Re: Who was involved in the murder in "Charlie Chan's Secret"?
Yes, Lou, Mrs. Lowell did, indeed refuse to press charges against Professor Bowan and Carlotta, but the charge she didn't wish to press would have been the fraud they (actually professor Bowan) committed with regard to her money. She would not be able to not press any charges relating to a murder or assisting a murderer.
As is sadly the case today as it was back in 1936, some of those with "prestige and power" could sometimes get away with some pretty bad crimes. (However, today, in our age of escalating media- and culture-driven emotion, that equation might be a bit more complex.)
Now, as to my guess as to who, besides Professor Bowan (Carlotta seems to have been "in the dark"), Ulrich comes to mind as a possible "helper" and was conceivably the person who held up the body of Allen Colby on the stairway during the seance, letting it fall at the right moment. He did have a motive of hatred toward Colby. Someone not present at the seance HAD to be the one who participated in that sequence.
This has always been a missing piece of the puzzle of the murder of Allen Colby.
Re: Who was involved in the murder in "Charlie Chan's Secret"?
Dear Rush, you bring up a good point. It does NOT seem at all explained. However, didn't "Fred"(Edward Trevor) say he knew the place well and it was a web of catacombs, or something similar? I think the inference is that he left during the séance, entered the secret room from behind, and let loose Colby's body at the right moment...since he was the murderer.
However, I see your point, what about the hidden lamp and rubbing quinine water on the dead man's face? Did he do that or did Professor Bowen along with setting the false séance music? That would make the Professor an accomplice. Unless we're to believe that "Fred" did that, too?
Perhaps we can cue this till next March and put it in your weekly email? It's will certainly make viewing "Secret" all the more interesting. Lots of disparities there, but still this is one of my favorite Chan films!
Re: Who was involved in the murder in "Charlie Chan's Secret"?
Dear Lou,
Yes, this will give us something to think about until next year when we share "Charlie Chan's Secret" again! We will all be invited to watch for all clues as to the identity of the person or persons assisting the killer in the plot to eliminate Allen Colby!
