Racketeer Steve Recka, art patron and political power-maker, rules his town and Madame Lan Ying, his beautiful friend and hostess (read:mistress), with an iron hand. He meets Margaret Van Kase, a socialite not impressed by his power nor his wealth, having no money herself, and Steve makes frantic efforts to win her and turns away from the loyal Lin Yang.
Anna May Wong
as Madame Lan Ying
Akim Tamiroff
as Stephen Recka
Gail Patrick
as Margaret Van Kase
Lloyd Nolan
as Inspector Brandon
Roscoe Karns
as Duncan
Porter Hall
as Mayor Bradley
Anthony Quinn
as Nicolai Kusoff
Harvey Stephens
as Philip Easton
Barlowe Borland
as Butler
Hedda Hopper
as Mrs. Carson