20 reviews
Another great Lon Chaney film!
Turner Classic Movies aired this movie with a new music score for the first time on Oct 31, 2000. It was GREAT! It was the first time it has been shown on TV. Mr. WU is about a Chinese man who's daughter has fallen in love with a man from the west. The man already has plans to marry his daughter into another Chinese family of great society. When Wu finds out the man from the west decided to leave his daughter he realizes he must carry out an old Chinese law stating if a daughter is defiled the father must kill her. Will WU kill his daughter? TCM should be showing this movie often now that it has a music score. Look for Lon Chaney's make up as both Mr. Wu and Wu's grandfather. A must see for Lon Chaney fans.
Chaney Takes the Slow Boat to China
Ancient Chinese custom gets the best of star Lon Chaney in this re-make of 1919's melodramatic "Mr. Wu". Mr. Chaney portrays both Mr. Wu; and, in an extended prologue, he's Mr. Wu's grandfather. Chaney is, as ever, wildly entertaining. The film is well-produced, with beautiful photography and sets; with, for its time, a starry supporting cast. The main story doesn't get started until Chaney struts his oriental stuff; it involves daughter Renée Adorée (as Nang Ping) having an out-of-her-race affair with Englishman Ralph Forbes (as Basil Gregory).
Mr. Forbes plays the Englishman enchanted by a lovely "China doll" well. Ms. Adorée is not as convincing in her Asian role; certainly, supporting player Anna May Wong would have been better cast as Wu's daughter. Louise Dresser (as Mrs. Gregory) is quite excellent as Forbes' mother; at first, her role seems small - but, keep your eyes on Ms. Dresser, who turns in a great performance without extraordinary make-up! Chinese culture is not presented very flatteringly, to Western filmgoers, in the end. Chaney (as Wu)'s declaration, "My poor little blossom - broken by an ill West Wind," evokes D.W. Griffith's superior "Broken Blossoms" (1919), which more artfully covered some of the same ground.
******* Mr. Wu (3/26/27) William Nigh ~ Lon Chaney, Louise Dresser, Renée Adorée
Mr. Forbes plays the Englishman enchanted by a lovely "China doll" well. Ms. Adorée is not as convincing in her Asian role; certainly, supporting player Anna May Wong would have been better cast as Wu's daughter. Louise Dresser (as Mrs. Gregory) is quite excellent as Forbes' mother; at first, her role seems small - but, keep your eyes on Ms. Dresser, who turns in a great performance without extraordinary make-up! Chinese culture is not presented very flatteringly, to Western filmgoers, in the end. Chaney (as Wu)'s declaration, "My poor little blossom - broken by an ill West Wind," evokes D.W. Griffith's superior "Broken Blossoms" (1919), which more artfully covered some of the same ground.
******* Mr. Wu (3/26/27) William Nigh ~ Lon Chaney, Louise Dresser, Renée Adorée
- wes-connors
- Dec 14, 2007
- Permalink
Entertaining Film with naughty Pre-Code elements.
Good entertaining film but as a viewer I completely lost sympathy with the Lon Chaney character after the way he treated his servant for simply reporting a fact. The removal of that scene would make the picture much better. Louise Dresser is great, especially in the last Pre-Code scene which would never had been allowed during the Breen era after 1934. It is made plain that the mother has to choose between her son being executed or she can save his life by allowing her daughter to be raped. Truly shocking for a 1927 film. Ralph Forbes (who plays as Louise Dresser's son) is quite handsome and effective as the love interest. Renée Adorée is OK as the daughter of Mr. Wu but hardly looks flattering in her makeup and costume. Anna May Wong (who is wasted in a servant part) is clearly more attractive and should have gotten the part.
Film is also hampered with silly ideas about the Chinese as if they blindly adhere to traditional laws in all circumstances. It is very hard to take that premise seriously. Holmes Herbert's boorish uncultured character is also rather offensive.
