AMUSEMENTS

ORIENTAL STARS RESURRECTED IN 'DRAGON' DRAMA

Sessue Hayakawa and Anna May Wong Come Out of Silent-Picture Past for Debut in 'Talkie'

By RICHARD E. HAYS

Sessue Hayakawa and Anna May Wong, glamorous Orientals, came out of the silent-picture past at the Fox Paramount Theatre yesterday.

The Japanese actor and Chinese actress make their American talkie debut in "The Daughter of the Dragon," one of Sax Rohmer's extravagant Fu Manchu melodramas, and their presence gives it considerable distinction. Hayakawa, returns after long absence with his histrionic powers unimpaired. He speaks with marked accent, but is easily undesirable, and he enacts the role of a secret service operative with a convincing earnestness.

As for Miss Wong, she exerts a more exotic appeal than ever. She speaks with clear-cut and perfect English and since the silent picture days has acquired a poise and finish that reflect intelligent study and valuable experience.

She Is Interesting Personality

Given suitable vehicles, Miss Wong should take her place as one of the most interesting personalities of today's screen.

In "The Daughter of the Dragon" you will find the well-known Sax Rohmer materials still in use.

Fu Manchu, in the person of Warner Oland, is again resurrected with his thirst keen for the blood of the Petrie family. His appearance is brief -- only long enough for him to accomplish the death of the elder Petrie -- but his sworn vendetta is passed on to his lovely daughter. Ling Moy, from whom with his dying breath he exacts a solemn promise to destroy the last of the Petries.

Falls in Love With Prey

Ling Moy has fallen in love with Petrie's son, Ronald, and she weakens in her first attempt on his life. But threatened by her late father's followers, she finally conceives a plot that would do credit to that august murderer. Trap doors, secret passages and uncanny devices of torture are employing in an extravagantly melodramatic and improbable plot, but the action is spirited and the suspense is maintained at high pitch throughout the picture.

The Oriental stars are given worthy support from a cast that includes Bramwell Fletcher as Ronald Petrie; Warner Oland as Fu; Frances Dade, Holmes Herbert, Nella Walker, Harrington Reynolds and others.

ZaSu Pitts and Thelma Todd are co-starred in the comedy, "Catch as Catch Can," which supports the mystery feature.