O Mandarim

In this weighted telling of the clash of two cultures Lon Chaney gives two magnificent portrayals of a Chinese Patriarch and his son bound to an ancient Cantonese Tradition regarding honor. The problem is the story pitting American mother Courage against ancient, outmoded bloodthirsty and sadistic Chinese tradition. In spite of its blatant bias Chaney brings to both elder and younger. admirable qualities with a certain dignity.

Raised by a strict grandfather Wu is determined to keep the Chinese tradition of choosing his daughter's husband to be sight unseen. She rebels when she meets a Britisher who in a nice touch has to climb over a wall to meet her. They get serious she dishonors the family, she must die. And that's not all.

With the Chinese Exclusion Act in place until 1943 one might see how easy it was to make one culture look so good and one so hostile. It's handsomely designed safely composed in favor of Chaney's beautifully nuanced and restrained performances while Rene Adoree as Wu's daughter Nang Ping seems contrived in comparison to Anna Mae Wong in a supporting role who would have brought so much more to the lead.

Even with it's blatant xenophobic thrust Mr. Wu is a fascinating document for the times of social acceptance. Just as much is to be said for the artistry of Mr. Chaney.