As we enter the month of March, our tour through the entire Charlie Chan film series has arrived at “Charlie Chan in Shanghai,” which stars warner Oland and features the return of Number One Son, Lee, in the person of Keye Luke. Charlie Chan and son take on one of the most dangerous cases in the detective’s lengthy career as they do battle against an international drug cartel which will stop at nothing to protect their sordid empire!

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 in Shanghai,” IS available at YouTube! Here is the address: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpxsot658IQ

FILM NOTES: Although the character played by Frederik Vogeding is listed as "Burke" in the onscreen credits, he is called "Ivan Marloff" throughout the dialog of the film. Look for two “in-jokes” in this film. The first is heard when Charlie Chan sings the “Song of Princess Ming Lo Fu” to the group of children aboard ship as Chan mentions “the Emperor Emperor Fu Manchu.” Warner Oland had played the villainous Fu Manchu previous to his Charlie Chan days. We next hear Mr. Chan ask son, Lee, if he’s been busy “selling oil for the lamps of China.” Keye Luke had, by the filming of “Charlie Chan in Shanghai,” recently completed a film titled “Oil for the Lamps of China.”

NEXT WEEK (March 10) we will be sharing “Charlie Chan’s Secret.”

“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!

A NEW CHARLIE CHAN BOOK: “The Charlie Chan Mystery Movie Guide” by Luke Freemen, who attended last week’s Chat, is available at a list price of $16.99 (and less via Amazon.com). Please read our description of this new Chan entry at our Entrance page at www.charliechan.info.

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 in Shanghai.”

Sincerely,
Rush Glick

Hi Rush ,
It occurred to me later that I should have said which Steve I was ! Steve Rhodes of Chandom past . I stumbled across a reference to the Chat Room yesterday and thought I would stick my head in the door to say "Hi" to your 'movie audience' today .
Congratulations Rush on keeping up this valuable service to "all things Chan ".
As a full time resident of China now , I can attest to the accuracy of the portrayal of family unity and mutual respect , as seen in the better Chan movies . It is an amazing aspect of Chinese society , and it is quite something that 1930's Hollywood got that right . I am even something of a 'Charlie ' myself surrounded by enthusiastic Chinese kids at the orphanage . Makes me feel old when they call me "Sir" though !
All the best to the old Chan hands .
Regards , STEVE

Steve, interesting that you signed in from China during THAT particular movie! I lived in Taiwan for 2 years '74-'76. A very different culture and style of humor. Just thought I'd share that Warner Oland visited China in 1936, and this article, from the Chinese Mirror. Indicates he was very well received at the time, and actually perceived (whether consciously or not) to be of Chinese decent (about halfway through the article):
http://www.chinesemirror.com/index/2008/05/charlie-chan-in.html

Sounds like you are doing some great work there. I don't know if they make them where your at, but I used to go to Taipei, Shima ding shopping district for some zung-u-ping (sic), or...Green onion pies. Would kill for one again :)

Thank you so much.

Lou

Hi Lou ,
Yes , when I was in Shanghai I stayed at the hotel that Oland likely stayed at when he visited Shanghai , The Astor House . All the Hollywood people stayed there and today you can book the room that Chaplin stayed in with Paulette Goddard , or Einstein's room , etc . So I had the privilege of dining in the fantastic Peacock dining room and wondering if Warner had tried to get his favourite sardines there . He rubbed elbows with the high and mighty in Shanghai , in scenes that would have made a good movie in their own right .
I was in Taiwan in December , South Korea later this month , North Korea next month . I have to do a 10km fun run in NK to raise funds for an orphanage there . I haven't run 10km in 45 years ! So it will be 'interesting' on many levels !
Regards , STEVE

AH! Steve! Now I saw this message that you posted, knowing that it is YOU...weeks later! Sorry Again, I need to apologize! I hope that I will finally be able to reconnect with you!

Take care, and we WILL be communicating soon, hopefully!

Sincerely,
Rush