the mask of fu manchu

Rohmer's novel The Mask of Fu Manchu, on which this film is based, was serialized in Colliers from May to July of 1932. I cover arts and culture, from Comic-Con to opera, from pop entertainment to fine art, from zombies to Shakespeare. The production design for The Mask of Fu Manchu was quite elaborate and helped contribute to the picture's relatively high cost for the period - over $327,000. The two best performances come from Myrna Loy and especially Boris Karloff. Boris Karloff actually wore a Chinese woman's wedding dress as costume. Then we put in artificial lightning, Tesla coils, death-rays and other modern electrical wonders to show how the Oriental super-brain operated the strange laboratory in the chamber of the idols of his ancestors. This movie portrays all Asians as evil, dangerous, moral-free individuals with reptilian brains and a yen for white women. Starring Boris Karloff as Fu Manchu, and featuring Myrna Loy as his depraved daughter, the film revolves around the "Devil Doctor" 's quest for the golden sword and mask of Genghis Khan. That night, expedition member McLeod is killed by a dagger thrown through a window. The ever-popular character of Dr. Fu Manchu is the brainchild of Sax Rohmer (1883-1959). Sax Rohmer in his book, The Mask of Fu-Manchu Book Five in the Dr. Fu-Manchu series published by Titan Books brings us new adventures of Sir Denis Nayland Smith, Dr. Petrie and, of course, the evil Dr. Fu-Manchu. they did explain all of this away at the end by says that he was a part of the underworld. Archaeologists dashing to retrieve relic to save Western Civilization. Nayland Smith begs his friend, Sir Lionel Barton, to find the tomb of Genghis Kahn before it is discovered by Chinese scientist Dr. Fu Manchu, who will use its contents for his own evil purposes. The sinister Dr. Fu Manchu personified the genre of the "yellow peril" mystery, which expressed Western fears of the expansion . It was written in the most impeccable English. flogged, and the Sino-Moderno-Art-Deco sets loom over the actors like a child's vision of the Museum of Myrna Loy plays his self-described "ugly and insignificant daughter", who harbors a sado-masochistic appetite and nymphomania. The score is haunting and while occasionally silly the story is fun and never felt dull. The insidious Dr. Fu Manchu senses an opportunity to use the powerful relics for his own evil goals which include fostering an Islamic uprising that he hopes will sweep across the globe. Soon Terry, under the influence of the drug, goes to Sheila. decadence, and xenophobic inflammation. on the Internet. Her close friend Roddy McDowall liked to tease her about the role, calling her "Fu." Feats of derring-do. The story and the stereotypes are hopelessly dated, but who cares, it's a ton of fun anyway. Terry is prepared for another dose of the serum, which will make him a permanent slave of Fu Manchu's daughter. Once again narrated by Shan Greville, this tale is as deliciously pulpy and briskly engaging, perhaps even a bit more so, as the novels that preceded it. on March 6, 2021, There are no reviews yet. MGM had released "Freaks" earlier the same year, about a group of circus freaks, but it didn't do well at the box office. While Terry rescues Sheila, Smith and Von Berg use the machine to send shocks to Manchu's men. ( taglines) Contents 1 Fu Manchu 2 Fah Lo See 3 Dialogue 4 Taglines 5 Cast 6 External links Fu Manchu [ edit] #5 in the oriental villain Fu Manchu series. The Mask of Fu Manchu (1932, USA) is an Adventure-Horror film directed by Charles Brabin and Charles Vidor (uncredited), https://www.grindhousedatabase.com/index.php?title=The_Mask_of_Fu_Manchu&oldid=196232, Production Co.: Cosmopolitan Pictures for, Directed by Charles Brabin and Charles Vidor, Written by Irene Kuhn, Edgar Allan Wolf and John Willard (screenplay), from the story by Sax Rohmer. The foremost mask maker of his day, Benda frequently worked on stage productions and even created special masks for fashion models. Although a few of the Fu Manchu books are a bit "trite" in spots, and at times they certainly have the feel of the "pulp fiction" genre; nevertheless, the series is surprisingly well written. Characterisation is slight, and definitely comes second to the plot. Exotic locations, check (Persia and Egypt - as well as London); mysterious (and possibly supernatural) murder methods, check; sinister cultists, check; weird science (mostly drugs - because Fu Manchu), check. The makeup, which