
Tod Browning's crackling underworld thriller features Lon Chaney in a dual role as both a ruthless Chinatown crime boss and a kindly Confucian philosopher, with Priscilla Dean as the reformed crook's daughter caught between the straight life and the criminal world that won't let her go. Anna May Wong delivers a scene-stealing early performance as a cunning accomplice. The film moves with a propulsive energy unusual for its era, and Chaney — already demonstrating his extraordinary gift for physical transformation — gives two completely distinct performances that showcase his range. The Chinatown setting traffics in the exoticism typical of the period, but Browning's genuine affection for his outsider characters gives the film a rough vitality that transcends its conventions.
Tod Browning's crackling underworld thriller features Lon Chaney in a dual role as both a ruthless Chinatown crime boss and a kindly Confucian philosopher, with Priscilla Dean as the reformed crook's daughter caught between the straight life and the criminal world that won't let her go. Anna May Wong delivers a scene-stealing early performance as a cunning accomplice. The film moves with a propulsive energy unusual for its era, and Chaney — already demonstrating his extraordinary gift for physical transformation — gives two completely distinct performances that showcase his range. The Chinatown setting traffics in the exoticism typical of the period, but Browning's genuine affection for his outsider characters gives the film a rough vitality that transcends its conventions.

Priscilla Dean
Molly Madden (Silky Moll)

Wheeler Oakman
'Dapper Bill' Ballard

Lon Chaney
Ah Wing / 'Black Mike' Sylva

Ralph Lewis
'Silent' Madden

E. Alyn Warren
Chang Lo
Stanley Goethals
The Kid Across the Hall

Melbourne MacDowell
Morgan Spencer
Wilton Taylor
Inspector

John George
Humpy (uncredited)

Stanton Heck
Police Officer (uncredited)
Arthur Millett
Detective at Party (uncredited)

Steve Murphy
Member of Black Mike's Gang (uncredited)
S.D. Wilcox
Policeman Arresting Madden (uncredited)

Anna May Wong
Chinese Girl (uncredited)
Bessie Wong
Chinese Girl at Chang Low's (uncredited)