Log in / Sign up
 
    Share this page

    The Bitter Tea of General Yen

    Poster of the movie The Bitter Tea of General Yen
    1933     War drama    
    USA
    1h 28min
    Original lang: English, Mandarin, French

    Megan Davis (Barbara Stanwyck) arrives in China to marry her missionary fiancé (Gavin Gordon). The Chinese Civil War interrupts their wedding plans, and the couple is separated while trying to save endangered orphans. Chinese warlord General Yen (Nils Asther) rescues Davis after she faints but subsequently holds her captive, persistently attempting to seduce her. Surprisingly, though, Davis becomes attracted to Yen and develops a sympathy for his embattled position. Pulled from release in its time due to the interracial relationship at its core, BITTER TEA was later attacked for its "orientalism" on account of the casting of a white actor as the Chinese general. Viewed in retrospect, it's a crucial benchmark in Capra's early creative output.

    Directed byFrank Capra
    Written byGrace Zaring Stone, Edward E. Paramore Jr.
    CompanyColumbia PicturesColumbia PicturesColumbia Pictures

    Starring

    Barbara Stanwyck
    Nils Asther
    + MORE

    Photos

    Photo from the movie The Bitter Tea of General Yen
    Photo from the movie The Bitter Tea of General Yen
    Photo from the movie The Bitter Tea of General Yen
    Photo from the movie The Bitter Tea of General Yen

    © Columbia PicturesColumbia PicturesColumbia Pictures