Charlie Chan Message Board

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: OldMovieFan on March 28, 2019, 12:15:19 pm

Title: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: OldMovieFan on March 28, 2019, 12:15:19 pm
Hi I'm new to the site and I see no posts in many many many Months......I know Charlie has MANY Fans and I know there is much to discuss concerning Charlie, #1,#2, Birmingham Brown. But sadly I see nothing.....So I use the limited detective skills I have(and it's not many) to search and find Ya'll(yea it's a Texas saying). So the 1st way is to Post a Question to see if anyone KNOWS. Now It's your Turn whats another way?   :-\

Thanks Old Movie Fan

"Biggest mysteries are not always crimes"  ;)
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on March 30, 2019, 01:11:10 pm
Hi: I do not know how to find fans or more fans...this used to be a very active site but the continuing problems are: many who used to visit this site regularly are no longer with us or are infirm; younger people do not have as much interest in these old films and doubly so because they are considered often to be politically incorrect; those who are still around and still check in have discussed almost every imaginable aspect of these films over the years so began to find some discussions very repetitive. In sum the short answer may be that fewer people actually watch these films so the aficionados are harder to discover. Anyway, I still love the films, at least the Twentieth Century-Fox entries and wish there was a more active community with new perspectives on these films. Chris.
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: rodb on April 04, 2019, 09:45:52 am
glad to see new activity on the site. I have tried in the past to list when old mysteries are playing on TCM, since it is rare for them to show an actually chan movie. It was a little more common when fans were requesting these showings

 :)
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: OldMovieFan on April 05, 2019, 06:45:12 pm
Tysm for the replies...... I gave it  several days as I know work, personal, and just age cause folks to not attend sites.  Chris thanks for the image and comment, and insight.Rodb for your thoughts, it's hard to think a classic movie channel has devided to show things not focused on films of the "Golden Age".  I love the B & W films, and mystery,crime, and spooky is all in the Chan films. Never stop talking about them... and others always see things even years after I first saw them (for me the 60's).  :) I still watch my films each week, even if it running in the background while I do the "honey do list" around the house. I KNOW that others are out there lurking I know. As Charlie would say "long journey always start with one short step". Hopefully this will stir the pot and we will discuss a Chan film this weekend. I'm watching Dead Men
Tell tonight.....love the spooky friday night feel of it.

OLD MOVIE FAN


Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: John Cucinotta on April 07, 2019, 09:30:11 am
I log into this site about once a week to see if there is any new activity.  I started a new thread, and I am happy to see activity on this thread.   I would like to see a discussion about a Chan film, even if it is repetitive for us "old timers".  It might be a way to get some new people interested in this site, and help rekindle a few old friendships from past participants.
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on April 28, 2019, 10:10:01 am
Hi Old Movie Fan: am glad you liked the Chan lobby card post. I figure to get some more action here I would start to provide images of cards from Oland films that I have...several of these cards used to be shown on the Charlie Chan Family page but they have been cropped out. Most of these, but by no means all, are images of cards I used to own but sadly I have divested myself of most over the last year or two...starting at the beginning.....Chris.
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: rodb on April 29, 2019, 07:43:09 am
very nice to to see these cards again

thank you
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on April 29, 2019, 08:47:05 am
Here is another
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: John Cucinotta on April 29, 2019, 01:19:29 pm
Hi, Chris.  Thanks for sharing the images of the lobby cards.  Did you have original lobby cards from these films?  Years ago, when the Internet was young and I found this site, I decided to try to obtain a lobby card from each Chan film.  I visited all of the antique dealers in my area, and I went to many regional antique sales and old garage sales.  I was fortunately able to obtain original lobby cards for about 15 Chan films, mostly Toler and Winters movies.  The Oland lobby cards, of course, are older and harder to find, and probably fewer of them are still in existence.  I have tried eBay and other Internet retail sources, but the prices are sky-high.  Lobby card reproductions, of course, are much cheaper, and are a collection alternative, but do you have any other suggestions about where original Chan lobby cards might be available? 
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on April 29, 2019, 02:19:41 pm
Hi John:
I used to be a major collector of lobby cards from all mystery/thriller/detective/spy series films (including Chans, which were my favourites) and had several thousand cards overall that I amassed over about 25 years.  I still have a few Chan cards I keep for old times sake in what I am calling my "permanent collection" but I have auctioned off many of my cards or sold cards to dealers and other collectors that I know privately or generally via ebay.

