Mr. Wong, Detective (1938)

Mr. Wong, Detective (1938)

You might think it’ll be fun watching Boris Karloff (whose Indian background probably qualifies him better to play an out-and-out Asian, than other cases of similar casting, despite his physique,) cast as a Chinese detective in San Francisco.

Maybe so, but not nearly as fun as watching Peter Lorre’s Mr. Moto, or even the various Charlie Chan players playing (not quite) similar roles.

One can’t really expect too much from the rather basic plot dealing with a gimmicky, closed-room murder and the quickie’s impoverished budget.

For some reason the cops call Mr. Wong rather than relying on the local coroner conducting a proper autopsy.

Thin shards of curved glass, whose chemical composition reveals some valuable information, are the main clue; but most none of action, driving around town or questioning suspects is very engaging.

Nice, Sherlockian sleuthing by Karloff in his home lab, but a supporting fun sidekick, more fun suspects, or even funnier cops woulda certainly helped.

Amusingly, red herring characters are found guilty of different crimes; so, even if not directly associated with the murders, they are all taken in.

With John Hamilton (Perry White, himself!), Grant Withers, Maxine Jennings, Evelyn Brent, George Lloyd, and Lucien Prival.

Strictly for vintage, poverty-row, murder mystery fans.