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Later, in London, scientist Professor Muller (Walter Rilla)
is kidnapped.
Fu isn't dead and is determined to obtain the secret of
distilling death from the Black Hill poppy, the formula that,
he believes has been given to the Professor by a Tibetan Lama.
To keep total control Fu kidnaps the scientist's daughter
Maria (Karin Dor), despite the best efforts of Sir Denis and
Maria's fiancée.
It becomes apparent that there is a missing portion for the
recipe of 'Universal Death" which is kept in a museum. Will
the ruthless Fu be thwarted?
The Face Of Fu Manchu is set about 1930; a very cunning ploy
because as a period piece it doesn't date and it keeps the
special effects budget low. After all, if it had been placed
in the sixties (when it was made) a poisonous gas bomb dropped
by hand from a propeller driven plane would have seemed a
little odd.
It's quite clearly an action adventure but how much of the
humour is intentional is not clear.
There is a scene where Fu takes to the airwaves and proclaims:
"Attention! Attention! This is Fu Manchu! Stand by for an
important message!" As a British - German co-production perhaps
it's an 'in' joke.
However the acting is good, in particular Nigel Green, with
the right degree of self-assurance as befits an upwardly mobile
career copper. Christopher Lee is a commanding and suitably
enigmatic Oriental villain.
Australian Director, Don Sharp, keeps the plot moving with
plenty of action and fast cutting. The quick pace overcomes
any defects that are there.
Overall, The Face Of Fu Manchu is an enjoyable, light movie.
Conclusion: 80% Extras: 20%.
Continued: DVD
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