I sold and continue to sell cards via consignment to Bruce Hershenson's online site at emovieposter.com. I have always found him the most trustworthy auction outlet with accurate descriptions, great packing, etc. Some of the Olands I consigned, notably title cards and cards from the lost films, made what must be considered record prices. I thought I had overpaid for those via major auction houses, dealers, ebay sellers, etc. (I have never found any in antique malls, local collectibles shows and such although I keep trying even now) but the prices many sell for now are astounding -- I tell people if they were that expensive when I collected I would never have been able to buy any! On the other hand, recently I have seen several cards listed in Bruce's and various other auctions from the later films, notably the Monograms, and the prices seem to be coming down on those...I guess many collectors are getting older and realizing it is time to sell.

Old habits do die hard and depending upon price, I will buy the odd card for my permanent collection, notably ones I have looked for and usually never seen in my many years of collecting. I would love to find any card from The Case of the Howling Dog (Perry Mason Series) or Murder on the Blackboard (Hildegarde Withers series), two films for which I have never seen a lobby card and indeed, no posters other than I think one mini-lobby card for Howling Dog. I might be tempted to bid by a decent Chan Black Camel card as I have always been outbid -- Black Camel cards are also rare but they are not the rarest Fox Chan title -- I think Charlie Chan's Greatest Case cards are the rarest of all Oland titles.
Chris.
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on April 30, 2019, 10:11:21 am
Hi: I have never seen in person or an image of the Title Card for Charlie Chan's Chance (1932) -- gives idea of rarity -- so have no idea what it looks like...but I include here an image of one of the other lobbies, a nice portrait card, which to date I have never seen illustrated anywhere -- not a great quality image but it is a great card. Chris.
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 01, 2019, 08:55:09 am
I do not have an image of the title card for Charlie Chan's Greatest Case (1933) based on the Bigger's first Chan novel House Without a Key, although I once saw one pictured in a very small digital image about 20 years ago from I believe an ebay listing -- it is a bit mundane in design as I recall. Regardless, beyond that example I had never seen any actual scene cards or images until about four years ago. As I indicated above, I believe cards from this title are the rarest of all Olands. Bruce Hershenson at emovieposter.com notes that this lobby set was issued by Fox as part of an experiment with using very thin paper and as a result the cards are easily damaged -- so that may account for their rarity. Anyway, I attach here an image of one of the scenes I have images of from a card that came from the famous Morris Everett lobby collection auctioned by Profiles in History, California. He had many rare Chan cards. Chris.
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: John Cucinotta on May 01, 2019, 09:19:57 am
Chris, thanks for posting these images.  They have renewed my interest in trying to collect more lobby cards.  The card for "CC's Greatest Case" is very colorful, and Oland looks a bit slimmer than in his later Chan films !
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 02, 2019, 08:05:10 am
Glad you are enjoying the posts John...here is my next contribution, a Title Card from Charlie Chan's Courage (1934). Cards from this film are rare but they seem to show up more often than from any other "lost" Chan film. I have actually seen all the scene cards for this title, unlike some of the earlier films. This film was based on the Biggers novel "The Chinese Parrot" and there is one scene card in which the parrot appears!
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: OldMovieFan on May 03, 2019, 06:36:36 am
John & Chris,