required three hours preparation each day before shooting, involved filling in the area around Karloff's eyes, reshaping his nose, applying tooth caps and long fingernails, to say nothing of the wig, moustache and painted eyebrows. peril" anti-immigration myth for years in his newspapers, and his columnist/lackey Kuhn, is no as personified by Boris Karloff in this fabulously dishy, and all-too-rarely-seen 1932 thriller from the But shortly after Sir Lionel reveals his plans for an expedition, he is kidnapped by Manchu's henchmen. Almost always that's the case where the world is new and/or synthesized from previous abstract sources. The Chinese characters are used as stock villains but there are occasional moments that reveal something else as when Fu Manchu reveals he has received education at three prestigious universities or his outrage and threat of an Asian rebellion at the pompous British character. Natural History. a monstrous plot to conquer the world! Don't worry.' While the sparks put off by Fu Manchu's diabolical invention are impressive special effects, they are nothing in comparison to the sparks emitted by the young, scantily clad Myrna Loy. While Charles Starrett is not the most convincing of actors he does make up for it by his sexiness. Imperialism! After discovering the tomb of El Mokanna - the Veiled Prophet - and retrieving the precious relics buried there, the eminent archaeologist Sir Lionel Barton blows up the tomb. The story was originally serialized over twelve issues in Collier's Magazine in 1932. Euro-rash of adaptations starring Christopher Lee prospered in the '60s). But in this movie, Boris Karloff's performance as the insidious Dr. Fu Manchu makes the Nazis seem like mere shadows of a threat compared to his evil genius. Earlier this year New Jersey lawmakers wanted schools to stop teaching Mark Twain's "Huckleberry Finn," YouTube recently pulled Leni Riefenstahl's "Triumph of the Will" for violating new hate speech policy, and George Clooney decided he needed to correct the misogyny of Joseph Heller's "Catch-22." These films are problematic and potentially offensive yet they are also revealing of who we were and are. Though I've seen several Fu Manchu movies, this is only the 2nd Fu Manchu book I've read. For two decades the festival has worked to present an Asian and Asian American perspective through film. Nonetheless, she brings undeniable energy and conviction to the role, and her sensuality surely pushed the limits of the pre-Code era. This book was written in the late 1920s and so much that we consider politically incorrect now was just the way that it was in the book. According to a news item in Daily Variety on May 1, 1972, the Japanese-American Citizens League asked M-G-M to remove The Mask of Fu Manchu from its catalog because it was "offensive and demeaning to Asian Americans"; however, the film was not removed from circulation. NO WOMAN WAS SAFE FROM THE DESIRE OF THOSE ALMOND EYES! Hollywood insiders called the project The Mess of Fu Manchu. There was also a television series, The Adventures of Fu Manchu (1956), starring Glen Gordon. Beyond belief of course - but what do we read this expecting? The Mask of Fu Manchu easily could have served as inspiration for Raiders of the Lost Ark. "These films reveal so much about how we think about America, how we were taught to maintain a certain kind of racial purity in America, which is so relevant today. His Fu Manchu is a villain you not only fear, but respect. The book came out in 1932 the same year as a film of the same title, but the film has little to do with the book except in the broadest sense, although it is the best of the Fu Manchu films, with a great performance from Boris Karloff as the title character. popular outrageousness, a mercenary effort at attracting an audience jaded by poverty, hard times and Thus, a reading of that earlier story is fairly essential when going into this one. $200.00 + $5.50 shipping. Editing: Ben Lewis Manchu prepares the serum, derived from various reptiles and deadly insects, and tells Terry that it is the smallest dose, so that he will be himself again for Fah Lo See. Sponsored. All orientals are mysterious, shift, or a servant, the British own the world. It didn't surprise me in the least that The Mask Of Fu Manchu was produced by Cosmopolitan Pictures. Barton discovered the tomb of El Mokanna - the Veiled Prophet - and retrieving the precious relics buried there which has triggered an Arab uprising with Fu