Critics in 1928 often commented on the near-oriental facial features of popular screen comedian Johnny Hines (political correctness wasn't a consideration back then), so few were surprised when Hines turned up in the 8-reel comedy Chinatown Charlie. The star plays a likeable pickpocket who happens to stumble onto a white slavery ring while plying his trade in Chinatown. Hines tries to inform the police, but they never believed him before, so why should they believe him now? Thus, it is up to Hines to rescue heroine Louise Lorraine from the clutches of murderous Mandarin (Sojin, who, by the way, was a Japanese actor). As a bonus, he also recovers a valuable ring, which cinches the future financial security of hero and heroine. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi