Mr. Wong (fictional detective)

Mr. Wong is a fictional Chinese-American detective created by Hugh Wiley. He was featured in a series of short stories published primarily in Collier's magazine in the 1930s. These stories were subsequently adapted into a series of B-movie films by Monogram Pictures, starring Boris Karloff as Mr. Wong, with Keye Luke taking over the role for one film after Karloff's departure.

Mr. Wong is typically portrayed as a sophisticated, educated, and resourceful detective, often consulted by the police on cases involving intricate puzzles or those with connections to the Chinese community. He uses his knowledge of both Eastern and Western cultures, along with his sharp intellect and deductive skills, to solve crimes. While a somewhat stereotypical character for the time, Mr. Wong was generally presented as intelligent and capable, distinguishing him from some other depictions of Asian characters in popular culture.

The Mr. Wong film series, despite their low budget and quick production schedules, offered a glimpse into the crime genre through a different cultural lens, albeit filtered through Hollywood's interpretation of Chinese culture. The films are now primarily of interest to fans of classic B-movies and those studying the historical representation of Asian characters in film. The films generally feature Mr. Wong investigating murders, often involving secret societies, international intrigue, or stolen artifacts. Recurring characters include his loyal houseboy/assistant, usually named either Willie or Tommy, and a sometimes skeptical, sometimes appreciative police detective who relies on Mr. Wong's expertise.