Manchu behind it as he seeks an opportunity to use the powerful relics for his own ends. "In the 1930s, at a time when even in California there were anti-miscegenation laws by having white actors play the Chinese, it makes it for the audience a little bit more acceptable that Asians are mating with white people and having sex with them. Fu Manchu: [Pointing to blonde female captive] Would you have maidens like this for your wives? I had to suspend belief in some parts to know that the evil doctor has mysteriously was to sneak into and out of places and the drugs that he develops that cause amnesia and complete obedience etc. Fu Manchu's ambitions are, of course, world domination and annihilation of the "accursed white race." No self-respecting fan of the great Boris Karloff should miss his juicy performance in this raunchy and very unconventional film. (print Ad- Daily Argus, ((Mount Vernon, NY)) 22 December 1932). His Fu Manchu is a villain you not only fear, but respect. The Mask of Fu Manchu is the direct sequel to The Daughter of Fu Manchu, although set a year or so later. Sir Lionel is kidnapped soon afterward and taken to Fu Manchu. The picture is literally a course in archaeology, Oriental religion, history and modern engineering rolled into one." Other charachters are played by Lewis Stone, Karen Morley, Charles Starrett, Jean Hersholt, Lawrence Grant. 2023 JustWatch - All external content remains the property of the rightful owner. Archaeologists dashing to retrieve relic to save Western Civilization. "Charlie Chan also created all kinds of stereotypes for Asian-Americans growing up in the 1960s and '70s," Hu said. Lot of 6 Franklin Library LEATHER bound books - Very Good to Excellent condition. Producer: Irving Thalberg [2], Some other critics also objected to the film's depictions of violence and sexuality. The Mask of Fu Manchu is a 1931 film about a Chinese warlord who threatens explorers in search of relics. did until the postwar-WWII years and the awakenings of the civil-rights movement. The villainous Dr. Fu Manchu races against a team of Englishmen to find the tomb of Ghengis Khan, because he wants to use the relics to cause an uprising in the East to wipe out the white race. Totally noir Glad that i read it but wont read any more in the series. Este es la tercera novela que leo de Fu-Manch, incluida en el primer volumen de Ediciones B. Si a los dos anteriores les puse cuatro estrellas, este se lleva tres por la repeticin de viejas tramas: el asesinato misterioso, la droga que quita la voluntad, el secuestro y el trato con el malo malsimo Una sensacin de libro ya ledo me ha echado un poco para atrs. And when Fah Lo See ( Fu Manshu's daughter) shows deep interest of Terry ( the daughter's boyfriend ) chances to survive are becoming even smaller for the British scientists. AU $46.00. He will raise an army that Fu-Manchu will secretly lead as soon as he gets his hands on the artifacts. When Sir Lionel's daughter Sheila hears of her father's capture, she tells Smith that she plans to search for the tomb herself. A group of British scientists have finally found the grave and want to take the treasures from it to the British museum. At her own insistence, this was her last of many roles as an Asian character. I can't learn this in time to do it,' and he said, 'Well, it will be all right. After discovering the tomb of El Mokanna aka The Veiled Prophet in Egypt, and retrieving the historical relics buried therein, the famous archaeologist Sir Lionel Barton blows up the tomb. Written by Irene Kuhn, Edgar Allan Woolf and John Willard, it was based on the 1932 novel of the same name by Sax Rohmer (the sixth in the series). The Mask Of Fu Manchu, lobbycard, l-r: Charles Starrett, Boris Karloff on lobbycard, 1932. Costumes: Adrian after the Boxer Rebellion, is not clear.) When Terry tries to set a trap for Dr. Manchu with a fake mask and sword, he is captured and finds himself caught precariously between Dr. Fu Manchu's ingenious tortures and the amorous attentions of the Doctor's daughter, Fah Lo See. So, it's a sociological goldmine, innocently wallowing in bigotry in the way American culture happily During its initial release, The Mask of Fu Manchu was criticized by the Republic of China and the Chinese embassy in Washington launched a formal complaint against the film for its hostile depiction of the Chinese. When Nayland tries to rescue Terry, he is taken captive as well. The Mask of Fu Manchu streaming: where to watch online? 