Charlie Chan in Shanghai 1935

     This film is based on a novel by Earl Derr Biggers.  Upon returning to China, Charlie Chan is feted at a banquet in Shanghai for his many accomplishments.  Sir Stanley Woodland is a prominent official in the colony.  He confides to Charlie that there are some sinister activities going on.  He wants to pass the information on to Charlie as soon as they are alone.   When, Sir Stanley opens a box at the podium, a gun concealed in the box shoots him at close range?  The case for Charlie is to find out who killed Sir Stanley and what was the secret?   Col. Watkins, the police commissioner and G-Man James Andres offer to assist Charlie with his investigation.  Charlie’s son Lee is living in Shanghai and he will also help find clues. 

     There are twists and turns in this film.  You don’t know who is lying and who isn’t?  Is one of the characters an imposter or is it someone else?  There are a lot of philosophical statements such as talk cannot cook rice, silence best answer when uncertain, distance no hindrance to fond thoughts.  Warner Oland is not Oriental?  He was born Johan Verner Olund in the small village of Nyby in Bjurhold parish in the country of Vasterbotten, Sweden on October 3, 1879.  He was 56 years old in this film and he states in one scene that he is 60 years old?  3 ½* (I liked this movie) 

        

71 min, Crime directed by James Tinling with Warner Oland, Irene Hervey, Jon Hall, Russell Hicks, Keye Luke, Halliwell Hobbes, Frederick Vogeding, Neil Fitzgerald, Max Wagner.

Note:  Imdb 7.4 out of 10, Letterboxd 3.1* out of 5*, Amazon 4.4* out of 5* with 11 reviews.

Special Note:  Hallowell Hobbes plays Col. Watkins but he is listed in the closing credits as Chief of Police?  This is 12 of 47 Charlie Chan movies.  Charlie is playing with children on the ocean liner.  There is a dent in his hat, it disappears and re-appears?  Before Charlie leaves the liner, a warning note is slipped into the pocket of his suit.  The pocket has a flap and the jacket is herringbone tweed.  Later, he is wearing a different jacket with no flap and it’s not herringbone?  The note is in cursive writing and later when he shows the note the handwriting is totally different?