China, 7th century. On their way to a provincial center Judge Dee and his three wives spend the night at a Taoist monastery. Soon the judge discovers that the secluded place holds a secret - the former abbot died of unnatural causes. After a number of mysterious events and more cases of murder Dee tracks down the true villain.
Production
Gorgeous monastery set built on Paramount backlot.
Acting
Khigh Dhiegh's commanding, quietly witty lead performance.
Costume
Authentic Tang dynasty robes and elaborate ceremonial dress.
Director
Jeremy Kagan
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Khigh Dhiegh was already famous as the villain in The Manchurian Candidate; this was his rare heroic lead.
Based on Robert van Gulik's novels, which introduced Western audiences to traditional Chinese detective fiction through a Dutch diplomat's scholarly obsession.
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