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The Chinatown Mystery
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The Chinatown Mystery

1928-09-01 · 200 min · ★ 9.0

Adventure · Mystery

Restored by the George Eastman House in 2001, this 1928 serial was considered a “last hurrah” for the silent-era serial, and brought together some of the biggest names of the era: director J.P. McGowan, actors Francis Ford and Joe Bonomo (a carnival strongman-turned-actor), producer Trem Carr (who would later help found Monogram Pictures), and a slew of silent-era supporting icons such as Ruth Hiatt, Grace Cunard, and more. Chapter names like “The Clutching Claw,” “The Devil’s Dice, “Galloping Fury,” and “The Invisible Hand” offer all one needs to know of the film’s concerns: to promise and deliver as much action and suspense as possible, and move our intrepid hero and heroine from one perilous situation to another. One of the biggest stars of the early silent era and a successful serials director in his own right, Francis Ford was the brother of director John Ford.

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Production details

Directors
J.P. McGowan
Production companies
Trem Carr Pictures
Countries
United States of America
Status
Released

Top Cast

Joe BonomoJoe BonomoJoe Masters
Ruth HiattRuth HiattSally Warren, Chemist
Francis FordFrancis FordThe Sphinx
George ChesebroGeorge Chesebro
Sheldon LewisSheldon Lewis
Ernest ShieldsErnest Shields
Jack RichardsonJack Richardson
Grace CunardGrace Cunard
Rosemary ThebyRosemary Theby
Peggy O'DayPeggy O'Day
Duke Worne
Helen GibsonHelen Gibson
Paul Malvern
Al BaffertCrook
J.P. McGowanJ.P. McGowan

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