The Charlie Chan Family Message Board
Welcome to our Message Board. Please feel free to post your thoughts, questions, or information.
Rush, first I must say, that was quite a catch on your part! "You very clever. Like criminal in mystery novel, you seek subterfuge and throw out red herring to trap and distract this humble detective. I speak of course of the comic book entry you discuss profusely, but which has no bearing at all on real question", which is:
"How did the Chan aphorism from a 1932 novel, get into the 1931 movie?"
But now I must humbly bow to the real expert on Earl Derr Biggers, (and source of much of my information) Author Barbara Gregorich. Rather than search her awesome biographical, Charlie Chan's Pappa: Earl Derr Biggers (2018), I quickly reviewed the January/February 1999 edition of "Timeline," the publication of the Ohio Historical Society, and her then 18-page article, "Charlie Chan's Poppa, The Life of Earl Derr Biggers" (actually a precursor to her book.) I quote her below:
"He [Bigger's] completed publication for Charlie Chan Carries On in May 1930 for Autumn publication." She goes on to say that at this point Biggers was very much aware of his failing health:
"I am now in the dark valley before the long climb--I know I must do another one, and that is simply got to be at least as good as the last--and I'm perfectly sure I never can write a line of it."--Biggers
She goes on to write, "In November 1930, he suffered a severe heart attack. By January he was back at his office, but in March he had another attack."... "Now, Biggers had three masters to satisfy: The Post, Bobbs-Merrill, and Fox. The studio paid $5,000 merely to read the manuscript, and the Post paid a record $40,000 for the Story. Keeper of The Keys was published in 1932..."
From your site on the film: Production: December 26, 1930 to late January 14, 1931
Opened: Roxy, New York, N.Y., the week of March 20, 1931
So Biggers had obviously been writing (and rewriting) Keys after finishing "Carries On" in May of 1930 (who knows when he actually started it.) And either in late 1930 or early 1931, while Charlie Chan Carries On was in production, Fox was undoubtedly reading the manuscript for Keeper of The Keys; perhaps in parts or a first draft. And with Biggers ill health by now common knowledge (and having a pre-read on "Keys",) they decided to grab that aphorism fearing they may not see it (or others) if Biggers never finished. Another possibility, maybe since they were reading the draft of Keys they mistakenly put it into the film?
Anyway, that's my guess at it. You can read the article yourself in the Study: https://charliechan.org/study-earl-derr-biggers-eb012/
Also, I have it on good authority that is the only aphorism in the 1931 film Carries On borrowed from the 1932 novel Keys (my own.)
AH! Lou!
I knew you would be able to come through with a good explanation for this small, but intriguing issue! All that you mention makes great sense, and, in the process, we have learned more about Charlie Chan's Poppa." It's interesting how the proverbial needle from the haystack can lead, in this case, to a better understanding of the haystack!
"Insignificant molehill sometime more important than conspicuous mountain." (Charlie Chan in Egypt)
Your invitation for us to read (or in my case, to re-read) the article you mentioned from our Study is well-taken. It is a wonderful piece. I also encourage anyone who is not familiar with our Study to take a look. As more articles and information come to us (and I mean to any and all of us), this can be added to the Study.
Thank you, again, Lou!
Sincerely,
Rush
Rush, "slowly we proceed, we advance." Also, on another note I was ELATED to find that when you click on the download link to the "COMIC BOOKS"--they actually download the entire comic!
I know this is a new feature and I really thought it would just download a copy of the cover, so I never tried it. BUT IT'S THE ENTIRE MAGAZINE OR COMIC BOOK!
If you like/permit we can feature that down the road in one of my Postman's Posts, pointing to your site of course. However, we should definitely highlight it in the 2023 Annual Newsletter!
I'm constantly amazed at how much more operable the new site is and the additional features (large and small) you've made to the family museum! Hat's off to you for that.
"Life would be a dreary waste, if there was no thing called loyalty"
(The Chinese Parrot, 1928, Chapter 2)
Lou,
The more connection with your venerable blog the better! Please do create a link such as you mention!
It was Louise who originally added the comic books to the Comics section. There is a public domain site where she accessed them. She has access to some more examples and at some point it will be great to see them join the present comics collection. I think that included will be the six issues of "The New Adventures of Charlie Chan" put out by DC in 1958.
I agree that the current site is far superior to the old platform that served us for 20 years! I can still smell the fresh paint and carpets!
Take care...thank you...
Sincerely,
Rush
Rush and Lou, it is amazing, the information you guys dig up about the immortal Chan and his creator. You both wet my appetite to read more Charlie Chan comics. Also soon I will be rereading Keeper Of The Keys. I can't wait to read the aphorism for myself. You guys really enhance the joy I get from Charlie Chan. Thank you, so much.
A labor of love, sir...!
Regarding our SUNDAY comics, the current mystery focuses on the intrigue surrounding a baseball team and a gang with criminal intentions! Take a look!
Sincerely,
Rush
I will do that. Thank you, so much.
David, Aloha & Hau'oli Makahiki Hou (Happy New Year!) If memory serves, last year you were reading (or rereading) Keeper of the Keys...Biggers' final novel, correct? And I was re-visiting The Black Camel.
It is amazing the things one comes across when taking up these novels again and again. Matter of fact, this year I will reveal what some may consider a "stunning revelation!" However, I'm saving it for my August blog to celebrate Biggers' birthday! :thinking_face:
On Rush's recommendation, I did read "Charlie Chan's Luxury Cruise" (2022) by B. Allyn Clayton. While it won't stand up to the originals as a true pastiche, it was a fun read and a good story line.
Happy reading and good hearing from you David. Lou