Charlie Chan at the Circus (1936)

Director:

Harry Lachman

Writers:

Earl Derr Biggers (character)
Robert Ellis (writer)

Release Date:

27 March 1936 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Crime | Mystery | Thriller

Plot:

While visiting the circus with his family, Charlie is recruited by the big top's co-owner to investigate threatening letters that he's received.

Plot Keywords:

Circus | Threatening Letter | Snake Charmer | Contortionist | Gorilla

Cast

Warner Oland	...	Charlie Chan
Keye Luke	...	Lee Chan
George Brasno	...	Colonel Tim
Olive Brasno	...	Lady Tiny
Francis Ford	...	John Gaines
Maxine Reiner	...	Marie Norman
John McGuire	...	Hal Blake
Shirley Deane	...	Louise Norman
Paul Stanton	...	Joe Kinney
J. Carrol Naish	...	Tom Holt
Boothe Howard	...	Dan Farrell
Drue Leyton	...	Nellie Farrell
Wade Boteler	...	Lt. Macy
Shia Jung	...	Su Toy
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Han Hsiang Li	...	Chan Son
Lily Mui	...	Second Youngest Daughter
Stanton Mui	...	Chan Son

Runtime:

72 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Noiseless Recording)

Certification:

UK:A (original rating) | UK:U (DVD rating) | USA:Approved (PCA #1978) | USA:Unrated (video & dvd release)

Filming Locations:

El Monte, California, USA

Company:

Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation

Trivia:

Actor Keye Luke reportedly conflicted with director Harry Lachman over the latter's treatment of the circus midgets in the movie.

Quotes:

Charlie Chan: Free ticket to circus like gold ring on merry-go-round - make enjoyment double.

Movie Connections:

Followed by Murder Over New York (1940)

Clue Like Photograph - Needs Time to Develop

Thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable Chan vehicle with the ever- adroit Warner Oland carrying off the Chan role this time in a circus venue. Charlie and his large family are out with a free pass enjoying the circus when(to use a cliché) death strikes under the big top. One of the partners and it seems a man virtually no ones likes dies from what appears to be by a rampaging fake -looking ape(sorry, this is even early for George Barrows!). Charlie must determine what could have taken place in this locked box car that might have a different explanation. Along the way we are treated to intriguing circus types - in particular two "midgets" wonderfully played by the brother/sister team of George and Olive Brasno. Some interesting red herrings are delivered as well as the light comedy touches that are customary with a good Chan film: pithy sayings laced with much wisdom, Charlie and his son Keye Luke's wonderful chemistry and humor, and Oland's general pleasant/pleasing portrayal of a man who has twelve children. Charlie Chan at the Circus isn't a great Chan film but it is a very good one and a fun one to be sure. Join the circus!