Charlie Chan Message Board

The radio call signs are based on a format common in the Army back then.  Fifty years ago or so, I was a platoon leader in a support company at a US Army branch school.  Our company had call signs that identified the company (the words) and position (commander, XO, etc.).  Our call sign was something like Urgent Riders so our CO was Urgent Riders 6.  As platoon leader of the 4th platoon, I was Urgent Riders 46 (Four-Six).  Later as Operations Officer for the company, I was Urgent Riders 3.  While not sure of the exact words for the support company call signs, I do know that when I assumed command of the Headquarters, Headquarters Company (HHC), I was Nifty Elbows 6.  Hey, might be a good screen name on message boards. 

So Pork Chop 711 and Chop Suey 108 are loosely in the format common in the Army probably going back into the 1940s and 1950s. 

This is a stretch, but, the only similarity between Charlie Chan and S&H is that both Frank and Charlie are a tad overweight. That said, I've really grown to love this British series, and the characters and actors, especially Patrick Walshe McBride, who seems to have Keye Luke's ability to steal whatever scene he's in. Has anyone else seen these? ...Ed Kasprowicz

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

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 !!

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.