Film is also hampered with silly ideas about the Chinese as if they blindly adhere to traditional laws in all circumstances. It is very hard to take that premise seriously. Holmes Herbert's boorish uncultured character is also rather offensive.
- salvidienusorfitus
- Oct 7, 2017
- Permalink
Interesting premise makes the film not Chaney
- DarthVoorhees
- Oct 9, 2008
- Permalink
Mr. Wu is as complex as Chaney's makeup
Proof that not all of Lon Chaney's characters were golden
By 1927, Lon Chaney had clearly established that he could play practically any role--ranging from Quasimodo to the Phantom of the Opera to sideshow freaks to maniacs. However, one type of role that Chaney did that just looks pretty shabby today is his Asian characters. In MR. WU, Chaney plays two characters--a very, very old Chinese man and his grandson. As the grandfather, Wu looks really weird--not all that Chinese. As the grandson, with his shaved head and painted eyebrows he looks a little more like Joan Crawford circa 1970 than a Chinese guy! Interesting performances, yes--but not at all believable to anyone but the rather unsophisticated audiences of 1927 (who were used to seeing White guys dressed as Asians).
As for the story, it's odd because from the point of view of the Western characters, they didn't seem racist but were very open towards Asians. In contrast, Wu was a bigoted old guy who, according to some ancient teachings, could NEVER allow a child of his to marry anyone who wasn't 100% Chinese.
In light of this, it certainly isn't surprising that the grandson (I guess that would be Wu III) freaked out when his daughter fell for an American man. This of course leads to a sad and rather crazy conclusion that certainly is interesting--though it also seemed rather silly and tough to believe.
So it it worth seeing? Well for silent film fans (particularly lovers of Chaney), of course. For others NOT familiar with silents or who mistakenly think they are bad, then they should try some other films first. This film is like a strong cigar--it can be appreciated by someone used to them but for novices it's best to just stay away for now.
As for the story, it's odd because from the point of view of the Western characters, they didn't seem racist but were very open towards Asians. In contrast, Wu was a bigoted old guy who, according to some ancient teachings, could NEVER allow a child of his to marry anyone who wasn't 100% Chinese.
In light of this, it certainly isn't surprising that the grandson (I guess that would be Wu III) freaked out when his daughter fell for an American man. This of course leads to a sad and rather crazy conclusion that certainly is interesting--though it also seemed rather silly and tough to believe.
So it it worth seeing? Well for silent film fans (particularly lovers of Chaney), of course. For others NOT familiar with silents or who mistakenly think they are bad, then they should try some other films first. This film is like a strong cigar--it can be appreciated by someone used to them but for novices it's best to just stay away for now.
- planktonrules
- Jun 7, 2008
- Permalink
Chinese Chaney
- nickenchuggets
- Oct 6, 2021
- Permalink
Tangled up in Wu
No, not a great silent film, but nearly so and still an absorbing and entertaining 90 minutes in which to wallow in yet another great Lon Chaney performance. And with some high MGM production values, I almost wished some of Cedric Gibbons' garden scenes could have been shot in Technicolor, although the b&w nitrate print is pristine and atmospheric.
Simple tale expertly unfolded: Honourable Mandarin Mr. Wu's beautiful daughter Nang Ping falls in love with heavily made up Englishman Ralph Forbes with the usual tragic biological consequences. Worthy of University dissertations is the portrayal of both East and West as hamstrung by racist social customs and conventions, real and fictional. It persists today: some people are simultaneously hamstrung by the fact that miscegenation can be frowned upon in certain backward quarters but paradoxically also that a member of one race can act the part of another on film and stage. Mr. Wu is shown to be the then usual Chinese stereotype with inscrutable savagery masked with a veneer of (Western) inculcated civilisation, but a real Chinese would have had to have played it the same as Chaney: it was merely the custom after all. And the whites were also shown to be usual Western stereotypes in a foreign country with condescension and arrogance mixed with ingenuousness. Anna May Wong is here in another good role as sidekick to the unfortunate heroine, whilst Holmes Herbert had a few patronising scenes and never looked older. The climax to the affair is striking - if remade today I'd expect a somewhat different conclusion to mull over!