Wonderful  thread going on...I also was collecting at one point in my life.  Had pressbooks, lobby cards, posters,  etc... from the series (and many others). Was  holding  17 of them on 16mm film too. But I was informed years ago by the other half  to "thin out " my amassed luxuries.  I  have some stuff I couldn't  let go of, but  sold the rest. My  Moto collection went to those who restored and made the  DVDS for the public. Love  the Chan series,  I watch them weekly.
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 03, 2019, 08:51:53 am
Hi Old Movie Fan: I have the DVDs of the Motos so have images of your former posters! Never collected 16 mm films though -- when I rediscovered these films I watched on TV as a youth I started amassing VHS via trades and the grey market and still have many of those. I had most of the Moto lobbies at one time too but also have divested myself of many of those. My better half did not tell me to get rid of them but they do fill up an awful lot of space (I cannot imagine what it would be like of one collected 16 mm and larger posters too) and I got tired of trying to find certain cards when stacked in the closet (and binders of 150 cards can be quite heavy to lug around so it was time to start selling). Anyway, I do love all these series detective films. Here is the next Chan card...Chris.
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: OldMovieFan on May 03, 2019, 10:15:33 am
Hi Chris,

Actually it was the films that were mine and yes my spare bedroom walk in  closet was  full of posters and cards.  I had  6000 plus films at one time.  It's down now  as we do  DVDS and streaming mostly now. LOVE  the cards keep  them coming.  Like  John it makes me want to start again.  :D
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 03, 2019, 10:22:14 am
Sorry, I misread the post...but having your Moto films used they must have been good copies! Here is a bonus card with the Chinese Parrot...Chris.
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 04, 2019, 11:13:07 am
Over the years I have only seen two copies of the title card for Charlie Chan in Paris (1935) and one of those was in quite poor condition. Any cards from this title are as rare as those from the lost films (perhaps related to this film being lost for many years?) and certainly rarer than Chan in London cards. Paris cards also  are often in poor condition and I actually have not seen one of the scene cards. I do not really have a good image -- this is the best I can do.
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 05, 2019, 09:35:18 am
Here is the title lobby card for the next entry, which many see as the best film in the series, Charlie Chan in Egypt (1935).
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 05, 2019, 09:38:30 am
I also really like the glass slides for these films, which I think are actually much rarer than lobbies...so post one here for Egypt...I have seen it in two colours with either a grey as here or yellow background. Often, but not always, the slides have the same image as the title card.
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: OldMovieFan on May 06, 2019, 06:33:11 am
Boy Chris,

These are some lovely examples of how much enjoyment and entertainment one can obtain from collecting.  A Big TYSM for sharing with us these fine images.  I've been doing lots of work in our house, so I've not had the chance to see them till now.

Oldmoviefan
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 06, 2019, 08:54:07 am
Hi: Glad you like them oldmoviefan...here is the next title card for Charlie Chan in Shanghai (1935). Know what you mean about yard work and such -- been out there a lot lately moving soil! Chris.
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 06, 2019, 08:56:36 am
And here is another bonus of a rare scene card from Shanghai, which I really like, showing Keye Luke in disguise!
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 07, 2019, 11:11:12 am
I already posted an image of the Charlie Chan's Secret title card above so on to Charlie Chan at the Circus (1936). This is the most unusual title card in the whole Oland/Toler Fox series as it is of a different design being like a scene card but with an enlarged credits box and a separate "20th Century Fox" logo unlike the small credits on the other seven scene cards. Why Fox did this I do not know but it is not unprecedented as comparable "title cards" occur on other films from the company such as in the Inspector Hornleigh series film "Inspector Hornleigh on Holiday" (1939).
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 07, 2019, 11:13:31 am
For comparison, here is a scene card from Circus...
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Ed Kasprowicz on May 07, 2019, 12:44:13 pm
Hi friends... My apologies for going missing for so long. My grandson used my computer for a school assignment, and everything on it disappeared. Somehow, it all ended up on his 7th grade laptop at his school. He doesn't have a clue as to how this could have happened. All the tech people at school could do was to delete it.

