Defying the Law on AllMovie

This odd program drama seemed out of pace with the Roaring Twenties, and is only redeemed by its excellent cast. The Southern California coast made an adequate backdrop for the story, which was supposed to take place in San Francisco. Michelo Bresca (Josef Swickard), an old Italian-American man, has grown discouraged with life. In great despair, he throws his daughter, Lucia (Renée Adorée), into the sea, and plans to do the same with himself. Lucia is saved when she falls into a fisherman's boat, but is kidnapped by Francisco (Buddy Post) and taken to the headquarters of Dr. Chong Foo (James B. Leong), who smuggles illegal Chinese immigrants into the U.S. Foo's partner is artist Pietro Savori (Lew Cody), who uses his studio as a front. The men all fight each other for Lucia's favors, and Dr. Foo murders Savori. But Luigi Bevani (Dick Sutherland) rescues Lucia and returns her to Guido, her sweetheart.