mystery with Boris Karloff — Full Movie Details
In the shadowy underbelly of 1930s San Francisco, detective James 'Mr.' Wong—brought to life with eerie gravitas by Boris Karloff—steps out of the pages of Collier's Magazine and onto the screen in this atmospheric crime thriller. When a prominent chemical manufacturer is found dead just after seeking Wong's counsel, the enigmatic sleuth launches an investigation that unravels into a deadly web of intrigue. Two more murders soon follow, each tied to the same sinister puzzle, forcing Wong to navigate a labyrinth of deception and danger. Directed by William Nigh, this 70-minute mystery unfolds with a moody blend of noir aesthetics and classic detective work, immersing viewers in a world where every clue could be a trap.
With its sharp pacing and moody atmosphere, Mr. Wong, Detective (1938) delivers a gripping tale of crime and deduction that feels as fresh today as it must have felt nearly a century ago. Boris Karloff's commanding presence as the titular detective anchors a story that blends suspense with old-school intrigue, while the supporting cast—including Grant Withers and Maxine Jennings—adds depth to the unfolding mystery. The film's themes of corruption and justice resonate through its tightly woven plot, ensuring that every twist keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