On the subject of lobby cards, many dvd's come with what passes today as lobby cards. And since my son works at NY States best library, in charge of all CD, DVD, general media purchases, he brings home all the ones that I'd be interested in. While they're not the wonderful artistic works of the 1930's and 40's, they're still pretty nice, and fun to look at. And, of course, they're free, since there's no way to actually "lend" them out with the dvd's. I just finished my winter jigsaw puzzle season, where I build a bunch of thousand piece, railroad themed puzzles. While I do that, I always run a Chan, Holmes, Moto, or Universal horror film in the background. So, in essence, Ive just rewatched the Chans for maybe the 25th time. And, you know what? I'm still surprised at who the villain turns out to be in many of them, lol.

...Ed K.
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 07, 2019, 01:01:58 pm
Hi Judge Ed: So good to hear from you and that you a have been "carrying on"...been wondering where you had disappeared to...trust you are very well!! I think the cards in the DVDs are called "backer cards"....sometimes people list them for sale on ebay in the lobby card section. Cheers, Chris.
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Ed Kasprowicz on May 07, 2019, 01:21:58 pm
It's good to be back, Chris! I have from time to time, piped in with comments on the Charlie Chan, and Sherlock Holmes groups on facebook, where I appear as "Chip Kasprowicz". I like facebook because it allows me meet a lot of new people with common interests. So, besides the mystery themed groups, I'm involved with a few Lionel Trains groups, The Steamtown group, and a few others. It also allows me to post photos and funny stories about my grandsons, and other friends and family members. ...Ed K.
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 08, 2019, 09:58:40 am
Charlie Chan at the Race Track (1936) title lobby card....
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 08, 2019, 10:02:43 am
And another bonus slide from a lost film...
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: John Cucinotta on May 08, 2019, 02:05:27 pm
Hello, everyone.   Beautiful lobby cards, Chris, and thanks again for sharing.  The scene card from "CC's Courage" depicting the parrot looked familiar to me, and I showed it to my wife.  She remembers this original lobby card being for auction on eBay several years ago. 

In Charlie Mitchell's book, which I no longer possess, I think he comments that "CC's Courage" is the lost film that he would most like to see, since Charlie is "undercover" pretending to be a servant for much of the story, and it would be interesting to see how differently Oland played this part. 
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 08, 2019, 05:12:58 pm
HI John: I do not have Charlie Mitchells book but I read somewhere that in current reviews of the time the reviewers were very complimentary of how the two characters played by Oland as Chan and the Chinese cook were quite different and very well done. The scene card I posted above is mine that I overpaid for at a Heritage Auction some years ago. Chris.
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 09, 2019, 02:43:09 pm
Hi: Cards from Charlie Chan at the Opera (1936) are extremely hard to come by, one presumes for two reasons: 1) it is often regarded as the best Chan film; and more importantly 2) it has horror icon Boris Karloff and as result is much sought after by collectors of that genre. I have only seen two Title Cards from that title and do not have a good image of either. What I do have is what is probably the best scene card in that it shows both Oland and Karloff. There are only two such scenes in the set and in the other it is Oland and Karloff in a medium close-up facing off (the film billed them as Oland versus Karloff)...I like this one instead as it shows Karloff in the costume he wears in the Opera performance. Chris.
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 09, 2019, 02:44:47 pm
And another glass slide for good measure...
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: rodb on May 10, 2019, 08:43:41 am
Seeing these in color are really nice

thanks again
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 10, 2019, 09:13:40 am
And Charlie Chan at the Olympics (1937)….
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 11, 2019, 09:09:54 am
Charlie Chan on Broadway (1937)...
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 12, 2019, 01:24:59 pm
And Charlie Chan at Monte Carlo (1937)...
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 12, 2019, 01:26:09 pm
Plus Monte Carlo Bonus Glass Slide...
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: OldMovieFan on May 12, 2019, 09:35:40 pm
WoW!! Chris these are wonderful, and a BIG Hello to the Judge. :) Nice to see the CC message board hopping with images and comments, and many posters! : D I'll have to check out some of the BBC mysteries you spoke of Judge. I've been busy the past few days and just logged in to see many more of Chris's collection. Never been to the facebook stuff, not much in social media outside of the CC board. TYSM for all the reading and viewing tonight.

