Secrets of Chinatown
Secrets of Chinatown

Movie spotlight

Secrets of Chinatown

1935
Movie
63 min
English

Private detective Donegal Dawn is summoned by the police commissioner to solve the reasons for a crime wave in Chinatown.

Insights

IMDb6.0/10
Director: Lyndon McLeodGenres: Mystery, Crime, Drama

Plot Summary

A Chinese-American police detective investigates a series of murders linked to a dangerous smuggling ring operating in New York City's Chinatown. He must navigate the intricate social and criminal underworld to uncover the truth and bring the perpetrators to justice. The case becomes increasingly perilous as the detective faces both external threats and internal betrayals.

Critical Reception

Released in 1935, 'Secrets of Chinatown' was a B-movie that received modest attention for its crime elements and depiction of Chinatown. Contemporary reviews often highlighted its fast-paced narrative and Toler's performance, though some critics found the plot formulaic. It is generally regarded as a competent, albeit unremarkable, entry in the crime thriller genre of its era.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its efficient pacing and detective procedural aspects.

  • Sidney Toler's convincing portrayal of the lead detective was a common highlight.

  • The film was seen as a solid, if not groundbreaking, example of early crime dramas.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this 1935 film is not readily available.

Fun Fact

Sidney Toler, who plays the lead detective, would later become widely known for his portrayal of Charlie Chan in a series of films from 1937 to 1946.

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