Charlie Chan : Charlie Chan's Secret

Charlie Chan's Secret, a 1936 American mystery film, is the tenth film where Warner Oland played the role of the famous fictional Chinese-American detective Charlie Chan. This mystery-comedy film, directed by Gordon Wiles, also features an engaging performance from Rosina Lawrence. It's based on the characters in Earl Derr Biggers' novels about the Chinese-American detective.

Charlie Chan's Secret revolves around the incidents occurring at the mansion of Alan Colby, an heir who had been presumed dead in a plane crash years ago but has suddenly returned. He has startling plans to claim his inheritance and distribute it among charities. However, a series of mysterious events and murders begins to take place after Alan’s homecoming, once again implying that his life is in danger. Alan’s family, affluent yet filled with greedy enigmas themselves, adds more intrigue to the atmosphere.

The ever-intrepid detective Charlie Chan, played by Warner Oland, is called upon to dig deeper and untangle the web of mysteries associated with the family. Chan's unique manner of investigation, his respectful demeanor, his elusive wit, and his deep understanding of human nature bring a charismatic charm to his role as the detective. Coupled with Oland's credible performance, Charlie Chan becomes an unforgettable character for the audience.

The film also introduces the character of Psychic Ulrich, brilliantly played by Herbert Mundin, who adds an interesting twist to the film. With the added element of spiritualism and séances, Charlie Chan's Secret veers slightly into the supernatural. This adds an extra layer of intrigue to the movie as Mundin brings an eerie vibe to the story with pseudoscience.

Rosina Lawrence plays the role of the apprehensive yet charming Alice Lowell, a significant member of the Colby family who plays a pivotal role in the mystery. Her performance is well-crafted as she embodies the character of a young woman caught in the middle of these dark occurrences. The film explores her fear, her involvement, and the various complexities of her character as the plot unwinds.

The plot of Charlie Chan's Secret is delightfully mysterious. The film keeps the viewers guessing with its never-ending string of shocking revelations and sudden twists. Charlie Chan employs his acute observation, consistent pursuit of truth, and critical teasing out of clues to bring the viewers one step closer to the secret with each scene.

As a part of the popular Charlie Chan film series, 'Charlie Chan's Secret' showcases a considerable advancement in the narrative build-up and storytelling as compared to its predecessors. The smart screenplay and gradual revelation of clues throughout the film maintain a steady pace of suspense. The story combines themes of greed, deception, fear, and suspicion beautifully. The script is well-defined and holds the viewer's curiosity aloft until the end.

The filmmaking style of Gordon Wiles adds to the overall appeal of the film. He creates an atmosphere of tenseness, with long shadows and dimly lit scenes, which is surprisingly delightful for a movie of this genre released during its era. The film is packed with smart banter, witty comparisons, and funny one-liners complementing the suspense-filled plot.

In summary, Charlie Chan's Secret is a combination of an intriguing plot, high-caliber performances, seamless direction, and atmospheric cinematography that makes it an unforgettable mystery film from the 1930s. Fans of classic detective stories ready for a dose of mystery, suspense, humor, and some elements of the supernatural will appreciate this film. Above all, it serves as a remarkable testament of Warner Oland's lasting legacy in the Charlie Chan series.