As Charlie Chan was a complex, multifaceted character, there are multitudinous reasons that would go into his vast popularity. As you may have noted upon viewing the "extras" that are included with the movies, a number of reasons are given by a number of persons, including Yours Truly, in an attempt to account for Mr. Chan's adoration.
The "comfort" that one feels when watching a Charlie Chan film is mentioned, as is his personification of family values, as well as his unique personality which is a blend of intelligence, courtesy, generosity, bravery, and more. The inclusion of a son or other family members in the plots also adds to the allure of Chan films, I believe.
Charlie Chan was also the first Chinese hero to appear in our culture where, before his arrival on the scene, nearly all Chinese and other Asians were portrayed as nefarious villains. Earl Derr Biggers, the creator of Charlie Chan got it right: The American public, as well as the world in general, was hungry for a positive portrayal and Charlie Chan filled the void.
As Chan was the first, he was, by that fact alone, destined to be remembered. This fact, as well as his lasting popularity as an American icon, has also resulted in his becoming a target in recent times by special interest groups who thrive on cultural division. Sadly, they cannot, or will not, or don not want to see how Charlie Chan actually resulted in more unity and understanding among diverse cultural groups.
Charlie Chan has thrilled and delighted audiences for several generations now. The fact that the "Charlie Chan Collection, Volume One" is selling so well points with great accuracy to this Chan phenomenon. Why, even the "Charlie Chan Chanthology," which was relesed two years ago by MGM Home Entertainment, containing the first sis MONOGRAM Chans of the second phase of the series, continues to sell very well to this day! Like many wonderful things in our lives, the best often defy analysis. This, I feel, is also true of Charlie Chan.
I hope that you, and everyone who has the opportunity to view the material in this well-produced DVD collection will enjoy, and, in the end, come away with a better understanding and an even greater appreciation for Charlie Chan.
I had gathered from previous posts that you were on the new set -- that made it certain that i will be picking it this coming week.
Coincidentally, with the RIP of Aaron Spelling (i don't much doubt the headlines of his having been THE most successful TV producer EVER); he seems to be widely quoted as being often surprised by both his successes and failures.
So true. Yes, I feel the same as you, and probably many others do, regarding the little negatives that some reviewers have decided to add to their critiques of the "Charlie Chan Collection, Volume One." But, don't we see this in too much of the media these days, where a personal or group agenda sadly rears its ugly head at awkward times?
To illustrate the effect of this negative spin, which reached its zenith three years ago with the Fox Movie Channel debacle, I can relate a short story of what happened when I purchased two sets of the Chan DVDs yesterday at a local Costco. Both the checker and bagger noticed what I was buying, as this was the extent of the sale. As he placed the two sets into a bag, the bagger said something to the effect: "Ah, the 'good old days' when white people played Asians..." Of course I posed the rhetorical question that in 1931 who of Chinese or Asian decent could have played the role AND drawn an audience to watch the films? I reminded him, and he agreed, of course, that times were a bit different more than seven decdes ago.
Of course, there are many more such persons who have only heard the negative propaganda that has been spread by a few special interest groups and a seemingly eager media. However, as you mention, the good news is the vast number of persons who are snatching up the "Charlie Chan Collection," and who also continue to buy the "Charlie Chan Chanthology," released by MGM Home Entertainment TWO YEARS AGO.
(Rush, as always) I think that really nails it.
I can't help but think that 3~ years of hype may effectively be driving sales... both among cine-curious and fearful fans. For me, the biggest punch is that fears that Chan would move quietly into the dark are quelled... in no small part due to communities like this one that keep the potentials and excitement alive!
