Tonight's Monday Evening Chat/Film Viewing: "Charlie Chan at Monte Carlo"
“Illustrious ancestor once say, ‘Destination never reached by turning back on same.’” –
Charlie Chan
Charlie Chan and Number One Son, Lee are on their way to an art exhibition in Paris where the younger Chan is a participant. Stopping at Monte Carlo for a supposedly very brief stay as guests of Chief of Police of Monte Carlo, Jules Joubert, father and son, as we have come to expect, become involved in a murder case – however, they must first clear themselves as suspects!
Please join us in our Chat Room which is located at our Charlie Chan Family Home: www.charliechan.info, and use any of the “Chat Room” links to join us. We begin with arrivals and greetings at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, and we roll our personal copies of our film exactly 15 minutes later (8:15).
Even if you cannot access a copy of the above-noted film, please do join us anyway, as you will NOT be left out of our ongoing chat and festivities. Also, as is our custom, newcomers are offered the seat of honor at our humble table. Many of our films, such as this week’s entry, may be found available for viewing online through such outlets as YouTube, etc. HAPPY NEWS…this week’s film, “Charlie Chan at Monte Carlo,” IS available at YouTube! Here is the address:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zai5vEiReGw
FILM NOTES: “Charlie Chan at Monte Carlo” was Warner Oland's last film. Oland began “Charlie Chan at the Ringside” in January of 1938, but the production was halted when the actor walked off the set on the 17th of that month. According to news items, there was a dispute between Oland and the studio. For the record, Warner Oland’s final words as Charlie Chan were, “Merci, so much – Goodbye…” And, his goodbye wave at the end is sadly appropriate…
NEXT WEEK (April 28) we will be sharing “Mr. Moto’s Gamble” starring Peter Lorre as Mr. Moto and featuring Keye Luke as Lee Chan in the completed film that began shooting with Warner Oland as “Charlie Chan at the Ringside.”
WARNER OLAND SCRAP BOOK: It was through great good fortune for me to come across a very meticulously accumulated collection of newspaper and magazine articles and trade paper items dating from 1916 until 1932, all housed within an old scrap book. This was compiled by someone who was EXTREMELY devoted to Warner Oland; a family member, perhaps? Presently, I am beginning the very lengthy process of scanning each page, as well as loose items that were placed between pages. Eventually this item will be on view in its entirety at our Charlie Chan family Home for all to see and enjoy. This project continues to move forward. Progress slowly moves forward toward eventual placement at www.charliechan.info.
“THE RETURN OF CHARLIE CHAN” ON DVD: If you are interested in purchasing a clear, clean copy of “The Return of Charlie Chan” (Universal – 1971) a made-for-TV movie starring Ross Martin as Charlie Chan, I can recommend a version which you will find at: http://www.ioffer.com/i/the-return-of-charlie-chan-ross-martin-dvd-504052734. It lists for $14.99 which includes postage/handling. However, you may make a lower offer!
AND… Please check out the new comic series, “Chinatown Cop,” based on the life of HPD Detective Chang Apana at: www.chinatowncop.com.
Please take care, have a pleasant Monday, and let’s all get together for another Chan-filled evening of fun and sharing as we watch “Charlie Chan at Monte Carlo.”
