Shadows (1922)

A dying Chinese man converts to Christianity in order to stop a friend from being blackmailed.

Director:

Tom Forman

Writers:

Wilbur Daniel Steele (story), Eve Unsell (adaptation),

Stars:

Lon Chaney, Marguerite De La Motte, Harrison Ford

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Lon Chaney	...	Yen Sin - 'The Heathen'
Marguerite De La Motte	...	Sympathy Gibbs
Harrison Ford	...	John Malden
John St. Polis	...	Nate Snow
Walter Long	...	Daniel Gibbs
Buddy Messinger	...	'Mr. Bad Boy'
Priscilla Bonner	...	Mary Brent
Frances Raymond	...	Emsy Nickerson

Storyline

Yen Sin, a humble Chinese, is washed ashore after a storm and finds himself an outsider in the deeply Christian fishing community of Urkey. Yen Sin elects to stay, despite his status as a despised 'heathen', only to reveal hypocrisy amid the self-righteous township.

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Plot Keywords:

outcast | minister | yellowface | lychee | betrayal | 

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Taglines:

Adapted From the Famous Prize Story 'CHING CHING CHINAMAN" (original poster)

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

Passed

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 November 1922 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Balboa, Newport Beach, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

B.P. Schulberg Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

70 min 90 min (Ontario)

Sound Mix:

Silent

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

In a title card, the minister says it's been "over a year" since he learned that Daniel was still alive on the day his daughter was born, yet in the final scene the baby is no bigger than she was at birth.

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Quotes

Nate Snow: Pray, or get out! We are all believers in Urkey. We want no hethens.

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Connections

Featured in Lon Chaney: A Thousand Faces (2000)

User Reviews

Timeless topic, Masterful acting by Chaney

This film doesn't land in the masterpiece category but it has all the essentials needed to make it entertaining and very worth watching. The story about love, spousal abuse,jealousy, cruel prejudice and extreme religious fervor are timeless ones which provide good roots for the plot to grow and branch out. Marguerite De La Motte's acting performance is just right with facial expression and gestures that convey their intent but are not overdone. I thought all the acting was pretty good but it is Lon Chaney who, of course, captures your heart and emotions with his portrayal of Yen Sin. His masterful skill is evidentas he maintains that hunched over posture throughout the film and makes you believe he is an old Chinese man with poignant expression while wearing considerably little make-up.

Yen Sin's character is one of depth. We are given insight to his kindness and selflessness on many occasions.His kindness to the little kitten (when he gives the kitten his new pillow and does without himself) is just one of many touching moments that give us an interest in this character which stays fervent until the film's end. I would recommend this film not only to Chaney fans, but to anyone who likes silents,as it is a picture with a moderate length, timeless topic, and great acting.