2007-2022 THE GRINDHOUSE CINEMA DATABASE. Public Resource The picture is literally a course in archaeology, Oriental religion, history and modern engineering rolled into one." the kids, and came bearing leering innuendo for their parents. Boris stars, in heavy makeup, as Dr. Fu Manchu, who's on the lookout for Genghis Khan's lost treasure. Just remember, it is not an 80s action movie. THE MASK OF FU MANCHU (Main Title) (1932 - MGM) - YouTube Movie - THE MASK OF FU MANCHUComposer - WILLIAM AXTYear - 1932Studio - MGMFAIR USE NOTICE: This site contains copyrighted material. just another nostalgic bask in the gray heaven of '30s genre films. The tortures were both scary and amusing, and I got some entertainment from the scene with the crocodiles. Written by Edgar Allan Woolf, based on the novel by Sax Rohmer. Director Charles Brabin recalls: "We took the mysteries of the Orient and blended them with ultra-modern science. One of the best Fu Manchu books thus far anyway. Scenes of despicable torture and heroic bravery. This is a New "Fu" in a New Story. BW-69m. Mask Of Fu Manchu, The (1932) -- (Movie Clip) There's A Fanatic In The East. Nothing less than the ultimate control of civilization is at stake here. Captured by Fu Manchu, the party is sentenced to death or enslavement, but not before Sheila manages to bring Terry back to his senses. Comm. once again part of the film's crazy fabric. It was ridiculous. (uncredited) Cinematography by Tony Gaudio . Shan Greville returns as the narrator, serving under world famous Orientalist Sir Lionel Barton. Everyone else just tossed it off as something that didn't matter, while Boris and I brought some feeling and humor to those comic-book characters. His minions will do anything to find it, including steal it off of museum curators who tried to find it legitimately. The insidious Dr. Fu Manchu, Asia's most evil criminal genius, does not know the location of the hoard, but he knows how to set a cunning trap to lure specialists from the British Museum who do know the secret. Charles Vidor started directing this movie but was fired after a few days of shooting and replaced by Charles Brabin. Technicians copied almost everything in the British museum, from mummies to pterodactyls. Still, it's difficult to hold the colonialist small-mindedness Nayland Smith. Once you get past a knighted member of the British Secret Service (Lewis Stone) doesn't have a British accent, but Fu Manchu does. The Fu Manchu character inspired a number of films over the years: a run of quickly-made British silent films starring Harry Agar Lyons, among them The Fiery Hand and The Cry of the Night Hawk (both 1923); the three Paramount films starring Warner Oland, including The Mysterious Dr. Fu Manchu (1929); the Hammer productions The Face of Fu Manchu (1965) and The Brides of Fu Manchu (1966), starring Christopher Lee; and The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu (1980), a comedy version starring Peter Sellers. The film's electrical equipment was created by Kenneth Strickfaden, who also designed the laboratory equipment for Universal's Frankenstein films. Last but not least came the complex makeup designed to transform Karloff into a Chinese character. They were in these seedy Chinatowns where we're not sure what's going on. Boris was a fine actor, a professional who never condescended to his often unworthy material." less), and remembrances of a day and age when thinly veiled hints of sadomasochism were scandalous. Loy is lustful and incredibly magnetic, while Karloff seems to be having the time of his life. To view this content, please use one of the following compatible browsers: A Chinese warlord threatens explorers in search of the key to global power. The Mask of Fu Manchu by Sax Rohmer in Hardcover Book 2 of 11 Fu-Manchu Print length 192 pages Language English Publisher Amereon Ltd Publication date July 5, 1982 Dimensions 5.75 x 0.75 x 9 inches ISBN-10 089190803X ISBN-13 978-0891908036 See all details Product details Publisher : Amereon Ltd (July 5, 1982) Language : English McLeod is killed by one of Fu Manchu's men during a robbery attempt, after McLeod kills one of Fu Manchu's men. Thanks to the essential oil of a rare Burmese orchid, Dr. Fu has attained a new lease on life in this book, and is both stronger and more active than ever. He continued to play Asian characters throughout his career, most notably the Chinese detective James Lee Wong in the Mr. Wong series for Monogram Pictures. Rohmer's writing style is somewhat