Once Upon a Time in China and America

Set in the early 20th century, the story follows Wong Fei-hung as he leaves behind China with his partner 13th Aunt and their apprentice Clubfoot, heading toward San Francisco to visit another of Wong’s apprentices, Bucktooth So, who has opened a new branch of Po-chi-lam, Wong’s traditional Chinese medicine clinic, in the American port city. The journey through the wild countryside is lively at first, as they share a meal with a passing cowboy named Billy, who is nearly defeated by thirst. But danger lurks on the road: a hostile ambush by Native Americans shatters their caravan, and though Wong, 13th Aunt, and Clubfoot manage to escape, their carriage is wrecked. 13th Aunt and Clubfoot are later rescued and taken to Bucktooth So’s clinic, while Wong sustains a head injury that robs him of his memory. He is saved by a different Native American tribe, whose members bring him to safety as he struggles to recall who he is.

In San Francisco, the plot widens to domestic struggles and cultural tension. Billy works to stand up to a corrupt mayor who tries to impose discriminatory laws that hinder Chinese migrants. Simultaneously, the Native American tribe that sheltered Wong falls into trouble with a more powerful rival group, and the chief’s son, Fierce Eagle, is injured by the rival leader. The clash intensifies until Wong steps in to confront the rival tribe, defeating their leader and scattering half the force, sending the rival group into retreat. The unlikely hero makes his way toward the city, where he temporarily regains his memory, though the memories of his amnesia stay elusive.

Back in the political arena, the mayor’s financial troubles push him to hire a Mexican bandit to help rob a bank and frame Po-chi-lam for the crime, while he plans to flee with the loot. Wong and his companions are captured and sentenced to death by hanging, a grim twist that tests their loyalty and resolve. The truth begins to surface when the Bandit Leader, who has learned he was paid less than promised, returns to claim his due and exposes the mayor’s scheme. The ensuing confrontation settles the score, the bandit is subdued, and Po-chi-lam’s name is cleared once and for all. In the aftermath, Billy is elected the new mayor, and Wong, along with 13th Aunt and Clubfoot, returns to China, closing this chapter with a sense of renewal and continuity.

Last Updated: October 07, 2025 at 09:08