Blu Ray Review: Fu Manchu Double Feature from Kino Lorber

Before Boris Karloff took on the role of Fu Manchu in the MGM feature The Mask of Fu Manchu, Warner Oland played the role in two early talkies for Paramount. Both of these Paramount features with Oland are now available in brand new 2K masters from Kino Lorber in a double feature blu ray.

THE MYSTERIOUS DR. FU MANCHU (1929)

After Fu Manchu saves the life of a little white girl, Lia Eltham, she is left in his care. However when his own wife and child are killed by British troops during the Boxer Rebellion, a vengeful Fu Manchu hypnotizes the now grown Lia (Jean Arthur) into seeking evil revenge on all those responsible, even tangentially, for their deaths.

THE RETURN OF DR. FU MANCHU (1930)

Although he appeared to have died in the first film, Fu Manchu returns here, once again using Lia Eltham and continuing to enact revenge for the death of his wife and child.

Each of the films is suspenseful and engrossing, and while it would seem that the sequel is a hasty decision due to the success of the first, it is actually even more frightening and evil than its predecessor. It features the same leads and same director, Rowland V. Lee (perhaps best known for helming Son of Frankenstein).

It is quite fascinating to see noted Charlie Chan actor Warner Oland playing an Asian character that is pure evil rather than a peaceful man who cleverly solves crimes and captures killers. Jean Arthur had been successful in silents and was reticent about advancing to talkies, until she realized they weren’t merely a passing novelty. After an inauspicious debut in The Canary Murder Case (1929), her sound film debut, Jean received better notice in the Fu Manchu films and her career continued to build from there. The supporting casts in both include the talents of Neil Hamilton and O.P Heggie.

Kino Lorbrer’s blu ray is further complimented by an informative commentary by Tim Lucas who gives us both insight and perspective on each film.

This nicely mounted set features two really excellent pre-code classics and is most highly recommended. The blu ray can be purchased at this link: FU MANCHU