The Bitter Tea of General Yen

Megan Davis (Barbara Stanwyck) arrives in China to marry her missionary fiancé (Gavin Gordon). The Chinese Civil War interrupts their wedding plans, and the couple is separated while trying to save endangered orphans. Chinese warlord General Yen (Nils Asther) rescues Davis after she faints but subsequently holds her captive, persistently attempting to seduce her. Surprisingly, though, Davis becomes attracted to Yen and develops a sympathy for his embattled position. Pulled from release in its time due to the interracial relationship at its core, BITTER TEA was later attacked for its "orientalism" on account of the casting of a white actor as the Chinese general. Viewed in retrospect, it's a crucial benchmark in Capra's early creative output.