Watch The Mask of Fu Manchu

The Mask of Fu Manchu is a pre-code adventure film from 1932, starring Boris Karloff, Lewis Stone, and Karen Morley. It is based on the character of Fu Manchu, created by British author Sax Rohmer, and follows the villainous doctor as he seeks to uncover the lost tomb of Genghis Khan and use its powerful weapons to rule the world. The film opens with a group of archeologists, led by Professor Von Berg (Lewis Stone), discovering the tomb of the infamous warlord Genghis Khan. However, their excitement is short-lived as they soon realize that the tomb is already being looted by the nefarious Dr. Fu Manchu (Boris Karloff) and his henchmen. Von Berg is kidnapped by Fu Manchu, who hopes to trade the precious treasures contained within the tomb for control of the world's leaders.

Meanwhile, Von Berg's children - the adventurous Sheila (Karen Morley) and her brother Robert (Charles Starrett) - are determined to rescue their father and put an end to Fu Manchu's evil plans. They team up with a British agent named Nayland Smith (O.P. Heggie) to track down Fu Manchu's hideout, which is located in the mountains of Tibet.

At the hideout, they are met with a series of obstacles, including deadly traps and Fu Manchu's army of loyal followers. The villain himself proves to be a formidable opponent, using his wit and cunning to elude the heroes at every turn. With the help of a mysterious slave girl (Myrna Loy), who is secretly working against Fu Manchu, the team manages to infiltrate his inner sanctum and put an end to his plans for world domination.

The Mask of Fu Manchu is a classic adventure film that balances its thrilling action sequences with a healthy dose of campy humor. Boris Karloff delivers a standout performance as the titular character, stealing every scene with his sly, villainous charm. The action is well choreographed and exciting, showcasing a range of exotic locations and imaginative set pieces. The film also features great performances from its supporting cast, particularly Karen Morley and Myrna Loy.

Despite being more than 85 years old, The Mask of Fu Manchu remains a highly entertaining and watchable film. Its blend of swashbuckling adventure, science fiction, and Orientalism may feel dated to modern audiences, but it is still a fascinating relic of Hollywood's Golden Age. The film has inspired numerous adaptations and imitations over the years, cementing the character of Fu Manchu as a cultural icon.

The Mask of Fu Manchu is a must-see for fans of classic Hollywood cinema, as well as anyone looking for an exciting, escapist adventure. Its blend of action, humor, and exoticism remains a winning formula, and it is a testament to the enduring appeal of its iconic villain.

The Mask of Fu Manchu is a 1932 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 8 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.