East meets west when Chinese made-up Norma Talmadge (as San San) falls in love with visiting United States consulate Thomas Meighan (as John Worden). Mr. Meighan is the answer to her prayer, "Oh, Buddha, please send love-man here to give me million sweet kisses." Their "forbidden" union produces an interracially grown-up Ms. Talmadge (as Toy), who falls in love with another American, Reed Hamilton (as Philip Halbert). But, Talmadge's dark past threatens their relationship, as Mr. Hamilton's surprisingly prejudiced guardian refuses to bless the union.
Despite featuring two of the biggest stars of the silent era, Talmadge and Meighan, and a very capable director, Sidney Franklin, "The Forbidden City" fails to make too much of an impression. The locales and sets are nice, especially during the early scenes. The moon is an appropriate eternal image. Talmadge's prayer to Buddha, and declaration "I American - I no need ancestors!" make the film more amusing than dramatic.
***** The Forbidden City (10/6/18) Sidney Franklin ~ Norma Talmadge, Thomas Meighan, Reed Hamilton