Summary
Lord Lister, a detective whose observational prowess is matched only by his adventurous spirit, unearths a desperate plea for succor scrawled on a dollar bill amidst a jovial card game at the Astor Club. The terse message, "We are held prisoners by a Chinese gang at Cosia, near Sacramento. Send help," ignites a formidable resolve within him. Accompanied by his steadfast friend, Charles Brand, Lister embarks on a perilous expedition to Cosia, a seemingly tranquil village that harbors the grandiose, yet sinister, estate of Mr. Wu Chung Foo, a Chinese merchant of considerable, and dubious, renown. Leveraging a letter of introduction from Governor Morton, ostensibly for hunting access, the duo infiltrates Wu Chung Foo’s domain. The merchant, a figure of unsettling composure and veiled menace, immediately attempts to disquiet his guests with chilling anecdotes of mysterious disappearances on his sprawling property, a tactic that merely steels Lister’s determination. A disquieting glint in Wu Chung Foo’s eyes confirms the detective’s burgeoning suspicions. Within the opulent confines of the merchant’s abode, an unexpected romance blossoms between Brand and Hattie, Wu Chung Foo’s adopted daughter, a development that visibly rankles their host. Perceiving their visit as an audacious attempt to unravel his clandestine operations and disapproving of Hattie’s burgeoning affection, Wu Chung Foo orchestrates Brand's abduction, consigning him to the brutal servitude of a subterranean mine. Undeterred, Lister undertakes a clandestine nocturnal foray into the master’s private quarters, unearthing a concealed door—a potential conduit to the heart of the enigma. His progress is momentarily stymied by an impregnable iron gate. The following day, a horseback excursion turns tragic as Charles mysteriously vanishes. Lister, confronting a distraught Hattie, reveals the grim truth, galvanizing her into action. Wu Chung Foo, acutely aware of Lister’s relentless pursuit, dispatches a monstrous ape to seize the detective, dragging him into a rocky cavern, mirroring Brand’s grim fate. Horrified by this second atrocity, Hattie, now fully enlightened to her foster father's depravity, procures the crucial key and, armed with a firearm, descends into the hidden city. There, she discovers a chilling tableau: scores of white men condemned to the merciless toil of her foster father's mines. With remarkable sagacity, she escapes to summon military aid. Their timely arrival leads to a decisive raid, the capture of the nefarious conspirators, and Wu Chung Foo’s just comeuppance. Hattie is joyously reunited with her beloved Charles, and the enslaved men regain their freedom, all under the watchful, satisfied gaze of Lord Lister, the architect of their liberation.
Synopsis
Though the weather outside was miserable, it had no effect upon the members within the pleasant room of the Astor Club. To pass the time merrily, a game of cards was proposed, and Lord Lister, a detective, arose from the table a lucky winner. Being naturally a close observer, his eyes fell upon an inscription on one of the dollar bills, "We are held prisoners by a Chinese gang at Cosia, near Sacramento. Send help." After discussing this appeal among his friends, he is determined to unravel the mystery and his friend, Charles Brand, consents to accompany him. On a vast farm in the small village of Cosia lives Mr. Wu Chung Foo, a rich Chinese merchant, of whom Lord Lister has often heard his friend, Gov. Morton, speak. Through him he secures a letter of introduction to the merchant, asking him to permit two close friends to have the use of his hunting grounds. The next day Lister and Brand start out on their journey, well prepared for all contingencies. At their destination they are met by Mr. Wu Chung Foo and escorted to his home. On the way Wu Chung, trying to make his guests uncomfortable, explains that his ground is the exact location where so many people have mysteriously disappeared. This does not set fear in Lord Lister but a firm resolve to carry out his plans. A peculiar stare in the eyes of the yellow man gives Lord Lister grounds for suspicion. At his home they are introduced to his adopted daughter Hattie, and not many words had passed between them before she cultivates a strong liking for Charles Brand. Wu Chung suspects that the purpose of their visit is to gain his secret. Not approving of their purpose, and of the friendship which has sprung up between Hattie and Charles, Wu Chung informs the agent of his subterranean city to capture the latter, and to set him to work in the mine as a slave. That night the detective decides to go one step further into the mystery and, disguising himself as a shadow, he ventures into the private room of the master of the house. Here he learns of the secret door built in one of the walls which leads to the solution of the enigma. As Wu Chung passes in, Lister follows, but his steps are halted by an iron gate to which he has no key. The next day while out riding, Hattie and Lister discover that Charles, who had ridden ahead, has mysteriously disappeared from his horse. To lessen the grief of Hattie, Lister acquaints her with the circumstances of which she had not the slightest knowledge. When the matter is explained to Wu Chung, he catches the accusing eye of Lister and decides to rid himself of his second burden. In a like manner as his friend, the detective is seized by an ape and carried into a cave through rocks. Horrified at her second discovery, Hattie determines to master the situation. She obtains possession of the key, and, with gun in hand, gains entrance to the subterranean city, where many white men are held as slaves and worked to death in her foster father's mine. Having presence of mind, she runs for the help of the soldiers. They arrive in time, capturing the criminals, and giving Wu Chung the just measures he deserves. Hattie is once more safe in the arms of her lover and the white men are freed, while Lord Lister, their liberator, having accomplished his purpose, happily looks on.
Review Excerpt
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Stepping back into the nascent days of cinematic storytelling, 'The Mysterious Mr. Wu Chung Foo' emerges as a fascinating artifact, a silent thriller that, despite its age, still possesses a certain audacious charm. It’s a narrative steeped in the conventions and curiosities of its era, painting a vivid, if sometimes problematic, tableau of mystery, daring escapades, and the unwavering pursuit of justice. For contemporary audiences, it offers more than just a plot; it's a window in..."
