“The Bitter Tea of General Yen,” directed by Frank Capra, is a striking 1933 love story featuring a Chinese warlord and a Christian missionary. Unlike Capra’s other classics like “It’s a Wonderful Life,” this film delves into themes of social relevance, religious cynicism, violence, and a taboo interracial romance. This unique narrative makes “The Bitter Tea of General Yen” a film ahead of its time.
THE STORY
The movie, based on Grace Zaring Stone’s 1930 novel, stars Barbara Stanwyck, Nils Asther, and Walter Connolly. It follows the story of Megan, a young American missionary engaged to a fellow missionary in Shanghai. When she joins him on a mission to rescue orphans during the Chinese Civil War, she’s separated from her fiancé and saved by the warlord, General Yen.
Much like a “Beauty and the Beast” tale, General Yen falls for Megan, who holds biases against Chinese culture and Eastern ideas. He invites her to dinner nightly while keeping her in luxurious captivity. Megan befriends Mah-Li, one of the General’s lovers facing execution for treason. Despite his dangerous aura, Megan starts to feel attracted to General Yen, who begins to prioritize her above all else. The question remains: will this complex love lead to his downfall, and will Megan acknowledge her feelings for him in time?
A SHOCKING LOVE STORY
This film is captivating, especially if you’re unfamiliar with pre-Code cinema. The differences from films made just a year later are striking. There’s a dream sequence where Megan imagines a passionate kiss with the General, portraying him as a seductive, vampiric figure. The film’s boldness is clear—featuring a Chinese man in love with a white Christian missionary and asking the audience to root for them was revolutionary and scandalous for its time.
A REFLECTION OF ITS TIME
While the film is groundbreaking, it’s not without its flaws, including racial insensitivities, such as Asther’s makeup and some uncomfortable dialogue. Despite these issues, the film carries a strange allure and positive messages.
FUN FACTS
“The Bitter Tea of General Yen” has an intriguing history. It was the first movie to premiere at Radio City Music Hall on January 6, 1933. Initially a commercial failure, it has since gained more critical acclaim. Barbara Stanwyck attributed the film’s poor reception to racism and was shocked by the negative audience response at the time.
ACTING AND PRODUCTION
This movie is not just about an unusual love story; it’s visually stunning, thanks to Capra’s artistic direction and photographic techniques. Despite a limited budget, the set designs, costumes, and war scenes are impressive. Stanwyck and Asther’s on-screen chemistry is mesmerizing.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
If you’re interested in the history of interracial romances in film, “The Bitter Tea of General Yen” is essential viewing. The performances by Barbara Stanwyck and Nils Asther are compelling, and Capra’s direction is superb. This film is truly ahead of its time, offering a shocking and fascinating love story.
Content Note: Though unrated, it would likely be PG-13 due to violence, disturbing images, and some sensual and adult themes.
Where to Watch: Available on DVD. It also airs occasionally on TCM, so keep an eye on their monthly schedule.
Have you seen “The Bitter Tea of General Yen”? Share your thoughts on this pioneering interracial romance from Frank Capra in the comments.
