Watch Mr. Wong, Detective

Set in San Francisco, Mr. Wong, Detective follows the exploits of James Lee Wong, a lovable and crafty detective who runs his own private investigation firm. When a wealthy financier is murdered in his own home, the police turn to Wong for help in solving the case. As he digs deeper into the mysterious circumstances surrounding the murder, Wong discovers that there are a host of suspects with motives that range from love and greed to revenge.

At the center of the story is Boris Karloff's captivating performance as James Lee Wong, a character that he had played several times before in a series of low-budget films. With his piercing eyes and distinctive voice, Karloff brings Wong to life as a complex and intriguing character, full of wit and intelligence, but also brimming with compassion and empathy. Wong is a master of deduction and one of the most respected detectives in San Francisco, but he also has a deep understanding of the human psyche and a great sense of loyalty towards those he cares about.

Grant Withers delivers a solid performance as Captain Bill Street, Wong's close friend in the police department. Street is a more traditional type of detective, relying on his instincts and physical strength to catch criminals. But he also respects Wong and recognizes his superior intellect and deductive reasoning skills, making for an interesting dynamic between the two men.

Maxine Jennings plays Valerie Edwards, the financier's secretary who becomes a key suspect in the murder case. Jennings brings a sensuality and complexity to the role that makes her an intriguing and memorable character. She's a woman torn between her loyalty to her boss and her desire to pursue a relationship with one of the other suspects.

The film is also notable for its depiction of San Francisco's Chinatown in the 1930s. Though it occasionally falls back on stereotypical representations of Chinese culture and language, it also includes authentic touches that add to the atmosphere of the story. The scenes set in Chinatown are filled with bustling markets and crowded alleyways, giving a sense of the vibrant and complex community that Wong is a part of.

Despite its low budget and limited scope, Mr. Wong, Detective succeeds in entertaining audiences with its intriguing mystery and memorable characters. Director William Nigh keeps the story moving at a brisk pace, and the screenplay by Scott Darling is clever and well-crafted. The film also benefits from strong cinematography by Harry Neumann, who captures the mood and atmosphere of San Francisco's foggy streets and its darker corners.

Overall, Mr. Wong, Detective is a fun and engaging film that showcases Boris Karloff's talents as an actor and the enduring popularity of the James Lee Wong character. It may not have the technical polish or prestige of some of its contemporaries, but it remains a classic example of the mystery genre and an entertaining way to spend an hour or two.

Mr. Wong, Detective is a 1938 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 9 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.