It came as a most agreeable surprise to discover (a) that the film is 100% talking; (b) that it has an engrossing, action-full, well-characterized story to tell; (c) that the acting – with the possible exception of Jack Oakie's turns (which are too small to worry about anyway) as a stuttering newsman – is thoroughly convincing from all concerned, particularly from Wallace Beery (who has a romantic role, would you believe, and handles it well!), Florence Vidor (seamlessly dubbed by Nella Walker), and Warner Oland; (d) that the fast-moving, atmospheric direction and photography are well up to the highest Wellman standards. Indeed, here is an unsung film noir that belongs in all the reference books and deserves a place in every noir fan's DVD library.
Review of Chinatown Nights