All in all well worth watching for enlightened silent melodrama fans.
Simple tale expertly unfolded: Honourable Mandarin Mr. Wu's beautiful daughter Nang Ping falls in love with heavily made up Englishman Ralph Forbes with the usual tragic biological consequences. Worthy of University dissertations is the portrayal of both East and West as hamstrung by racist social customs and conventions, real and fictional. It persists today: some people are simultaneously hamstrung by the fact that miscegenation can be frowned upon in certain backward quarters but paradoxically also that a member of one race can act the part of another on film and stage. Mr. Wu is shown to be the then usual Chinese stereotype with inscrutable savagery masked with a veneer of (Western) inculcated civilisation, but a real Chinese would have had to have played it the same as Chaney: it was merely the custom after all. And the whites were also shown to be usual Western stereotypes in a foreign country with condescension and arrogance mixed with ingenuousness. Anna May Wong is here in another good role as sidekick to the unfortunate heroine, whilst Holmes Herbert had a few patronising scenes and never looked older. The climax to the affair is striking - if remade today I'd expect a somewhat different conclusion to mull over!
All in all well worth watching for enlightened silent melodrama fans.
- Spondonman
- Mar 3, 2007
- Permalink
I found it enjoyable throughout with a suspensful ending having my full attention.
As a youngster in the 1950's I was in a library thumbing through a large movie book when I found a few pages dedicated to Lon Chaney,there were several photos of him in make-up. I just stared at the photos with a great interest.One of the photos that awed me was that of Mr. Wu,it and other characters were a sharp contrast to his natural features. Through the years I've been able to obtain some of the more common Chaney movies but only recently have I viewed this movie.It didn't take long to grab my attention,the opening credits were accompanied by a powerful music score that assured the viewer they were about to see a drama.Overall I would say the music for this video copy contributed to a solid 25% of my viewing enjoyment.Other points of the movie that made it enjoyable for me were: As in other of his movies Lon Chaney doesn't rely only on make-up to entertain an audience,he does his homework on his character and adds distinct mannerisms that fit the part he is playing.The human goodness of the daughter(Adore)the way she can make her father(Chaney) smile who otherwise is usually serious.Anna May Wong does not have a major part but when seen she has great screen presence.Louise Dresser another talented actress takes part in a very serious scene that let's the viewer know what acting is all about.Upon viewing the whole movie there is one stand-out and that is mr. Chaney,there is no doubt he is the star of the movie.One is left with the feeling that his performance reached out to the audience a little further than the others.It can be said this movie is about a young man(Forbes)meeting a young lady(Adoree) and falling in love. What makes the movie though is the result of this encounter.If I were to view this movie with someone other than family I'd want to make them aware some parts demean Asians in picture and word,take it out nothing is lost only gained.I only encourage people to watch movies that I like,this is one of them.
- non_sportcardandy
- Jun 9, 2002
- Permalink
Chaney's father son duo superb in slanted Mr. Wu
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.
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.
Insidious
There are a few things that make this film interesting. You have Lon Chaney, always compelling, dressed up as a rich Chinese man, scowling his way through the film. You have a relationship that develops between Renée Adorée and Ralph Forbes which is forbidden for a couple of reasons: it's 'mixed-race', and she's already had her husband decided by her father. You have the beautiful Anna May Wong, albeit relegated to a smaller role. And you have some pretty nice sets, with circular doors, arched bridges, beautiful furniture, and the like.
On the other hand, you have white actors playing the lead Chinese characters and not passing, with Adorée not only visually not looking the part, but acting poorly on top of it. In one of her early scenes it's as if she thinks she's a marionette. It's such a shame, because there you have the actress who should have gotten the role – Anna May Wong – standing beside her for much of the film. The film also plods along, and even in moments where we're expected to feel tension, lacks the authenticity to deliver. Lastly, it's racist in ways that are about as offensive to Asians as a blackface production from this period are to African-Americans.
