Re: Charlie Chan At His Best: As A Solo Act, Or With A Partner?
MM, I agree the "shine" comes from the interaction between characters, especially, if they are assisting as a novice. This gives them a chance to point out to us just how smart and clever our hero is in their investigating.
Thinking further, I really couldn't come up with too many sleuths who work alone; however, Phillip Marlowe and Nick Charles come to mind--at least in solving the crime on alone. Still, we don't understand their nature or personality until they interact with others.
Re: Charlie Chan At His Best: As A Solo Act, Or With A Partner?
In the Mr. Moto movie series (8 films starring Peter Lorre and 1 film starring Henry Silva), Mr. Moto does not have a regular partner, although he is assisted by other characters in some of the films. This plot element makes Moto more mysterious than some of the other detectives, because the viewer is not always sure for whom Moto is working.
Re: Charlie Chan At His Best: As A Solo Act, Or With A Partner?
John, I'd forgotten Mr. Moto; ironic because I just reread the first novel this past holiday "Your turn Mr. Moto." He's probably the loneliest detective (or should I say spy :eye: ) in town. And so unusual as he's on the other team trying to thwart America and her allies efforts. Yet we become endeared to him and sympathetic to his plight...and usually he to ours. Good one!
