Mr. Wong, Detective (1938)

The co-founder (John Hamilton) of a chemical company fears his life is in danger. To this end, he seeks out a well known Chinese detective (Boris Karloff) to protect him. But on the morning of the day they are to meet, the businessman is killed. Based on a character from a magazine serial by Hugh Wiley and directed by William Nigh. Asian detectives were fashionable in the 1930s with Charlie Chan and Mr. Moto at 20th Century Fox being the most popular. Boris Karloff cast his hat into the ring at the poverty row Monogram Pictures and the Mr. Wong franchise which saw him do five films between 1938 and 1940 before Keye Luke took over the role. This was the first film in the franchise and while Karloff brings a gracious dignity to the part, quite simply the series isn't as fun as the Chan or Moto movies. The writing isn't as good and the bargain basement cast (Karloff and Evelyn Brent being exceptions) can't disguise its poverty row origins. With Grant Withers, Maxine Jennings and George Lloyd.