Chinatown Squad (1935)

User Rating:

7.0/10   

Director:

Murray Roth

Writers:

Lawrence G. Blochman (story)
Ben Ryan (writer)

Release Date:

31 May 1935 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Mystery

Plot:

Police search for the killer of a man who misused $700,000 intended for the Chinese Communists. |

Plot Keywords:

Communism | Tour Guide | San Francisco California | Murder | Chinatown

Cast

Lyle Talbot	...	Ted Lacey
Valerie Hobson	...	Janet Baker
Hugh O'Connell	...	Sgt. McLeash
Andy Devine	...	George Mason
E. Alyn Warren	...	John Yee
Leslie Fenton	...	Su Quong
Clay Clement	...	Albert Raybold
Bradley Page	...	Claude Palmer
Arthur Hoyt	...	William Ward
Wallis Clark	...	Lt. Norris (as Wallis Clarke)
Toshia Mori	...	Wanda - Telephone Operator
King Baggot	...	Patrol Wagon Guard
James Flavin	...	Detective
Tom Dugan	...	Doorman
Edward Earle	...	Hudson - Palmer's Attorney

Runtime:

75 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Noiseless Recording)

Company:

Universal Pictures

Movie Connections:

Referenced in The Haunted World of Edward D. Wood Jr. (1996)

Great example of 1930s B-movie thriller.

I first saw this as a broadcast movie in the late 1950s and have never forgotten how enjoyable was the experience. Considering the talents involved in the production (Schary and Blochman, for example) that is not surprising. Good ensamble cast including Talbot, O'Connell, Warren and Devine. Humorous reparte between Talbot and O'Connell adds to the enjoyment already supplied by the fast pace of the plot and the effective use of exterior shots of San Francisco's streets. Even if you are not a fan of this genre of 1930s B films, check it out. You will be rewarded!