Guest Author - Vannie

The idea of Boris Karloff (Frankenstein) cast as an Asian super sleuth was so intriging to me that I had to buy movies to see for myself. These movies were marketed Karloff as 'James Lee Wong, Oriental (or Chinese) sleuth'; they were adapted from from Hugh Wiley's stories that appeared in Collier's magazine from 1934 to 1938. In the first of the series Mr. Wong, Detective, Karloff in no way looks Asian and a slight accent gets in the way. He definately makes a better monster than he does an Asian super sleuth. The remaining movies show a more credible Wong.

Mr. Wong, Detective (1938) A mega chemical industrialist who fears for his life has contacted Wong for help. When the man is murdered, the only clue is a small piece of broken glass found near the body.

The Mystery of Mr. Wong (1939) Wong is a guest in the home of a collector who is in possession of a famous jewel known as "The Eye of the Moon". During a parlor game the host is killed. Mr. Wong attempts to find the murderer.

Mr. Wong in Chinatown (1939) When a Chinese Princess is killed in Mr. Wong's home he has to find out why she was killed and who the killer is. When it is revealed that the Princess was on an important mission Wong has to move fast to close this case.

Mr. Wong, Doomed to Die (1940) Wong is called in when after Cyrus Wentworth, owner of a doomed ocean liner is found dead in his office. The prime suspect is the fiancee of Wentworth's daughter.

Mr. Wong, The Fatal Hour (1940) When Captain Street's best friend is murdered he calls on his good friend Wong for help.

A young Keye Luke was brought in as Mr. Wong for the last movie in this series. In Mr. Wong in Phantom of Chinatown (1940) Wong is younger and is called 'Jimmy.'

These movies definately call for friends, refreshments and popcorn. Or make it a theme night and order Chinese food. The secret to ordering Chinese take-out for 4 or more is to order the party menu if it is available. Most cost less than $30 and will serve about 10 people with leftovers.

Available from Amazon

From Mr. Wong Series


Classic Mystery & Suspense Films from Amazon