The Mask Of Fu Manchu

1932 - MGM
Directed By Charles Brabin


SYNOPSIS

An Englishman (Lawrence Grant) uncovers the location of Genghis Khan's tomb. He plans an expedition, but is kidnapped by the fiendish Dr. Fu Manchu (Boris Karloff) and his sadistic daughter (Myrna Loy.) The duo want the mask and sword of the Mongol ruler to take over the world. The rest of the expedition sets out to uncover the riches of the tomb, and try to rescue their comrade.

MY THOUGHTS

MGM made few horror films during the golden age... and clearly the studio was trying to outdo Universal, who recently brought Dracula and Frankenstein to the big screen. One way was to make a kinkier and darker film. MGM achieved this with The Mask Of Fu Manchu.


Fu Manchu was released 2 years before the strict production code was enforced. Pre-code films were much freer to depict sexuality and other 'depravity.' Several torture devices, characters delighted at torturing others, an opium den, racially charged dialogue (against both Asians and whites) are just some of the soon-to-be no no's that this film dishes out one after another. Sure, they are tame by today's standards but they are still eye-opening at times, especially Fu Manchu's proclaimed desire to wipe out 'the white race.'

The movie is based on a series of pulp novels, and that spirit is captured perfectly on the big screen. Its scant 70 minute run time puts the film in high gear nearly the whole time, lacking the clunky pacing of many early sound films, like Dracula. The short run time would signify a "b" movie, but Fu Manchu's exquisite sets, make up, lighting and special effects say otherwise. MGM gave the little horror film the usual gloss it did to all of its 'classier' productions.

Boris Karloff, who brought humanity and sympathy to his role of Frankenstein's monster, relishes in pure evil here.
Myrna Loy's kinky, wicked role is light years from her most famous role as sophisticated Nora Charles in the Thin Man series. Both actors camp their roles up, knowing just how ridiculous the plot is. The film is truly alive when they are on screen and they are a delight to watch.



The Mask Of  Fu Manchu is far, far, far away from today's 'politically correct' climate, but is still fun and highly entertaining for fans of early horror.