Java Head is a 1934 British historical drama film directed by J. Walter Ruben and an uncredited Thorold Dickinson.

[Note 1] His elder, land-based son William runs the company day-to-day, and wants to upgrade the fleet from slow sailing ships to fast clippers and steamships, and to carry contraband, all against his father’s wishes.

Gerrit leaves on a commercial voyage and spends a year sailing round the world, taking weeks longer than other ships.

[Note 2] The Ammidon family are shocked and the conservative local townspeople are scandalised, exchanging gossip about Gerrit returning with “a heathen Chinese!

From China!” Churchgoers look on aghast when she attends Sunday service in traditional Chinese dress, although the vicar is more welcoming and explains he has studied the teachings of Confucius.

Although the Ammidons are initially as hostile as their friends and neighbours, the women in the family warm to Taou Yuen’s grace and nobility.

However, the behaviour of Nettie’s uncle Edward (who lusts after Taou Yuen) implies that Chinese culture is a kind of drug, similar to opium, which inflames the senses and stirs unnatural desires.

The film’s greatest failing is that after sympathising with Taou Yuen’s position and emphasising her compassion, nobility and spirit, she inexplicably changes to become a caricatured Dragon Lady when she tries to murder Nettie.