Episode 192 - Toll Of The Sea

"The Toll of the Sea" from 1922 is the first lead role for Anna May Wong who was 17 and the second feature movie to use Technicolor film. Director Chester M. Franklin presents the tragic love of Lotus Flower played by Ms. Wong for Allen Carver an American played by Kenneth Harlan. Because of their love for each other they marry "Chinese fashion". Mr. Carver promises to take her to the United States. Lotus Flower's friends warn her that he will never take her to America. As predicted Mr. Carver leaves China without her and she subsequently gives birth to a baby boy. Some time later Mr. Carver returns to China and is now married to Elsie Carver played by Beatrice Bentley. Elsie agrees to take the boy from Lotus Flower so he can go to the United States with Elsie and Allen. The film was popular and perpetuated an Asian stereotype.