Chinatown Nights (1929)
A forbidden romance collides with Prohibition-era gang warfare in William A. Wellman's gripping early-sound crime drama.
Chinatown Nights - Movie Information
- Original Title: Chinatown Nights
- Release Year: 1929
- Directed by: William A. Wellman
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Action, Crime
- Runtime: 1h 23m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 29, 1929 (United States)
- Production Companies: Paramount Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Chinatown Nights - Plot
Joan Fry, a society woman, falls in love with Chuck Riley, the white-leader of a powerful gang in Chinatown, and he quickly drags her down into the depths with him. But seeing her so much in love with him causes him to realize he is in love with her, and he determines to lift her up again. "Boston" Charley, the rival gang-leader, has other plans.
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Chinatown Nights - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- William A. Wellman
Main Cast
- Wallace Beery
- Florence Vidor
- Warner Oland
- Jack McHugh
- Jack Oakie
- Inez Marion
- Frank Chew
- Richard Cramer
- Bess Flowers
- Willie Fung
Writers
- Samuel Ornitz
Chinatown Nights - FAQs
What is Chinatown Nights about?
Chinatown Nights follows Joan Fry, a high-society woman who falls for Chuck Riley, the white leader of a powerful Chinatown gang. As he pulls her into his dangerous world, love compels him to turn things around — but rival gang boss "Boston" Charley has deadly plans of his own.
Who stars in Chinatown Nights (1929)?
The film stars Wallace Beery as gang leader Chuck Riley and Florence Vidor as society woman Joan Fry. Warner Oland plays the menacing rival "Boston Charley" Wu, with Jack Oakie, Jack McHugh, Richard Cramer, Bess Flowers, and Willie Fung rounding out the cast.
Who directed Chinatown Nights?
Chinatown Nights was directed by William A. Wellman, the prolific Hollywood filmmaker known for his gritty, fast-paced storytelling. Wellman was already building a strong reputation in the late silent and early sound era, and this film showcases his confident command of atmosphere and tension.
When was Chinatown Nights released?
Chinatown Nights was released on March 29, 1929, in the United States. It arrived during a fascinating transitional moment in Hollywood, as the industry was shifting from silent films to sound, making it a notable early-sound-era production from Paramount Pictures.
Is Chinatown Nights a silent film or a talkie?
Chinatown Nights is a part-talkie, released in 1929 during Hollywood's transition from silent films to sound. Produced by Paramount Pictures, it incorporates synchronized dialogue and sound, placing it among the early sound-era films that bridged the gap between the silent and talkie periods.
Where can I watch Chinatown Nights online?
You can watch Chinatown Nights on Tubi TV and Fawesome for free, or rent and buy it on Amazon Video. It's great to see a 1929 classic this accessible across multiple platforms — check JustWatch for the most up-to-date streaming options in your region.
What genre is Chinatown Nights (1929)?
Chinatown Nights blends Drama, Action, and Crime into a compelling pre-Code Hollywood story. It combines a forbidden romance with gang warfare and underworld intrigue, set against the vivid backdrop of a Chinatown neighborhood during the Prohibition era.
What are films similar to Chinatown Nights?
If you enjoy Chinatown Nights, you might also like The Corruptor (1999), Last Man Standing (1996), New Jack City (1991), and Bugsy (1991) for their crime and gang-rivalry themes. The Secrets of Wu Sin (1932) is a particularly close companion piece from the same era.
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