Dark Alibi

Dark Alibi is a 1946 movie that tells a thrilling detective story starring Sidney Toler as Charlie Chan, Mantan Moreland as Birmingham Brown and Ben Carter as Tommy Chan. Directed by Phil Karlson, this is the ninth installment in the series of Charlie Chan movies produced by Monogram Studios.

The story starts with the murder of a prisoner who had been incarcerated for stealing a valuable pearl necklace six years ago. Charlie Chan becomes involved in the case when the chief of police asks him to investigate the murder. The police believe that the murderer is one of the other prisoners, all of whom have alibis for the time of the murder. Among the inmates are some very colorful characters, including a ventriloquist, a hypnotist, and a jitterbug dancer.

Charlie Chan discovers that the pearl necklace, which was never recovered, may be the motive for the murder. He also learns that the alibis of the prisoners may not be as airtight as they seem. With time running out and the killer still on the loose, Charlie Chan and his team use all their skills to try to uncover the truth and bring the murderer to justice.

The plot of Dark Alibi is classic detective mystery with plenty of twists and turns. The film manages to build up suspense very effectively, with Chan and his team gradually piecing together the evidence and coming closer and closer to the killer. Along the way, there are plenty of red herrings to keep the audience guessing, and the final reveal is satisfyingly dramatic.

One of the standout elements of the film is the performances of the leads. Sidney Toler does an excellent job of portraying the unflappable Charlie Chan, who combines a dry wit with a sharp intelligence. Mantan Moreland is also great as the wisecracking Birmingham Brown, bringing plenty of humor to the film without ever becoming too cartoonish. And Ben Carter is convincing as Chan's son, Tommy, who is eager to prove his worth as a detective.

The supporting cast is also strong, with some memorable turns from the various prisoners. The standout performance comes from George Chandler as the ventriloquist, who is able to create multiple characters with his voice alone. The film also features some impressive set pieces, including a high-speed car chase through the city streets and a tense scene where Tommy Chan has to search a dark, labyrinthine warehouse.

Overall, Dark Alibi is a solid addition to the Charlie Chan series, with a well-crafted plot, memorable characters, and some effective suspense. The film is an entertaining mix of mystery and comedy that will keep viewers engaged from start to finish. Whether you're a fan of classic detective movies or just looking for a fun, well-made thriller, Dark Alibi is definitely worth checking out.