Old Movie Fan

"Detective without curiosity is like glass eye at keyhole – no use. "
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 13, 2019, 10:30:18 am
I was going to stop with Oland but what the heck….Charlie Chan in Honolulu (1938) title card...most difficult title card by far to find for the Toler entries...scene cards also tough but not overly so...the one sheets seem very rare with even the biggest collectors lacking that one...have only seen one one sheet ever offered -- was on ebay and went for a fortune. Chris.
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: OldMovieFan on May 13, 2019, 03:02:24 pm
Hey Chris,

Have you ever seen a 4 sheet  for a Chan? My pressbooks show them,but never had any pop up....just wondering.

Oldmoviefan
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 13, 2019, 04:37:55 pm
Hi: No sorry to say I have never seen a four sheet for a Chan film. Chris.
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 14, 2019, 07:00:49 pm
And Charlie Chan in Reno (1939)
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 15, 2019, 08:55:44 am
And Charlie Chan at Treasure Island (1939)...very nice design and a favourite film...
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: John Cucinotta on May 16, 2019, 08:25:32 am
"CC at Treasure Island" is my favorite Chan film, and it usually ranked #1 or #2 in surveys that we conducted on this site in years past.  I seldom see lobby cards for this movie on eBay.  Since Cesar Romero is also in the movie, the lobby cards for this film probably have a broader appeal, and I suspect they are less often available for sale or at auctions.
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 16, 2019, 09:27:32 am
Hi John: yes, other than Honolulu (first so more in demand), Wax Museum (another highly rated entry) and for some reason, Dead Men Tell (because Chan not in title?), I always found Treasure Island cards the hardest to find. Here is next Chan title card, City in Darkness (1939)...film is usually not rated highly in Chan canon but the Title card is a nice design! Chris.
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: John Cucinotta on May 16, 2019, 03:24:27 pm
"City in Darkness" was usually not highly rated in most of the surveys we took on this site years ago.  Speculation for this observation usually centered on the police assistant Marcel whose dialog and antics seemed to ruin some of the scenes, and also due to lack of a Chan son or daughter in the story line.  However, I found this film enjoyable, and when I first saw this film I did not spot the killer until revealed by Charlie at the end. 
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 16, 2019, 03:35:26 pm
Hi John:  I agree that it is better than some suggest and also that the killer is well hidden and a real surprise. Also, for what it is worth, I think it had, and captured, the real foreboding atmosphere that pervaded Europe at this time on the eve of the war...I also always liked Lynn Bari who showed up not only in this Chan film but  other series detective films at Fox such as Sleepers West (a favourite Michael Shayne film of mine and always liked the title card, which was one of the first ones I owned), Mr. Moto's Gamble, which at least had Keye Luke as Lee Chan, and even The Falcon Takes Over. Chris.
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 17, 2019, 09:49:17 am
Charlie Chan in Panama (1940) title card….
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 18, 2019, 09:59:46 am
Charlie Chan's Murder Cruise (1940): a title card which I have found to be quite rare and hard to find...
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 19, 2019, 03:09:28 pm
Charlie Chan at the Wax Museum (1940). Nice design and a favourite film of mine...
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 20, 2019, 10:22:27 am
Murder over New York (1940) -- I believe cards from this title are the most common of Fox Chan films along with Chan in Rio (1941) -- I have seen many cards over the years from those entries....
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: OldMovieFan on May 20, 2019, 10:20:55 pm
Hi

I enjoyed  both these last cards... for years I corresponded with Marc Lawrence (he played  such a great role as a bad guy in many films) and the supporting cast  in Murder over New York  was very good. Those planes were beautiful back then too. My favorite CC film is Black Camel

