Fun mystery

Just watched this on a DVD that includes 2 other Chan mysteries, Jade Mask and Chinese Cat.
It's been a Looong Time since I even watched a CC flick, maybe 35 years, so I was looking forward to some nostalgic fun.
I was not disappointed, much.
The series looks good in this entry, the photography is suitably moody when necessary and sharp and bright when the mood is lighter.
Sidney Toler does a fine job as Chan and the supporting cast is good.
It was fun to see the heavy from a few 3 Stooges shorts, Gene Roth, playing of course, a heavy. With a face like that, what else would they cast him as?
Also adding to the visual enjoyment was Charlie's daughter, played by Marianne Quon, a beautiful Chinese-American actress.
She and Number 4 son Tommie are clueless and helpless as usual, and contribute little to moving the plot forward, but the comic relief is welcome.
Mantan Moreland is his usual buffoonish self, the act that made him a star.
Even at a running time of 66 minutes, this movie could have used some cutting; there is a completely superfluous scene of Charlie exiting his office, getting in a cab, exiting the cab, and greeting another agent before entering the house where the murder has occurred. All accompanied by intensely dramatic music courtesy of the studio library. I'm sure at one point the orchestra quotes "Yankee Doodle"!
Overall worthwhile as a fun hour or so of nostalgia.



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