While the TV show was a step or two down from the low-budgeted Monogram Pictures film productions, still, I have found these half-hour adventures to be interesting at times. There are a couple of surprizes when we see the Victor Sen Yung, the former Number Two Son, appear rather briefly in one show. Also, Philip Ahn, who was Charlie Chan's son-in-law in "Charlie Chan in Honolulu" and Captain Kong in "The Chinese Ring" is seen (in the same show, i believe). There are other memorable moments, and, in 39 shows, there is something of a variety. Also, the fact that Charlie Chan was portrayed by J. Carrol Naish, who played Tom Holt (alias Gangor) in "Charlie Chan at the Circus" opposite Warner Oland adds something of a mild "pedigree" to the television series, perhaps.
At times when watching this series, I can almost imagine an aged and thinner Charlie Chan still interested in investigating crime. James Hong, whom I have had the honor of meeting, plays, as he put it "Charlie Chan's last Number One Son." He is proud of that early role in his lengthy career, and, I must say that that, too, served to kindle my interest in the TV series.
I would humbly suggest that you might get some viewing pleasure out of the "New Adventures of Charlie Chan." At worst, it offers something of a glimpse at the lasting appeal of America's greatest detective. It also offers arguably the best Charlie Chan material since the final Monogram release in 1949.
Hello Rich. I wrote a note earlier, but I don't think that it sent properly. In it, I had said that I think it's wonderful that people are still interested in my Uncle's work. I am his namesake (or he, mine...?), so I take great Family pride in seeing the call for these old programs.
