The Chinatown Mystery

Synopsis

Restored by the George Eastman House in 2001, this 1928 serial was considered a “last hurrah” for the silent-era serial, and brought together some of the biggest names of the era: director J.P. McGowan, actors Francis Ford and Joe Bonomo (a carnival strongman-turned-actor), producer Trem Carr (who would later help found Monogram Pictures), and a slew of silent-era supporting icons such as Ruth Hiatt, Grace Cunard, and more. Chapter names like “The Clutching Claw,” “The Devil’s Dice, “Galloping Fury,” and “The Invisible Hand” offer all one needs to know of the film’s concerns: to promise and deliver as much action and suspense as possible, and move our intrepid hero and heroine from one perilous situation to another. One of the biggest stars of the early silent era and a successful serials director in his own right, Francis Ford was the brother of director John Ford.

Main Cast

Joe Bonomo

Joe Masters

Age : 76 | Popularity : 4%

Ruth Hiatt

Sally Warren, Chemist

Age : 88 | Popularity : 3%

Francis Ford

The Sphinx

Age : 72 | Popularity : 5%

George Chesebro

Age : 70 | Popularity : 3%

Sheldon Lewis

Age : 90 | Popularity : 4%

Ernest Shields

Age : N/A | Popularity : 3%

Jack Richardson

Age : 89 | Popularity : 3%

Grace Cunard

Age : 73 | Popularity : 3%

Crew

Department	Role	Name
Writing	Writer	Francis Ford
Directing	Director	J.P. McGowan
Department	Role	Name

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