FeatureComedy

Broke in China (1927): cast, story & where to watch

1927 · Film · ★ 5.5

Broke in China poster

Released in 1927, Broke in China is a comedy film directed by Edward F. Cline, running about 20 minutes.

What it’s about. Donald Drake, a deep sea gondolier ex soda jerk, arrives at the All Nation Cafe in Shanghai. The proprietor believes he's a penniless ne'er-do-well - which he is - but he unexpectedly comes into a small windfall. So the proprietor orders slightly rough around the edges Maud and Mollie, two of his American good time girls working their way around the world, to get him to spend all his money while there. As Donald ends up telling the two good time girls his life story - most specifically about the blonde he let slip through his fingers, she who was the love of his life - a few revelations and the errant coin he left at the roulette wheel betting table change his life.

Who’s in it. Broke in China stars Ben Turpin as Donald Drake, Louise Carver as Maud - the Saloon Girl, Alice Belcher as Mollie - the Saloon Girl and Ruth Taylor as Ruth - Donald's Sweetheart, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 5.5/10, Broke in China has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Broke in China page.

If you liked it. Fans of Broke in China tend to enjoy Forrest Gump, Parasite, Life Is Beautiful and Fight Club.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch Broke in China (1927)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for Broke in China change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is Broke in China worth watching?
Broke in China holds an audience score of 5.5 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy comedy. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
Who stars in Broke in China?
Broke in China stars Ben Turpin, Louise Carver, Alice Belcher, Ruth Taylor and Andy Clyde.
When was Broke in China released?
Broke in China was released in 1927, with a runtime of about 20 minutes.