Edwin gave a good performance in the Jade Mask, and its surprising he didn't return and apparently never acted again. Even more surprising is there is no mention from Keye Luke in Ken Hankes book or anywhere else for that matter. Nobody knows anything about him or what he did with the rest of his life before passing away in 1986, can anyone shed any light on this?
I am happy that you recognize the contribution of Edwin Luke, brother of Keye Luke, as you note, to the Charlie Chan series. I came across one possible mention of his brother by Keye Luke in a brief mention that related to his earlier, pre-Chan years. He didn't mention him by name, but, I have a feeling he was speaking of his brother regarding the advent of Charlie Chan in the 'Saturday Evening Post.' When asked by his brother why his interest in Chan, Keye Luke replied something to the effect that there was finally a Chinese hero.
I have had the honor of briefly meeting a number of the Luke family several years ago at a showing of a Charlie Chan movie at a small theater in El Segundo, California. I had hoped that I would have further opportunities to pose a few questions in the future, but this has yet to materilaize. I, too, would like to learn more about Edwin Luke, who lived and passed away in my own city of San Diego. His family still resides here, and I hope, through some means, to meet one or more family members one day and gather a little more information.
Edwin Luke appeared in one other film, "Singapore," in 1947. It seems that he also made an appearance in "The Whistler" television show, probably from the very early 1950s. Still, a very short acting career.
Wow that must have been something to meet them Rush. If you could, you might want to consider doing an interview with them for a publication. I bet Classic Images or Filmfax or one of the many other types would be willing to publish it. Thanks much for the info!
Rush I put in one of my old serial discs the other night "Secret Agent X-9", the 1945 version. Benson Fong has a short role at the beginning but Keye Luke has a major role. In the first 3 minutes of the show, Benson Fong is in the laboratory and the young man playing his assistant sure looks like Edwin Luke. I looked very hard at this young man and I am almost sure it is Edwin
There is an Eddie Luke shown in the cast list as un-named and uncredited. I am wondering if anyone else has looked at this movie and maybe came to the same conclusion as I have. I will sit back and watch for some input from some of you honorable and very able people on this site.
You might be correct! I will need to rent this serial and see what I can see. The "Eddie Luke" reference could be a clincher. I checked that name at IMDb and see that there are 10 films listed, including "Secret Agent X-9." They all fit chronologically, and you may have made something of a discovery, here! Thank you. Let's see what we can find...
Good guess Mike, but the lab assistant in Chapters 1-3 is NOT Edwin Luke. The part of Kichi, the lab assistant to Benson Fong's character, is played by actor Leon Lontoc.
Please remember that Keye Luke was a prominent actor at Universal in 1945. He had played Kato in two Green Hornet serials in the early 1940s. Attention should not be taken away from Mr. Luke, even by his brother. Most likely Edwin Luke/Eddie Luke is an extra in the background during some crowd scenes. All actors with spoken lines are credited at the IMDb website.
In Chapter One, look very carefully at the Asian actors in the background during the fight scene inside the House of Shadows. Look at the Asian actor standing behind Nabura. He is there during the medium shots, but is missing during the wide shots. This may be Edwin Luke/Eddie Luke.
Also, look at the Asian actors playing the Japanese soldiers in the submarine.
Most importantly, listen to the voices of the actors. Please remember that Edwin Luke played a young son of Charlie Chan. His voice was youthful.
I did like seeing that Keye Luke had a brother to lend a hand to pop in the series. It would have been nice to have seen Edwin also do something with Warner Oland, but that didn't come about.