The Vermilion Pencil (1922)
The Vermilion Pencil is a 1922 American silent drama film directed by Norman Dawn, and produced and distributed by Robertson–Cole. It is based on the eponymous 1908 novel by Homer Lea. The film stars Japanese actor Sessue Hayakawa in multiple roles, and white actors Ann May, Bessie Love, and Sidney Franklin, all in Asian roles. It is now a lost film.
Director: Norman Dawn
![]() |
Sessue Hayakawa as Tse Chan / The Unknown / Li Chan |
![]() |
Ann May as His Wife |
![]() |
Misao Seki as Pai Wang |
![]() |
Bessie Love as Hyacinth |
![]() |
Sidney Franklin as Fu Wong |
![]() |
Thomas Jefferson as Ho Ling |
![]() |
Tote Du Crow as The Jackal |
![]() |
Omar Whitehead as Ma Shue |
| Writing | Edwin Warren Juyol | Writer |
| Writing | Alice Catlin | Writer |
| Crew | Joseph A. Du Bray | Cinematography |
| Directing | Norman Dawn | Director |