Face Of Fu Manchu [DVD] [1965] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]

I have always liked the Fu Manchu films. They are an enjoyable series of films and are very easy to watch. This is certainly the best of the series. Nigel Green plays Nayland Smith, the Scotland Yard Commisioner and Fu Manchu's greatest enemy. Regrettably Green only played the part in the first film and was then replaced by Douglas Wilmer (sadly as Green was far superior).

A good film but a purchase for the dedicated fan only.

So far only available on VHS in Region 1, I picked up the Region 2 DVD release of `Face of Fu Manchu' recently and blessed my region-free DVD player for every wonderful fun-filled moment of this enjoyable fantasy romp.
Based on the character originally envisioned by British author Sax Rohmer, Christopher Lee made a total of five appearances in the 1960s as arch villain Fu Manchu. This entry (the first in the series) is by far the best, closely followed by the second `Brides of Fu Manchu' (another Region 2 only DVD release).
What makes this entry so enjoyable is the wonderful Nigel Green as Fu Manchu's greatest nemesis - Nayland Smith of Scotland Yard. In fact it is in the opening minutes of this movie that we see Smith invited by the Chinese government to witness the execution of Fu Manchu.
Fast forward a couple of months and Smith is sturdy in his belief that Fu Manchu survived and is behind a series of grisly crimes in western Europe. Then when a professors servant is found murdered in the same manner in which Fu Manchu's followers had practiced, Smith becomes even more convinced that he is up against the evil genius.
Through a series of machinations Smith learns that the professor has been kidnapped by Fu Manchu and is being forced to make a toxin that could wipe out most of the western world. Of course (in a plot device also used in the following `Brides of Fu Manchu') the professors daughter has also been captured and is being used to comply the professor to complete his task.
Directed with skill by Don Sharp this movie is fast-paced enough to overlook the plot holes and colorful enough to keep the fun factor umpped up to the ultimate degree. It's a visual feast and the movie is also helped by a tight script and some well drawn characters. I grew up watching these movies on British television and my memories did not disappoint me.
Also notable is the inclusion of one-time Bond girl Karin (You Only Live Twice) Dor ho turns in a strong performance as the professors daughter.
This is an ultimate Saturday afternoon movie to be watched relaxed in a recliner with a bag of popcorn in one hand and a soda in the other, all the while reveling in every outlandish moment.

This is very much a boy's own adventure but stands up as an exciting all action movie, the car chase is particularly good. Apart from Chris Lee, it has the superb Nigel Green as Neyland Smith, one of our great British stalwarts. It's a shame he didn't do the rest of the series as he brought a dignified quality to the role. It's an even bigger tragedy that he only had another seven years to entertain us.