China Doll (1958)

No one could ladle out sentimental schmaltz more effectively-or successfully-than director Frank Borzage. China Doll was the blacklisted Borzage's first film effort in ten years. Victor Mature plays American air force officer Cliff Brandon, who while stationed in the orient in WW2 marries his Chinese housekeeper Shu-Jen (Lili Hua). She is subsequently killed in the war, whereupon Brandon leaves their baby with strangers before he goes off on a bombing mission. Fifteen years later, Brandon returns to China, hoping against hope to be reunited with his now-grown-up daughter. Ward Bond costars as cagey missionary Father Cairns, while other supporting roles are filled by singer Johnny Desmond, Olympic athlete Bob Mathias, and up-and-coming leading man Stuart Whitman. After China Doll, Frank Borzage directed one more film--The Big Fisherman--before bringing his 45-year movie career to a close.