The legendary Peacock Fan is said to be cursed, bringing betrayal and death to its owners since its origin in the mystical Orient. Nevertheless, wealthy American collector Carlton Rossmore pays a fortune to purchase the fan when it appears on the market. Within days, the businessman is found murdered in his study. Police Sergeant O'Brien is befuddled by the half dozen likely suspects he detains at the scene of the crime. In walks a mysterious monocled stranger, who introduces himself as Dr. Chang Dorfman and announces to Officer O'Brien that henceforth, he alone will take complete charge of the homicide investigation!
Tom O'Brien, who plays the dull-witted detective in The Peacock Fan, is best remembered for Square Deal Sanderson (1919), The Big Parade (1925), and Moby Dick (1930). Dorothy Dwan played a variety of leading roles throughout the 1920s most notably The Wizard Of Oz (1925) The Great K&A Train Robbery (1926) and The Fighting Legion (1930). Lucien Prival, whose resemblance to Erich Von Stroheim often won him roles as the nefarious Hun, had a busy three-decade career which began in the mid 1920s. He is best remembered for Hell's Angels (1930), The Bride of Frankenstein (1935) and Mr. Wong, Detective (1938).