There is racism in many forms in films of this time period which one becomes inured too with enough exposure, however, in this film it's especially insidious. You have the blatant forms, one of the worst of which is a Chinese servant idiotically bowing to his white employer and to a fan repeatedly after being told to shut it off. Another is that same white man refusing to have tea with "chinks", and then upon doing so, acting as though the biscuits served were horrible, saying "You Chinese eat the silliest food!" However, what makes the film particularly awful is the portrayal of Chinese customs demanding that a daughter die at the hands of her father because she's been romantically involved with a white man, and then later that the mother of the white man be forced to choose who is to die between him and his sister. Lon Chaney is sinister as Mr. Wu, but the message is undeniably one of cruelty and barbarism – and not just in this particular character, but in the Chinese race as a whole. The "Yellow Peril" is on full display here.
A much better film with suspense coming from a diabolical Chinese character played by a Caucasian is "The Mask of Fu Manchu" (1932), with Boris Karloff and Myrna Loy. That film also played to fear of Asians, but there the evil is confined to over-the-top individuals. Better yet, if you'd like to see a fantastic film with actual Asians cast as Asians and a strong, intelligent beautiful character (Anna May Wong!) getting involved in a 'mixed-race' relationship, watch "Piccadilly" (1929). That one puts 'Mr. Wu' to shame.
On the other hand, you have white actors playing the lead Chinese characters and not passing, with Adorée not only visually not looking the part, but acting poorly on top of it. In one of her early scenes it's as if she thinks she's a marionette. It's such a shame, because there you have the actress who should have gotten the role – Anna May Wong – standing beside her for much of the film. The film also plods along, and even in moments where we're expected to feel tension, lacks the authenticity to deliver. Lastly, it's racist in ways that are about as offensive to Asians as a blackface production from this period are to African-Americans.
There is racism in many forms in films of this time period which one becomes inured too with enough exposure, however, in this film it's especially insidious. You have the blatant forms, one of the worst of which is a Chinese servant idiotically bowing to his white employer and to a fan repeatedly after being told to shut it off. Another is that same white man refusing to have tea with "chinks", and then upon doing so, acting as though the biscuits served were horrible, saying "You Chinese eat the silliest food!" However, what makes the film particularly awful is the portrayal of Chinese customs demanding that a daughter die at the hands of her father because she's been romantically involved with a white man, and then later that the mother of the white man be forced to choose who is to die between him and his sister. Lon Chaney is sinister as Mr. Wu, but the message is undeniably one of cruelty and barbarism – and not just in this particular character, but in the Chinese race as a whole. The "Yellow Peril" is on full display here.
A much better film with suspense coming from a diabolical Chinese character played by a Caucasian is "The Mask of Fu Manchu" (1932), with Boris Karloff and Myrna Loy. That film also played to fear of Asians, but there the evil is confined to over-the-top individuals. Better yet, if you'd like to see a fantastic film with actual Asians cast as Asians and a strong, intelligent beautiful character (Anna May Wong!) getting involved in a 'mixed-race' relationship, watch "Piccadilly" (1929). That one puts 'Mr. Wu' to shame.
- gbill-74877
- Sep 10, 2017
- Permalink
Chaney's Double Triumph
The terrible trial of MR WU begins with his daughter's first love.
Lon Chaney once again gives scope to his prodigious talent, this time portraying a wealthy Mandarin who is compelled to commit the ultimate crime to avenge his family honor. Chaney inhabits the role, making every glance & gesture perfect for his portrayal of the character. Even while performing despicable acts, Chaney makes the viewer experience his private pain in an almost visceral way. Chaney also portrays ancient Grandfather Wu in the film's opening scenes, exhibiting an astonishing make-up transformation that is practically preternatural.
