Terror Of The Tongs (1961)

In 1910 Hong Kong, a secret sect called the Red Dragon Tongs terrorizes the Chinese populace by fear. But they make the fatal mistake of killing the daughter (Barbara Brown) of an English sea captain (Geoffrey Toone, THE KING AND I) who is determined to avenge the death of his daughter. This handsome looking Hammer action piece wastes no time as it whizzes its way through its brief (76 minutes) running time with lots of color and action. Christopher Lee in full Fu Manchu mode plays the proverb spouting head of the Tongs. With one or two exceptions (like Burt Kwouk MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE), the majority of the Chinese characters are played by occidentals. Directed by Anthony Bushell. Hammer veteran James Bernard composed the effective score and Arthur Grant's rich looking cinematography belies the film's modest budget. With Yvonne Monlaur, Marne Maitland, Brian Worth and Marie Burke.