Anna May Wong: A Complete Guide to Her Film, Stage, Radio and Television Work

Anna May Wong, born in Los Angeles in 1905 to a traditional family that did not support her ambition, is the only Asian-American actress to have achieved stardom during Hollywood’s Golden Age. In her youth she went to hundreds of motion pictures and studied the actors. She remained single to avoid a conventional Chinese marriage that could endanger her career. With her beauty and grace, she gradually became the darling of the intelligentsia, inspiring poems, songs, and crowds of admirers in the British Isles, Europe, and China. During World War II, she toured the United States, New Zealand, and Australia for the benefit of the Chinese war relief. Leaving a legacy of some 60 film appearances, numerous stage and television shows, and several radio spots, Wong remains an outstanding role model for Asian-American performers.

This book covers Anna May Wong’s entire career through detailed filmographic entries, each containing critical commentary as well as standard cast and technical credits, synopses, and newspaper and magazine reviews. The separate sections detail Wong’s stage work and radio and television appearances. Information on Wong’s beginnings in Los Angeles and personal life is also provided.

Philip Leibfried is also the author of Rudyard Kipling and Sir Henry Rider Haggard on Screen (2000). He has written for Films in Review, Filmfax and Hollywood Review. He lives in New York City. Researcher Chei Mi Lane lives in St. Louis, Missouri.