Charlie Chan in Panama

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Ted B 3.5 stars; A good Charlie Chan pre-WWII mystery. Even though the U.S. was not engaged in the war in 1940, there were numerous films portraying enemies working against us. This film falls into that category. It is a well-done mystery with plenty of international intrigue as the American Fleet is scheduled through the Panama Canal. There is good chemistry between Sidney Toler (Charlie Chan) and Victor Sen Yung (son Jimmy Chan) in working the case together. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/06/25 Full Review Russ G There's a major conflict going on and our oriental sleuth and Number Two Son are in Panama; it's not exactly a spoiler to tell you that the caper has something to do with Teddy's Ditch and US Navy battlewagons. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 02/27/25 Full Review Audience Member In Panama, walls equipped with eyes as well as ears--Honolulu sleuth called upon to serve America!! Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/22/23 Full Review Audience Member 1.5: Hmm. I was prompted to watch these by an article in The New Yorker that I read a year or two ago. I wasn't expecting them to be outstanding, but I was expecting something better than this. I have now seen essentially every Charlie Chan film, or at least all that were made between 1931 and 1947 (29 films). What struck me most is that these really have more in common with a television show than a feature film. Each film is essentially the same except for the "location." I guess it makes sense as they serve essentially the same purpose. One can essentially watch every film on auto-pilot comfortable in the knowledge that one knows exactly which characters will pop up and that everything will be satisfactorily resolved in the end. They are "C" picture at best. Sidney Toler is pretty good; Warner Toland is somewhat acceptable; and the other two one picture no-names are either inconsequential or awful. It is rather ludicrous that they didn't allow an actual Asian actor to play the role, but the portrayal of African-American's is much more heinous. They certainly pale in comparison to just about every other detective picture/TV series I've ever seen. None of the films rate an individual review so this will have to suffice for all 29. Rated 1.5/5 Stars •  Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 02/14/23 Full Review Audience Member Exceptional Charlie Chan mystery, certainly one of the best in the series. It's suspenseful and very well written. Great cast, especially Sidney Toler and Victor Sen Young. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/18/23 Full Review Audience Member Exceptional Charlie Chan mystery, certainly one of the best in the series. It's suspenseful and very well written. Great cast, especially Sidney Toler and Victor Sen Young. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/30/23 Full Review Read all reviews

Charlie Chan in Panama

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