Mr. Wong in Chinatown Poster

Mr. Wong in Chinatown 1939

★ 5.324 votes71 min📅 1939-08-01

Dive into the shadowy underworld of 1939 San Francisco with *Mr. Wong in Chinatown*, a gripping mystery-thriller directed by William Nigh.

Director: William Nigh

Cast

Boris Karloff
Boris Karloff
Mr. James Lee Wong
Marjorie Reynolds
Marjorie Reynolds
Roberta 'Bobbie' Logan
Grant Withers
Grant Withers
Police Capt. Bill Street
Huntley Gordon
Huntley Gordon
Mr. Davidson
George Lynn
George Lynn
Capt. Guy Jackson
William Royle
William Royle
Capt. Jaime
James Flavin
James Flavin
Police Sgt. Jerry
Lotus Long
Lotus Long
Princess Lin Hwa
Lee Tung Foo
Lee Tung Foo
Willie
Bessie Loo
Lilly May

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mr. Wong in Chinatown (1939) about?

When a woman bearing a secret dies in his home from a poisoned dart, detective James Lee Wong finds himself entangled in a dangerous conspiracy. Her cryptic final message points to a shadowy figure among two suspicious captains, forcing Wong to navigate San Francisco's foggy underworld to uncover the truth before the killer strikes again.

Who directed Mr. Wong in Chinatown?

The film was directed by William Nigh, a filmmaker known for his work in mystery and crime genres during the 1930s and 1940s.

Who stars in Mr. Wong in Chinatown?

The cast features Boris Karloff as James Lee Wong, alongside Marjorie Reynolds, Grant Withers, Huntley Gordon, and George Lynn.

Is Mr. Wong in Chinatown (1939) worth watching?

While unrated on IMDb, this concise 71-minute thriller delivers classic mystery vibes with Boris Karloff's charismatic performance and a plot thick with espionage and intrigue. Fans of Golden Age whodunits and atmospheric crime dramas will likely find it a rewarding watch, especially for its historical context and tight pacing.

How long is Mr. Wong in Chinatown?

The runtime of *Mr. Wong in Chinatown* is 71 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Mr. Wong in Chinatown (1939) — A Boris Karloff Mystery with Poisoned Darts and Espionage

Dive into the shadowy underworld of 1939 San Francisco with *Mr. Wong in Chinatown*, a gripping mystery-thriller directed by William Nigh. Boris Karloff stars as the sharp-witted detective James Lee Wong, who uncovers a web of deceit and danger when a mysterious woman is assassinated in his home with a poisoned dart. The victim, identified as Princess Lin Hwa, was on a covert mission for Chinese forces resisting the Japanese invasion, leaving behind a cryptic clue: a scrawled "Captain J." As Wong navigates the city's foggy docks and corrupt officials, he uncovers two suspicious men with the initial J, each hiding darker secrets than the last. This atmospheric crime drama blends espionage, intrigue, and classic detective work, making it a standout in the Golden Age of Hollywood mysteries.

As Wong digs deeper, the stakes rise—poisoned darts, hidden identities, and a relentless killer lurk in the city's shadows. With its tense pacing and rich historical backdrop, *Mr. Wong in Chinatown* offers a compelling glimpse into pre-war espionage and the enduring battle between justice and deception.