Much of the screen time is given over to Chaney's younger costars. French actress Renée Adorée provides a beautifully poignant portrayal of Wu's lovely, tragic daughter. Englishman Ralph Forbes, one of the most under-appreciated actors of his generation, gives a stalwart performance as her handsome Western lover. The tender romance of their scenes provides the film with its softer, more sentimental moments.
Louise Dresser plays Forbes' patrician mother, a woman somewhat isolated by her social status who is suddenly, violently, brought into confrontation with Wu's implacable vengeance. Holmes Herbert does well with his short role as her bigoted husband. Delicate Anna May Wong portrays Miss Adorée's faithful servant girl.
The silent film is given excellent production values by MGM, with the beautiful sets being especially noteworthy.
Lon Chaney once again gives scope to his prodigious talent, this time portraying a wealthy Mandarin who is compelled to commit the ultimate crime to avenge his family honor. Chaney inhabits the role, making every glance & gesture perfect for his portrayal of the character. Even while performing despicable acts, Chaney makes the viewer experience his private pain in an almost visceral way. Chaney also portrays ancient Grandfather Wu in the film's opening scenes, exhibiting an astonishing make-up transformation that is practically preternatural.
Much of the screen time is given over to Chaney's younger costars. French actress Renée Adorée provides a beautifully poignant portrayal of Wu's lovely, tragic daughter. Englishman Ralph Forbes, one of the most under-appreciated actors of his generation, gives a stalwart performance as her handsome Western lover. The tender romance of their scenes provides the film with its softer, more sentimental moments.
Louise Dresser plays Forbes' patrician mother, a woman somewhat isolated by her social status who is suddenly, violently, brought into confrontation with Wu's implacable vengeance. Holmes Herbert does well with his short role as her bigoted husband. Delicate Anna May Wong portrays Miss Adorée's faithful servant girl.
The silent film is given excellent production values by MGM, with the beautiful sets being especially noteworthy.
- Ron Oliver
- Sep 9, 2004
- Permalink
Western civilization in need of validation once again
Although a product of a different era to be sure, it's hard to view this film without addressing its particular brand of racism; adapted from a stage play and largely an excuse for some fairly convincing makeup for Chaney, it addresses the results of Western intrusion in China with an eye towards the perceived barbarity of (invented) Chinese custom, while at the same time reveling in floridly orientalist dialogue and presentation. Some striking visual moments aside, it alternately mocks, idealizes and patronizes (primarily the latter) the Chinese characters before ultimately exculpating the British interlopers in a disturbing climax. Still largely involving, though.
Lon Chaney Made this Pic!
Taped this film during the wee hours of the AM, as I have never viewed this picture starring Lon Chaney and wanted to find out what the audiences of 1927 viewed and enjoyed. I thought that Lon Chaney was fantastic with his own make up and great acting skills, he was truly a master of his craft. There was a great deal of racism concerning the Chinese nation in this film. However, in those days, there was racism for all nationalities, Irish, Italian, Polish, and many religions were hated and bigotry was depicted in the films and newspapers. Thank God we have progressed in our film making world and people are trying to respect each other. Lon Chaney made this a very interesting film and I recommend it for all fans who adore and liked his many films.
Mr. Wu (1927) - TCM U.K. screening review
- Bunuel1976
- Jun 12, 2004
- Permalink
Tragic East Meets West Love Story!
- bsmith5552
- Aug 6, 2016
- Permalink
Really Complex Presentation
Lon Chaney is at the top of his game in this 1927 silent feature. Grandfather Wu enlists the aid of a Westerner to teach his heir the ways of the people who are coming. When young Wu grows to manhood, he takes a bride, with tragic results. The daughter then becomes the focal point. She is betrothed to another Mandarin; nevertheless the contamination of the West leads her to choose a handsome young Britisher. This brings on all kinds of problems, including a lie about a pregnancy. The Britishers are boorish horrors and they bring revenge. Chaney is quite something as the title Mandarin. Extremely high quality film, considering when it was produced.
