A Guide to Charlie Chan Films

by Charles P. Mitchell

Overview

There are over fifty Chan films and an additional three Spanish language Chan films. This guide reviews the forty-four extant Chan films. Entries, alphabetically arranged, include a unique annotated cast list, a comparative rating system, production information, analysis and plot synopsis, a performance critique, and a collection of Chan sayings, which vary from film to film. An introduction discusses the history and literary origins of the Chan films and the formulaic devices common to the films.

Film scholars and fans of the Charlie Chan films will appreciate the extensive information each review provides. Each film is given a star rating, and several appendices provide additional information such as the lost films of Charlie Chan, actors who played Chan, and Chan on television.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780313309854
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	06/30/1999
Series:	Bibliographies and Indexes in the Performing Arts , #23
Pages:	312
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.75(d)

About the Author

CHARLES P. MITCHELL has served as director of a number of Maine libraries and has been Chairman of the Southern Maine Library District./e He has lectured on theater, film and books at many sites throughout Maine, including Westbrook College.

Table of Contents

Preface
Introduction and Overview
The Films of Charlie Chan
Appendix A: Rogue's Gallery of Chan Film Criminals
Appendix B: Chan Offspring on Film
Appendix C: Lost Films of Charlie Chan
Appendix D: 1935 Pennsylvania Referendum
Appendix E: Chan in Mexico
Appendix F: Charlie Chan on Television
Appendix G: Actors Who Played Charlie Chan
Index

What People are Saying About This

Ronald Schwartz^LProfessor of Romantic Languages and Film^LCity University of New York-Kings

Charles P. Mitchell's ^IA Guide to Charlie Chan Films^R is certainly the best, most scholarly and detailed book ever written about the famous Earl Derr Biggers detective. Mitchell's work is a shining example of talented researchers who have captured and captivated their public with imagination, perception, style, and unerring wit.

Lt. Patrick Picciarelli NYPD (ret.) Author of Jimmy the Wags: Street Stories of a Private Eye

From winning the bar bet to researching a master's thesis, A Guide to Charlie Chan imparts enough information to satisfy even the most ardent Chan fan. Charles Mitchell knows his subject.

Lt. Patrick Picciarelli NYPD (ret.) Author of Jimmy the Wags: Street Stories of a Private Eye&nb

From winning the bar bet to researching a master's thesis, A Guide to Charlie Chan imparts enough information to satisfy even the most ardent Chan fan. Charles Mitchell knows his subject.

Richard Gordon: Gordon Films

A terrific job! This book will be a must for every Charlie Chan devotee around the world.

Richard Gordon Gordon Films

A terrific job! This book will be a must for every Charlie Chan devotee around the world.

Bob King Editor

Charles Mitchell's uncanny ability to capture the spirit of the Chan films makes his comments on them a joy to read.

Lt. Patrick Picciarelli NYPD (ret.)^LAuthor of ^IJimmy the Wags: Street Stories of a Pri

From winning the bar bet to researching a master's thesis, ^IA Guide to Charlie Chan^R imparts enough information to satisfy even the most ardent Chan fan. Charles Mitchell knows his subject.

Ronald Schwartz Professor of Romantic Languages and Film City University of New York-Kingsborough

Charles P. Mitchell's A Guide to Charlie Chan Films is certainly the best, most scholarly and detailed book ever written about the famous Earl Derr Biggers detective. Mitchell's work is a shining example of talented researchers who have captured and captivated their public with imagination, perception, style, and unerring wit.

Bob King: Editor

Charles Mitchell's uncanny ability to capture the spirit of the Chan films makes his comments on them a joy to read.

Lt. Patrick Picciarelli NYPD (ret.): Author of Jimmy the Wags: Street Stories of a Pri

From winning the bar bet to researching a master's thesis, ^IA Guide to Charlie Chan^R imparts enough information to satisfy even the most ardent Chan fan. Charles Mitchell knows his subject.

Ronald Schwartz: Professor of Romantic Languages and Film: City University of New York-Kings

Charles P. Mitchell's ^IA Guide to Charlie Chan Films^R is certainly the best, most scholarly and detailed book ever written about the famous Earl Derr Biggers detective. Mitchell's work is a shining example of talented researchers who have captured and captivated their public with imagination, perception, style, and unerring wit.

Editorial Reviews

Mitchell's research, added to his light yet informative writing style, is a winner and makes this book interesting to read. Now I want to go back and rewatch the Chan movies all over again, which is a credit to any film book.” —Mad About Movies

From the Publisher

A Maine librarian became a Chan fan upon encountering a character bearing his name in (1948). After overviewing the literary origins of the Chan character and film series, their influence, and criticism by some Chinese groups, the author presents a study of the 44 extant movies with his ratings and an annotated cast list. Appended information includes: a rogue's gallery of Chan film criminals, movies with number one-three sons, six missing films, a 1935 political endorsement using the Chan persona, Chan on TV, and actors who played Charlie Chan. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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