Using his powerful hypnotic powers, Chandu rescues Nadji and carries her off to the South Seas. Unfortunately, Vindhyna has stowed away on Chandu's yacht undetected. Even more alarming, their destination is the secret island home of a notorious sect of cat worshippers, spelling doom for the princess.

The Return of Chandu is one of two features compiled from the serial Return of Chandu, notable for presenting Bela Lugosi as a hero and romantic lead. Lugosi is best remembered as Dracula, exuding a seductive aura of mystery that made him American film's most suave personification of pure evil.