Incredibly sordid and horrifying re-make of the famous silent film directed by D.W. Griffith, adapted from a tale in Thomas Burke's 1916 short story collection, "Limehouse Nights". This time the director is John Brahm and the stars are Emlyn Williams in a greatly augmented role as the Chinaman, Dolly Haas as the horrifyingly mistreated young girl, and Arthur Margetson as the hideously sinister monster, Battling Burroughs. I'm amazed – but not surprised – that this unrelentingly sordid and exceptionally violent tale got past contemporary censors worldwide. I've always been utterly opposed to censorship not because I believe in an anything goes regime, but because censors worldwide are so incompetent. The all nations' green light given this ultra violent, expansively sordid remake of Broken Blossoms proves my point. Needless to say, it's always the movies you should avoid that seem to be readily available in really excellent prints, and this one can be obtained on an Alpha DVD.
Review of Broken Blossoms
