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IMDbPro

The Terror of the Tongs

  • 19611961
  • Not RatedNot Rated
  • 1h 16m
IMDb RATING
5.7/10
1K
YOUR RATING
The Terror of the Tongs (1961)
Official Trailer
Play trailer2:30
1 Video
37 Photos
  • Action
  • Adventure
In 1910, Hong Kong members of a secret Tong crime syndicate protect their identities by murdering the daughter of a British sea captain who vows revenge.In 1910, Hong Kong members of a secret Tong crime syndicate protect their identities by murdering the daughter of a British sea captain who vows revenge.In 1910, Hong Kong members of a secret Tong crime syndicate protect their identities by murdering the daughter of a British sea captain who vows revenge.
IMDb RATING
5.7/10
1K
YOUR RATING
  • Director
    • Anthony Bushell
  • Writer
    • Jimmy Sangster
  • Stars
    • Christopher Lee
    • Yvonne Monlaur
    • Geoffrey Toone
Top credits
  • Director
    • Anthony Bushell
  • Writer
    • Jimmy Sangster
  • Stars
    • Christopher Lee
    • Yvonne Monlaur
    • Geoffrey Toone
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 26User reviews
    • 28Critic reviews
  • See more at IMDbPro
  • Videos1

    The Terror of the Tongs
    Trailer 2:30
    The Terror of the Tongs

    Photos37

    The Stranglers of Bombay (1959)
    The Terror of the Tongs (1961)
    The Terror of the Tongs (1961)
    The Terror of the Tongs (1961)
    The Terror of the Tongs (1961)
    The Terror of the Tongs (1961)
    The Terror of the Tongs (1961)
    The Terror of the Tongs (1961)
    The Terror of the Tongs (1961)
    The Terror of the Tongs (1961)
    The Terror of the Tongs (1961)
    The Terror of the Tongs (1961)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Christopher Lee
    Christopher Lee
    • Chung Kingas Chung King
    Yvonne Monlaur
    Yvonne Monlaur
    • Leeas Lee
    Geoffrey Toone
    Geoffrey Toone
    • Capt. Jackson Saleas Capt. Jackson Sale
    Marne Maitland
    Marne Maitland
    • Beggaras Beggar
    Brian Worth
    • District Commissioner Harcourtas District Commissioner Harcourt
    Ewen Solon
    Ewen Solon
    • Tang How - Tong Leader's Aideas Tang How - Tong Leader's Aide
    Roger Delgado
    Roger Delgado
    • Tang Hao - Tong Enforceras Tang Hao - Tong Enforcer
    Richard Leech
    Richard Leech
    • Insp. Bob Deanas Insp. Bob Dean
    Charles Lloyd Pack
    • Dr. Fu Chao - Tong Memberas Dr. Fu Chao - Tong Member
    Marie Burke
    Marie Burke
    • Mayaas Maya
    Barbara Brown
    • Helena Saleas Helena Sale
    Burt Kwouk
    Burt Kwouk
    • Mr. Mingas Mr. Ming
    Julie Alexander
      Johnny Arlen
        June Barry
        • Tong Room Girlas Tong Room Girl
        • (uncredited)
        Mary Rose Barry
        • Tong Room Girlas Tong Room Girl
        • (uncredited)
        Audrey Burton
        • Tong Room Girlas Tong Room Girl
        • (uncredited)
        Ruth Calvert
        • Tong Room Girlas Tong Room Girl
        • (uncredited)
        • Director
          • Anthony Bushell
        • Writer
          • Jimmy Sangster
        • All cast & crew
        • See more cast details at IMDbPro

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        Storyline

        Edit

        Did you know

        Edit
        • Trivia
          Sir Christopher Lee reported to work on this movie after a vacation in Northern Italy with a deep tan, which was problematic for the Make-up Department, as his character was supposed to have very pale skin.
        • Goofs
          The film is set in 1910, but the knee length female costumes, revealingly slit to the hip, are strictly 1960 Suzie Wong.
        • Quotes

          The Tong Leader: Have you ever had your bones scraped, Captain? It is painful in the extreme I can assure you.

        • Crazy credits
          Opening credits prologue: HONG KONG - 1910

          A bustling, growing city - but hidden deep amongst its teeming thousands was an organisation that thrived on vice, terror and corruption- THE RED DRAGON TONG
        • Alternate versions
          The film suffered extensive BBFC cuts which removed shots of bloody bodies and a mutilated hand, and also heavily edited the infamous 'bone scraping' scene where Jackson Sale's chest is pricked with needles. A scene featuring Helena's fingers being severed with an axe was also re-edited, so it appears she passes out before the impact of the blade. All later releases have featured the same print and the uncut version may no longer survive.

        User reviews26

        Review
        Top review
        7/10
        Another wonderful villainous performance by Lee.
        Sir Christopher Lee warms up for his later Fu Manchu characterizations by playing an Asian villain here. He's Chung King, the leader of the deadly criminal organization The Red Dragon Tongs in early 20th century Hong Kong. The Tongs reign supreme, and seemingly can't be touched, not by the underwhelming local police force, anyway. However, they make their biggest mistake when, in the attempt to obtain an all-important scrap of paper, they murder Helena Sale (Barbara Brown), the daughter of sea captain Jackson Sale (Geoffrey Toone). He embarks on a one-man campaign for revenge, taking on The Tongs almost by himself.

        A good cast and a snappy pace make this fun. It's far from prime Hammer, but it is entertaining to watch. It's easy to feel uncomfortable in this day and age seeing so many obviously Caucasian actors and actresses playing Asians; unfortunately, it was a sign of the times. It is amusing to see the determined Toone take on all comers, assisted on occasion by a "beggar" (Marne Maitland) whose people are plotting an overthrow of The Tongs. Romance is also part of the mix as the young lady Lee (lovely Yvonne Monlaur, whose French accent remains intact), who's mixed up with The Tongs, falls for our stubborn hero.

        As usual, James Bernards' soundtrack is enjoyable, and the sets are evocatively designed. Director Anthony Bushell, himself a former actor, does a decent job; the action builds towards a brief but diverting mass confrontation between citizens and criminals. Lee is authoritative, with his deep, rich voice being perfect for an unflappable antagonist. Also very good are Maitland, Brian Worth as the district commissioner Harcourt, Roger Delgado as the primary henchman, Charles Lloyd Pack as the sinister assassin Dr. Fu Chao, and the briefly seen Burt Kwouk as the brave businessman Mr. Ming.

        Clocking in at 77 minutes, "The Terror of the Tongs" provides a modest diversion for Hammer fans.

        Seven out of 10.
        helpful•3
        0
        • Hey_Sweden
        • Aug 29, 2015

        Details

        Edit
        • Release date
          • March 15, 1961 (United States)
        • Country of origin
          • United Kingdom
        • Language
          • English
        • Also known as
          • Terror of the Hatchet Men
        • Filming locations
          • Bray Studios, Down Place, Oakley Green, Berkshire, England, UK
        • Production companies
          • Columbia Pictures Corporation
          • Hammer Films
          • Merlin Film Productions
        • See more company credits at IMDbPro

        Technical specs

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        • Runtime
          1 hour 16 minutes
        • Aspect ratio
          • 1.85 : 1

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