Once Upon a Time in China and America

Wong Fei-hung, his romantic interest 13th Aunt, and apprentice Clubfoot depart China bound for America to visit Bucktooth So's new Po-chi-lam clinic in San Francisco. The journey takes place in the early 20th century and sets up the long road ahead for the group. Their departure marks the start of a cross-cultural adventure filled with danger and discovery.

While crossing the wilderness by carriage, they encounter Billy, a friendly cowboy who is nearly out of water and life. He joins the party, bringing a pragmatic, frontier spirit to their mission. His presence hints at the clash between civilization and the wild that will unfold.

Hostile Native Americans ambush the travelers, destroying their carriage. 13th Aunt and Clubfoot are rescued and taken toward Bucktooth So's clinic. Wong slams his head during the attack and begins to lose his memory.

Wong is saved by another Native American tribe and sheltered from the worst of his injuries. The rescue sets up a period of amnesia and new loyalties as the group continues their journey under different protection. Wong's memory begins to vanish from the traumatic event.

The group reaches San Francisco, where Billy tries to stop the corrupt mayor from imposing discriminatory laws against Chinese migrants. The mayor's schemes threaten the safety and dignity of Wong and his companions. The social tension adds another layer of danger to their already perilous journey.

The Native American tribe that saved Wong finds itself in trouble with a more powerful rival tribe. Fierce Eagle, the chief's son, is injured by the rival leader, heightening the stakes for everyone. The conflict underscores the fragile balance between tribes and newcomers.

Wong confronts the rival tribe and defeats their leader and a sizable portion of his warriors, forcing the rival tribe to retreat. The victory restores some order for Wong's allies and vindicates his abilities.

Wong makes his way to San Francisco with his companions and regains his memory, but he cannot remember the events of his amnesia. He continues with the group, unaware of the lost chapters of his past.

With the mayor in debt, he hires a Mexican bandit to rob the bank and frames Po-chi-lam for the crime to cover his tracks. The caper puts the clinic's name and the Chinese community at risk of retaliation and violence. The stakes rise as the truth begins to surface.

Wong and his companions are arrested and sentenced to death by hanging during the escalating crisis. They cling to hope as they await their fate.

The Mexican bandit discovers the mayor paid him less than promised and returns to claim the missing money, exposing the mayor's plot and the frame-up. This revelation shifts the balance of power and invites a reckoning.

In the ensuing fight, the mayor is killed and Wong captures the bandit, clearing Po-chi-lam's name once and for all. The truth comes to light and the clinic's reputation is restored.

Billy is elected the new mayor, signaling a fragile victory for reform. Wong, 13th Aunt, and Clubfoot bid farewell to San Francisco and return to China, closing their American chapter.