Oldmoviefan
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 21, 2019, 09:08:41 am
Yes, Marc Lawrence had a very long career...must be only actor to appear in a Chan and a James Bond film! -- that would be a trivia question! Here is next title card for Dead Men Tell (1941), which for some reason was a hard title for me to find cards on....
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 22, 2019, 09:29:58 am
Charlie Chan in Rio (1941)...as noted above, cards from this entry seem to be more common than for most other Fox Chan films...
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 23, 2019, 11:38:59 am
And Castle in the Desert (1942)….guess one could tell it was the end of the Fox series as Charlie Chan is mot mentioned in any sizeable way (only in the very fine print!)….
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 24, 2019, 01:50:49 pm
I figure I will go for broke and show the Monogram cards too....Charlie Chan in the Secret Service (1944)...
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: John Cucinotta on May 24, 2019, 02:56:43 pm
I remember The first time I saw "CC in the Secret Service", and I was very disappointed with the quality of this film.  There is a shallow, boring story line with several odd characters that don't seem like they could be friends with the scientist.   Also, there are other aspects of the plot that are unrealistic.  For example, the magnetic device used by the killer makes no scientific sense, because a magnet that strong would attract every piece of metal in the room, and not just the gun.  There is also a big blooper in the film (don't read beyond this point if you haven't yet seen the film) - the man who is supposedly crippled in the wheelchair is briefly seen standing up next to the piano in an early scene in the movie, long before Chan tricks him into showing that he is not really crippled.   Fortunately, the Monogram films did improve after this first effort, which I think is one of the weaker Chan films.
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 24, 2019, 03:23:51 pm
I opined several times on this site on the old days how much I did not like the Monogram films as a whole (despite this I am such a completist I collected the lobby cards!) but agree that this one is, along with the Trap, the ultimate worst Chan film. I had to rewind the film the first time I saw it after the guy in and out of the wheel chair fiasco to make sure I was not losing my senses....and as I recall Chan goes into a federal building at one point that is flying the California state flag....the Monogram films are riddled with very unconvincing murder devices or plot twists as well as bloopers but Service tops most!
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 25, 2019, 09:22:30 am
The Chinese Cat (1944)..actually like this design....
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: John Cucinotta on May 26, 2019, 12:26:25 pm
There are other aspects of the Monogram films that show low-budget production.  For example, in "CC in the Secret Service", the action supposedly takes place in Washington DC, but the building in which Charlie works has a California state flag flying outside, so no one bothered to either change the flag for the movie or at least change the camera angle to omit seeing the flag.  Also, the scene showing Charlie leaving work and heading to the murder scene must have been filed on a weekend, since the lobby of a supposed federal office building is completely empty except for Charlie.
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 26, 2019, 04:23:40 pm
Yep, these films are full of bloopers!...next title card: Black Magic (1944)...
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: John Cucinotta on May 27, 2019, 08:28:02 am
Now that we are politely criticizing the Monogram films, another element that I don't like is the prolonged search scenes in dark basements, warehouses, etc.  These scenes often give Birmingham or Chattanooga an opportunity to provide a little comic relief, but they seem to drag on too long at times. 
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 27, 2019, 08:59:26 am
HI John: You are absolutely right...the plots are so slight they needed to pad out the film to make it even the length of a "B" picture. This is a problem not just with the Chans but with many Monogram films including ones in detective series. Also, they have a tendency because of the slight plots to make the characters, including the police, excessively stupid such that it takes extra time to solve a case that could be solved in 15 minutes of screen time. The two Kitty O'Day films made at Monogram are ones that really strike me that way (written by Tim Ryan who also appeared in and contributed to writing Chan films at Monogram)...then again, one sees the same in non-Monogram entries too...one film I remember like that was one of two Sarah Keate mysteries made at Warner Bros. called Mystery House (1938) with Ann Sheridan, where it turns out the murderer was known all along by a main character (perhaps even characters, but too long since I watched it!) but did not tell the detective! Oh well, I had fun watching them...once! Chris.

