Genre: Crime | Drama | Mystery
Director: Lloyd Corrigan
Starring:

• Anna May Wong as Princess Ling Moy

• Warner Oland as Fu Manchu

• Bramwell Fletcher as Ronald Petrie

• Sessue Hayakawa as Ah Kee

🐉 Plot Summary

Daughter of the Dragon is a landmark 1931 film that blends mystery, crime, and Eastern intrigue, led by the iconic Anna May Wong, the first major Chinese-American movie star. The film follows Princess Ling Moy, the daughter of the infamous villain Fu Manchu, who is drawn into a legacy of vengeance and dark duty after her father’s final wish.

Upon Fu Manchu’s death, Ling Moy is tasked with continuing his plot of revenge against the Petrie family, who were responsible for his downfall. Torn between her father’s wishes and her own conscience, Ling Moy walks a dangerous tightrope of honor, betrayal, and identity. Her conflict deepens when she develops feelings for Ronald Petrie, her intended target, putting her at odds with her own mission and her sense of self.

Meanwhile, Ah Kee, a loyal detective portrayed by Sessue Hayakawa, works tirelessly to uncover the truth and stop the spiral of vengeance before more blood is shed.

🧧 Why It Still Matters

• Anna May Wong’s powerful performance offers one of early Hollywood’s few complex and commanding Asian female leads.

• The film explores themes of legacy, identity, and moral struggle within a culturally exotic and noir-tinged setting.

• A rare example of Asian-American representation during an era when such roles were often denied or stereotyped.

• Visually stylized, with dramatic sets, shadowy lighting, and an atmosphere steeped in suspense.

🕯️ Legacy & Impact

While rooted in the racial and cultural attitudes of its time, Daughter of the Dragon is now recognized as a pioneering work in film history, particularly for Anna May Wong’s trailblazing role. It remains a culturally significant piece, reflecting both the opportunities and the limitations faced by actors of color in early Hollywood.

If you’re a fan of vintage cinema, crime thrillers with emotional depth, or important moments in Asian-American film history, Daughter of the Dragon is a title worth remembering.