From memory the Mr Wong films were fun if not mind-blowingly great, though they most likely weren't trying to be. Any film that has Boris Karloff in is worth a shot, and Mr Wong, Detective is not an exception. Some scenes are poorly lit and with unfocused editing, the film does have some dull stretches that could have benefited from tighter scripting and while mostly entertaining and with a character that is nicely contrasted to the character of Mr Wong Grant Withers can go overboard with the shouting. The sets are good though and match the atmosphere and mystery well, while the script on the most part is snappy and the story is diverting and fun with a clever killing method and a particularly gripping final 10-15 minutes. The direction isn't award-worthy but it was decent, and the acting likewise. Boris Karloff is one of those actors who always did his best with what he had regardless of the quality(and he did have films, especially in the later years, that were beneath him material-wise)- Vincent Price and Tim Curry are other examples of this. He is served well, and while not exactly convincing as Chinese he commands the screen brilliantly, carrying the film with no trouble. Overall, not great but not bad at all. Not a must-see but it is worth the look and for more than curiosity value. 7/10 Bethany Cox
Review of Mr. Wong, Detective