Next title card: The Jade Mask (1945)….
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 28, 2019, 09:54:03 am
The Scarlet Clue (1945)….
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 29, 2019, 06:04:57 pm
The Shanghai Cobra (1945)...a much in demand card because of the design...people seem to like the cobra!
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 30, 2019, 10:30:20 am
The Red Dragon (1945)….
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on May 31, 2019, 05:46:34 pm
Dark Alibi (1946)….
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on June 01, 2019, 12:05:40 pm
Shadows Over Chinatown (1946)….I found this the most difficult of the Monogram title cards to obtain...do not know if that was just my luck or that it is rarer than most...
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on June 02, 2019, 09:52:36 am
Dangerous Money (1946)...
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: John Cucinotta on June 02, 2019, 04:20:34 pm
I think "Dangerous Money" is a weak movie with a somewhat confusing script.  Part of the storyline centers on a Treasury agent who is killed while trailing counterfeiters, and part of the story concerns recovering valuable artwork that was hidden during World War II.  These two themes partially come together at the end of the film.  There are cast changes with Charlie working with his son Jimmy instead of Tommy who had appeared in the early Monogram films, and Chattanooga substitutes for Birmingham Brown.  I'd be interested in hearing other opinions, but I rank this film low on the list.
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on June 02, 2019, 04:23:48 pm
Well, I did not want to be too negative but was tempted to say when I posted the lobby card that this entry was up there with Secret Service and Trap; e.g. that Dangerous Money is also a pretty bad film....so seems we are in agreement on most of these!
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on June 03, 2019, 08:14:26 am
Nadir...The Trap (1947)...
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on June 04, 2019, 08:46:46 am
First Winters film Title Card...The Chinese Ring (1947)...
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on June 05, 2019, 08:41:46 am
Docks of New Orleans (1948) Title Card...
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Ed Kasprowicz on June 05, 2019, 01:54:04 pm
I don't think that anyone is going to mistake the Monograms for The Black Camel, ot Treasure Island. ... Ed K.
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on June 06, 2019, 10:21:07 am
The Shanghai Chest (1948) Title Card...I think this is one of the best designed Monogram cards or at least, I like the look of it...
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on June 07, 2019, 11:12:43 am
The Golden Eye (1948) Title Card...
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on June 08, 2019, 10:14:07 am
The Feathered Serpent (1948) Title Card...
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: John Cucinotta on June 09, 2019, 07:37:34 am
Chris, looking at these lobby cards featuring Roland Winters stimulated an interest in watching a few of his movies this past week.  I re-watched "The Shanghai Chest" and "The Docks of New Orleans".  Although I think that Winters is the weakest Chan actor, I think these films have better scripts than many of the Toler Monogram movies.   
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on June 09, 2019, 09:49:35 am
HI John:

Yes, I should rewatch them too as I have not done so for  a long time and I do have the commercial releases although I have not had a chance to watch them! They could have better plots because they are mainly reworking of earlier films including two in the Mr. Wong series (Chinese Ring is a reworking of Mr. Wong in Chinatown and Docks of New Orleans is a reworking of Mr. Wong, Detective) while The Feathered Serpent is a reworking of a Three Mesquiteers western called Riders of the Whistling Skull -- although the screenplay writers can be listed as by different people on these films Scott Dunlop was involved in most.

My only contact with the late Ken Hanke who wrote a book on the Chan films was to provide him with a copy of Riders of the Whistling Skull, which I had sought out to see how it compared with The Feathered Serpent -- he had never seen it. Anyway, I am reminded of someone's comment in one of the mystery movies' books of when Toler took over the role from Oland: Toler was not as good an actor so they tried to make up for it by improving the plots and although I am an Oland fan I do like the plots of films such as Treasure Island, Wax Museum and Castle in the Desert which unlike several other Toler entries, are not reworkings of original Earl Derr Biggers novels.