Great Chaney
Mr. Wu (1927)
** 1/2 (out of 4)
Lon Chaney plays a duel role as Mr. Wu and his grandfather. In the film, Mr. Wu (Chaney) believes in an old Chinese custom of marrying his daughter (Renee Adoree) into another Chinese family but the girl has fallen in love with an Englishman (Ralph Forbes). When the Englishman leaves the girl, Wu must seek revenge by killing the man, his family and his own daughter. For the first seventy-minutes this is a love story between the two kids with the vengeance aspect just showing up for the final twenty. Overall I was pretty disappointed with the film, although there's some good stuff in it. I think this is one of the weakest performances from Chaney that I've seen because he seems to forget the performance in exchange for the brilliant make up. Chaney's make up effects as the grandfather are simply marvelous and you can't even tell that it's Chaney under all that make up. Adoree comes off very well bringing an innocence that's easy to connect with. Forbes is also very good in his role and the supporting players are nice as well. I think the film would have benefited with a tighter script that kept the action moving better because the middle of the film is rather dull with not too much going on. Had this middle section been as entertaining as the first and third acts then the movie would be much more memorable. As it is, this movie is mainly watchable due to the great make up work from Chaney.
** 1/2 (out of 4)
Lon Chaney plays a duel role as Mr. Wu and his grandfather. In the film, Mr. Wu (Chaney) believes in an old Chinese custom of marrying his daughter (Renee Adoree) into another Chinese family but the girl has fallen in love with an Englishman (Ralph Forbes). When the Englishman leaves the girl, Wu must seek revenge by killing the man, his family and his own daughter. For the first seventy-minutes this is a love story between the two kids with the vengeance aspect just showing up for the final twenty. Overall I was pretty disappointed with the film, although there's some good stuff in it. I think this is one of the weakest performances from Chaney that I've seen because he seems to forget the performance in exchange for the brilliant make up. Chaney's make up effects as the grandfather are simply marvelous and you can't even tell that it's Chaney under all that make up. Adoree comes off very well bringing an innocence that's easy to connect with. Forbes is also very good in his role and the supporting players are nice as well. I think the film would have benefited with a tighter script that kept the action moving better because the middle of the film is rather dull with not too much going on. Had this middle section been as entertaining as the first and third acts then the movie would be much more memorable. As it is, this movie is mainly watchable due to the great make up work from Chaney.
- Michael_Elliott
- Feb 27, 2008
- Permalink
tale of forbidden love between races
full of usual mgm production values: magnificent sets, costumes. locations within the mandarin's palace are often framed within archways or over walls to emphasise its other-worldliness. it indicates our access into another civilisation but also suggests that this is a world of entrapment. the love plot between East and West civilisations is not original and is told conventionally. there is also recourse to racial stereotyping typical of the era. a domestic 'coolie' is presented as an object of fun. the chinese are presented alternatively as a child civilisation (in comparison to the developed West) or else, in the figure of Mr Wu (Chaney), fiendish and despicable. a film of historical interest rather than one that will entertain.
- darryn.mcatee
- Oct 30, 2000
- Permalink
William Nigh's best picture
With of course the help from Lon Chaney at his ever best. I have it in an excellent copy from TCM France. It is really an amazing movie, where the great and unique Lon Chaney is as awesome, outstanding as ever, in a role which only him could have. The lead character with of course a doomed fate, that will surprise no one and I don't spoil anything by saying this. I don't even imagine such a story made in the "sound" era. It is totally crazy, incredible in the good way. This is a pure drama, powerful, gripping but, again, with Lon Chaney, how could it be different? I checked William Nigh's filmography and it seems that's his best picture before the talkies period, a period when Nigh will slowly but surely fall down into the B and Z movies depths. He will also use Bela Lugosi in another Chinese character as Mr Wong.
- searchanddestroy-1
- Jan 2, 2023
- Permalink