The Flame of Love
| Industry | Film production |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Elstree , United Kingdom |
| Products | Films |
The Flame of Love (known as The Road to Dishonour in the UK and Hai-Tang) is a 1930 British drama film that explores a romantic relationship between a Chinese actress and an officer in the Imperial Russian army. Directed by Richard Eichberg and Walter Summers, the film features performances by Anna May Wong and John Longden. It was produced at Elstree Studios under the banner of British International Pictures, with art direction by Clarence Elder (credited as C. Elder), Willi Herrmann (credited as W. A. Hermann), and Werner Schlichting (uncredited).
This production represents the first sound film collaboration between Eichberg and Wong, following their earlier work together on Song (1928) and Pavement Butterfly (1929).
Multiple-language versions
Reflecting early sound cinema practices prior to the widespread use of dubbing, the movie was created in several language versions featuring distinct casts to appeal to audiences in European and colonial regions such as Mozambique, Australia, and South Africa. Anna May Wong starred as the lead female character across all three adaptations, marking her debut in a leading role within a talkie. Walter Summers co-directed and co-authored the English script alongside Eichberg.
In addition to the English version, separate German (Hai-Tang: Der Weg zur Schande) and French (Le Chemin du déshonneur, also titled L’Amour, maître des choses) editions were produced with different supporting actors; however, Wong reprised her role in each language. Collectively, these three versions are often identified under the title Hai-Tang.
Plot
Hai-Tang, a celebrated performer with the Chinese Troupe, is romantically involved with Lieutenant Boris Borissoff, who serves as an adjutant to the Grand Duke. Yvette, the Colonel’s mistress and star attraction at the Orpheum club, cautions Boris against associating with Hai-Tang to safeguard his military career, but he ignores her advice.
During a farewell banquet for the Grand Duke, Hai-Tang delivers a performance. The Grand Duke expresses his desire for her and commands Boris to ensure she accompanies him for dinner at the Orpheum at 1 a.m. Though hesitant, Hai-Tang consents to prevent Boris from defying orders. Once inside the club, all patrons except those in the Grand Duke’s retinue are dismissed. Boris stands guard outside while the Grand Duke attempts to assault Hai-Tang; her brother Wang-Hu intervenes by shooting and injuring him.
Wang-Hu faces a death sentence as a result. Boris appeals for clemency, but the Grand Duke signs off on the execution scheduled for dawn. Boris tries to enlist his officer friend Theodore Alexandroff to facilitate Wang-Hu’s escape; however, Theodore’s unexpected reassignment thwarts this plan.
Hai-Tang pleads directly with the Grand Duke to spare her brother’s life, offering herself in exchange. The Grand Duke consents and signs a reprieve intended for delivery to the Colonel.
Boris searches for Hai-Tang at the Grand Duke’s residence; she begs him not to reveal her presence. The Grand Duke asserts possession over her while Boris is denied entry.
Meanwhile, an intoxicated Colonel sleeps as his orderly presents Yvette with Wang-Hu’s pardon; she declines to rouse him. The Colonel awakens just in time to prevent Wang-Hu’s execution.
Returning home shamed and despondent, Hai-Tang is found by Boris who, unaware of her sacrifice, claims responsibility for securing her brother’s freedom. She expresses gratitude and reaffirms her love before succumbing to poison in his arms.
Cast
- Anna May Wong portraying Hai-Tang, the Leading Star of the Chinese Troupe
- Georg H. Schnell as The Grand Duke, Governor-General
- John Longden in the role of Lieutenant Boris Borissoff, Adjutant to the Grand Duke
- Percy Standing playing Colonel Moravjev, Commandant
- Mona Goya as Yvette
- Fred Schwartz (credited as Schwarz) in the role of Birnbaum
- Ley On (credited as J. Leyon) portraying Wang-Hu, Hai-Tang's brother
Reception
The French cinema publication Cinémonde lauded Wong for her "astonishing performance" and described her portrayal as both "unusually genuine and captivating." Following the film's debut, German film magazines prominently featured her image on their covers. Despite high praise for Wong’s trilingual acting, all three versions of the movie were met with unfavorable critiques. A review from Variety deemed the film inappropriate for American viewers, highlighting Wong’s "flat American" accent as incongruent with the setting and labeling the production a "complete misstep." Authorities in Budapest prohibited the film due to its depiction of a sexual relationship between the Grand Duke and Hai-Tang. The New York Times observed that while the silent edition enhanced by musical accompaniment might have effectively conveyed the tragic narrative, the awkward dialogue within the sound version detracted from the overall quality and diminished Wong's "haunting Oriental beauty."