Our monday Evening Chat/Film Viewing: "Charlie Chan in Reno"
“Very difficult to believe ill of those we love.” – Charlie Chan
It’s nearly Easter, and Charlie Chan is busy perfecting a means to dye a hardboiled egg when he is suddenly thrust into a murder case on the other side of the Pacific – in Reno, Nevada – at the behest of an old friend. Number Two son, Jimmy, on Spring Break from his classes at USC, makes a surprise entrance, and, it’s father and son working together as they seek to clear a friend accused of murder!
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 Honolulu,” IS available at YouTube! Here is the address:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbC9Q4usZsg
FILM NOTES: The working title of this picture was “Death Makes a Decree,” as it was based on the story of the same name by Philip Wylie. According to materials contained at the UCLA Theater Arts Library, Paul Perez wrote a version of the screenplay in December 1938, but his name does not appear in the final credits. In the Call Bureau Cast Service lists, Sheriff Fletcher's name was originally Foster. Mrs. Russell was named Alice Williamson, and Choy Wong was named Sung Li. According to reviews in ‘Hollywood Reporter’ and ‘Motion Picture Herald,’ at the time that this picture was produced, this was the most expensive production in the Chan series.
NEXT WEEK (May 19) we will be sharing “Charlie Chan at Treasure Island” starring Sidney Toler as Charlie Chan and featuring Sen Yung (Victor Sen Yung) as Number Two son, Jimmy Chan!
“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!
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 Reno.”
