In Southeast Asia, scar-faced animal hunter Lon Chaney (as Tiger Haynes) is very protective of "pretty as the poppies in the morning sun" daughter Lupe Velez (as Toyo), who is dating cute Lloyd Hughes (as Bobby Bailey). Mr. Chaney, who likes to play bullfighting games with Ms. Velez, grows to accept Mr. Hughes after he helps save Velez from a loose tiger. When all seems idyllic, seductive Estelle Taylor (as Madame de Sylva) arrives to heighten interest in sex and revenge among the men.
Directed by Tod Browning and top-billing Chaney, then the #2 "Box Office Star" according to the annual "Quigley Publications" exhibitors' poll, "Where East Is East" is nothing special; it features the expected Browning/Chaney formulaic moments, but they are mild when compared to some of the collaborators' other works. Despite some silly posturing and eye make-up, Ms. Taylor is most entertaining. She and Mr. Hughes are fun - and, watch out for Taylor's jealous lesbian attendant.
****** Where East Is East (5/4/29) Tod Browning ~ Lon Chaney, Lupe Velez, Estelle Taylor, Lloyd Hughes