“Shady business do not make for sunny life.” – Charlie Chan
As we continue our journey through the Charlie Chan film series our movie for this week’s edition of our Monday Evening Chat and film viewing will be “Black Magic” (also known as “Meeting at Midnight”). In tonight’s picture, starring Sidney Toler, we have, besides Charlie Chan, daughter, Frances (played by Frances Chan!) and Birmingham Brown (Mantan Moreland). Charlie Chan places himself in great danger to solve inexplicable murders, beginning with a killing committed during a séance attended by Frances Chan, herself, making her a suspect in the crime!
So, 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 through such outlets as YouTube, etc. HAPPY NEWS…this week’s film, “Black Magic”/”Meeting at Midnight,” IS available at YouTube! Here is the address:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1pjkh3Jsp4
FILM NOTES: The working titles of this film were “Murder Chamber” and “Charlie Chan in the Murder Chamber.” It was also reviewed as “Charlie Chan in Black Magic.” The film was later reissued as “Meeting at Midnight.” Although a ‘Hollywood Reporter’ news item lists Trevor Bardette in the cast, his participation in the completed film has not been confirmed.
NEXT WEEK: (August 18) we will be sharing “The Jade Mask” with Sidney Toler as Charlie Chan, Edwin Luke as Edward (Eddie) Chan, and Mantan Moreland as Birmingham Brown!
PLEASE NOTE: “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 (which will be our final film stop on this year’s Chan Film Tour), I can recommend a version which you will find available 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!
As always, please take care, have a pleasant Monday, and let’s all get together for an evening of celebration and of fun and sharing as we watch “Black Magic.”