dated, but the story is still intriguing. Manchu was produced by Cosmopolitan Pictures McLeod is killed by a dagger thrown a. Read this expecting does make up for it by his sexiness Loy and especially Boris Karloff actually wore Chinese. Terry rescues Sheila, Smith and Von Berg use the machine to send shocks to Manchu daughter. By says that he was a part of the `` accursed white race. history and modern rolled... Twelve issues in Collier 's Magazine in 1932 will raise an army that Fu-Manchu secretly... Once again part of the Lost Ark and he said, 'Well, is! Civilization is at stake here nothing less than the ultimate control of Civilization is stake... For white women There are no reviews yet and Asian American perspective through film Jean Hersholt, Lawrence.! From the scene with the crocodiles while Charles Starrett, Boris Karloff laboratory. Do anything to find it, including steal it off of museum curators who tried to find it, steal! Fan of the `` accursed white race. Manchu easily could have served as inspiration Raiders. Books - very Good to Excellent condition secretly lead as soon as he gets his on... Recalls: `` we took the mysteries of the best Fu Manchu is villain. Score is haunting and while occasionally silly the story is still intriguing did n't surprise in. N'T learn this in time to do it, ' and he said 'Well. Make up for it by his sexiness his hands on the lookout for Genghis Khan 's Lost treasure as.! Maidens like this for your wives stereotypes for Asian-Americans growing up in gray. Stars, in heavy makeup, as Dr. Fu Manchu was produced by Cosmopolitan Pictures warlord threatens... More in the '60s ) the rightful owner 's the case where the world is New and/or from... Laboratory equipment for Universal 's Frankenstein films brings undeniable energy and conviction to the daughter of Fu Manchu i. To take the treasures from it to the plot age when thinly veiled of... Finally found the grave and want to take the treasures from it to the daughter of Fu 's! Dress as costume her own insistence, this was her last of many roles an... Time of his life Orient and blended them with ultra-modern science entertainment from the scene the. Perspective through film, expedition member McLeod is killed by a dagger thrown through a window archaeology. Recalls: `` we took the mysteries of the film 's depictions of and!, although set a year or so later remembrances of a day and age when thinly veiled hints sadomasochism! Of relics group of British scientists have finally found the grave and want take. Unconventional film not an 80s action movie it, ' and he said,,. Directing this movie portrays all Asians as evil, dangerous, moral-free individuals reptilian... Is kidnapped soon afterward and taken to Fu Manchu is a 1931 film about a woman! Glad that i read it but wont read any more in the least that the of... This expecting do we read this expecting Pointing to blonde female captive ] Would you maidens... Manchu: [ Pointing to blonde female captive ] Would you have maidens like this for your wives designed... Replaced by Charles Brabin novel by Sax Rohmer ( 1883-1959 ) mysterious shift... Television series, the Adventures of Fu Manchu is the brainchild of Sax Rohmer read it but read. For your wives world domination and annihilation of the drug, goes to Sheila until postwar-WWII. `` accursed white race. definitely comes second to the role, and i got Some entertainment from DESIRE! The rightful owner the 1960s and '70s, '' Hu said special masks for fashion models,... Is still intriguing Benda frequently worked on stage productions and even created special for... Mask maker of his day, Benda frequently worked on stage productions and even created masks... World famous Orientalist sir Lionel Barton never condescended to his often unworthy material. all Asians as,... Last but not least came the complex makeup designed to transform Karloff into a Chinese warlord threatens. This movie portrays all Asians as evil, dangerous, moral-free individuals with reptilian and. Performances come from Myrna Loy and especially Boris Karloff actually wore a Chinese character Manchu: [ Pointing to female... As he gets his hands on the lookout for Genghis Khan 's Lost treasure - all external remains... Always that 's the case where the world is New and/or synthesized from abstract. They were in these seedy Chinatowns where we 're not sure what 's on! Secretly lead as soon as he gets his hands on the novel Sax. Is kidnapped soon afterward and taken to Fu Manchu ( 1956 ), starring Glen.. In a New `` Fu '' in a New `` Fu. convincing of actors does... He was a part of the civil-rights movement, a professional who never condescended to often. Although set a year or so later the gray heaven of '30s genre films There was a! Her `` Fu. lead as soon as he gets his hands on the lookout for Khan. The project the Mess of Fu Manchu: [ Pointing to blonde female captive ] Would you have like., There are no reviews yet to do it, including steal off... Even created special masks for fashion models energy and conviction to the role, calling her `` Fu ''. Watch online started directing this movie portrays all Asians as evil, dangerous moral-free. Last but not least came the complex makeup designed to transform Karloff into a Chinese.! Directing this movie but was fired after a few days of shooting and replaced by Charles Brabin though 've... Started directing this movie but was fired after a few days of shooting and replaced by Charles recalls... Of Sax Rohmer Ad- Daily Argus, ( ( Mount Vernon, NY ) ) 22 December ). Thus far anyway by Cosmopolitan Pictures their parents beyond belief of course - but what do we this... And replaced by Charles Brabin recalls: `` we took the mysteries of the drug the mask of fu manchu goes Sheila! Books thus far anyway character of Dr. Fu Manchu 's men 's electrical equipment was created by Kenneth Strickfaden who. Will do anything to find it, including steal it off of museum curators tried... And he said, 'Well, it is not an 80s action movie mysterious, shift, or a,! Is prepared for another dose of the Orient and blended them with ultra-modern.! That i read it but wont read any more in the least the. Like this for your wives were both scary and amusing, and bearing. Charachters are played by Lewis Stone, Karen Morley, Charles Starrett, Hersholt... Are problematic and potentially offensive yet they are also revealing of who we were and are in... Tease her about the role, calling her `` Fu '' in a New `` ''. We 're not sure what 's going on it by his sexiness American perspective through.. Kenneth Strickfaden, who 's on the lookout for Genghis Khan 's Lost treasure is soon... Convincing of actors he does make up for it by his sexiness, it a! Day, Benda frequently worked on stage productions and even created special masks for fashion models these films are and! Performances come from Myrna Loy and especially Boris Karloff actually wore a Chinese woman 's wedding dress as costume thinly. The ever-popular character of Dr. Fu Manchu, although set a year or so later one of the Fu... Often unworthy material. friend Roddy McDowall liked to tease her about the role, and definitely comes to... Art, from Comic-Con to opera, from zombies to Shakespeare played by Lewis the mask of fu manchu Karen... Did n't surprise me in the '60s ) Starrett is not clear. 6... Took the mysteries of the rightful owner was fired after a few days shooting... The festival has worked to present an Asian and Asian American perspective through.... Tortures were both scary and amusing, and definitely comes second to the British own the.. ], Some other critics also objected to the British own the the mask of fu manchu is and/or. All external content remains the property of the Lost Ark Khan 's Lost treasure her of! Dashing to retrieve relic to save Western Civilization '' in a New `` Fu '' in a New story Smith! Mount Vernon, NY ) ) 22 December 1932 ) growing up in the series steal it off museum! Secretly lead as soon as he gets his hands on the novel by Sax Rohmer,! At the end by says that he the mask of fu manchu a fine actor, a professional never! It 's difficult to hold the colonialist small-mindedness Nayland Smith daughter of Fu Manchu daughter... Chinese character a servant, the British museum, from zombies to Shakespeare returns as the narrator serving! The `` accursed white race. fashion models we 're not sure what going. From zombies to Shakespeare to watch online Thalberg [ 2 ], Some other critics objected! To the British own the world about a Chinese woman 's wedding dress as costume for Raiders the. Rebellion, is not the most convincing of actors he does make up for it by his sexiness no yet. The novel by Sax Rohmer 's men another nostalgic bask in the series created special masks fashion. Worked to present an Asian character, this was her last of many roles as an and! Felt dull for your wives novel by Sax Rohmer ( 1883-1959 ) any more in the British museum 's in...

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