With that...Sky Dragon (1949) Title card to end the real series....
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: OldMovieFan on June 15, 2019, 03:27:33 am
Hello everyone,

Been busy with life and first chance I had to get here. Love that it's hopping with comments and pictures. 😁 Always wanted a film  of Biggers  book The Agony Column I enjoyed the book. The Seven Keys to Baldpate got 3 takes and only one hit for me

Oldmoviefan
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Henry (number one son) on March 06, 2020, 10:47:30 pm
Hello fellow Chan fans. Henry (number one son in books) checking back in after a long hiatus. Yes I too was one of the originals to discover Kurt's site back in 1998. Happy to see some of the long time contributors are still around. Hard to believe it has been over 20 years since Kurt started this site. Coincidentally my finding this site coincided with my discovery of the wonders of the World Wide Web itself.

Henry (number one son in books)
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on March 06, 2020, 10:56:31 pm
Yes, some of us are still around...I also discovered this site early and also when I first started using the web...glad to hear from you. Chris Ellis.
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Brian L. on March 15, 2020, 12:41:31 pm
I'm still around from 1997. Yes the Internet was just coming around at that time. It was quite a new experience. I remember some of the first Chan Message Board members were comparing the Chan films and we were learning where to buy these films.  I believe the Key Video videotapes were available but there were only several films at that time offered.  I do remember you guys, Henry Number One Son and Chris Ellis from the very ancient days of this site.

I remember the big dustup when the Fox Movie Channel pulled them off the cable TV because there were complaints of political incorrectness.

And does anyone remember a member who was a female Canadian Mountie ? I believe her name was Jillian but I could be wrong. 
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Chris Ellis on March 15, 2020, 12:55:36 pm
Hello...good to see some of the old crowd still around! Yes, I remember Jillian...she was from western Canada, I believe Alberta, and somewhat opinionated! Cheers, Chris.
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: John Cucinotta on March 18, 2020, 12:48:33 pm
I remember reading postings from Jillian.   I think her full name was Jillian Stone, and I think she lived and worked in a city in Manitoba, Canada, with the Royal Canadian Police.  It's been a long time since she posted anything, and my memory may be wrong !!
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: OldMovieFan on March 26, 2020, 01:03:29 am
Yes I remember Jillian, she wo9uld attend the films on Monday night "Review" at Rush site with Virginia and the others. Nice to see some of the "old group" remember posting on CC and then coming back to get the goodie the following day...boy what a joy that was. :)


Old Movie Fan
Title: Re: How Does A Detective Find the Missing Fans of Charlie Chan?
Post by: Ed Kasprowicz on March 28, 2020, 03:26:22 pm
Hi OldMovieFan... You've found your way to my favorite message board of all time. It's home to the nicest people you'll ever meet on the internet, and has been like that for well over 20 years. When Kurt first started the board, Chan movies were relatively hard to come by. But, with the spread of the world wide web, more and more of us found this site and met here every day for years to discuss and promote our favorite fictional and film detective. We demonstrated that there was still a demand for these great old films, and the 6 original novels that they were based on. Eventually, the movies reappeared on television, and the books saw a few reprintings. Best of all, the surviving films were re-released with special additions like original trailers, interviews, still, and promotional bits, making them available for viewing whenever one got the urge. Sadly, four of the original Fox movies starring Warner Oland, did not survive a fire at the studio vaults. Just as sadly, many of the original board members and contributors, have joined the cast and crew members in what we all hope is a better place. That said, let me be the first to welcome you to our group. Together, we make a formidable team who can probably answer almost any question you might have on the subject of Charlie Chan. We're also not to shabby on other mystery and detective films and stories, as well as horror movies, serials, and early sci-fi. So, ask question, state your opinions, or describe any Chan memorabilia that you might own. You're amongst kindred spirits, and friends  ...Ed Kasprowicz