"Charlie Chan in Honolulu" (1938) is notable as the first Chan film to star Sidney Toler in the title role. He had been chosen by Darryl F. Zanuck to replace Warner Oland who had passed away earlier that year. It also introduces (Victor) Sen Yung as No. 2 son Jimmy Chan. Layne Tom Jr. who had appeared in "Charlie Chan at the Olympics" the previous year as Charlie Chan Jr. with Oland, appears here as No. 5 son Tommy.
The story is set in Honolulu but most of the action takes place on a freighter where a murder has been committed. We first meet Toler's Chan at home with his wife and umpteen children awaiting the birth of the family's first grand child.
Charlie is called to investigate a murder aboard the aforementioned freighter but as Charlie has gone to the hospital to await his grand child's birth, No. 2 son Jimmy goes in his stead accompanied by No. 5 son Tommy. Jimmy attempts to investigate the murder but as always gets himself into trouble. Charlie arrives just in time to prevent Jimmy from being thrown overboard.
Judy Hayes (Phyllis Brooks) is the only witness to the murder having been present when it occurred. She had been trying to transfer a mysterious $300K to the victim when he was struck down. Several persons of interest are placed under suspicion. First we have Judy Hayes, the mysterious Dr. Cardigan (George Zucco), Carol Wayne (Claire Dodd) who may not be who she seems, Dectective Joe Arnold (Richard Lane) and his prisoner Johnny McCoy (Marc Lawrence), the ship's Executive Officer Randolph (John King). Captain Johnson (Robert Barrat) assists Charlie and Jimmy in their investigation.
The money disappears, another murder happens and an attempt is made on Charlie's life. Finally Charlie concocts a plan to fool the murder into revealing himself and........................................
Sidney Toler takes a bit of getting used to as Chan but would fit comfortably into the role that he would play for the next decade. Yung makes an excellent foil for Toler and he too would continue on in the series. This film is enhanced by the presence of the ever sinister George Zucco in the cast. He was always a suspect. The comedy relief provided by Eddie Collins and his lion would fit better into a Three Stooges comedy rather than here.
Just an added note, Philip Ahn who plays Charlie's son-in-law had a connection with Keye Luke who had appeared in the Oland Chans. Both appeared in the 70s TV series "Kung Fu" as Chinese mentors to star David Carradine.
The story is set in Honolulu but most of the action takes place on a freighter where a murder has been committed. We first meet Toler's Chan at home with his wife and umpteen children awaiting the birth of the family's first grand child.
Charlie is called to investigate a murder aboard the aforementioned freighter but as Charlie has gone to the hospital to await his grand child's birth, No. 2 son Jimmy goes in his stead accompanied by No. 5 son Tommy. Jimmy attempts to investigate the murder but as always gets himself into trouble. Charlie arrives just in time to prevent Jimmy from being thrown overboard.
Judy Hayes (Phyllis Brooks) is the only witness to the murder having been present when it occurred. She had been trying to transfer a mysterious $300K to the victim when he was struck down. Several persons of interest are placed under suspicion. First we have Judy Hayes, the mysterious Dr. Cardigan (George Zucco), Carol Wayne (Claire Dodd) who may not be who she seems, Dectective Joe Arnold (Richard Lane) and his prisoner Johnny McCoy (Marc Lawrence), the ship's Executive Officer Randolph (John King). Captain Johnson (Robert Barrat) assists Charlie and Jimmy in their investigation.
The money disappears, another murder happens and an attempt is made on Charlie's life. Finally Charlie concocts a plan to fool the murder into revealing himself and........................................
Sidney Toler takes a bit of getting used to as Chan but would fit comfortably into the role that he would play for the next decade. Yung makes an excellent foil for Toler and he too would continue on in the series. This film is enhanced by the presence of the ever sinister George Zucco in the cast. He was always a suspect. The comedy relief provided by Eddie Collins and his lion would fit better into a Three Stooges comedy rather than here.
Just an added note, Philip Ahn who plays Charlie's son-in-law had a connection with Keye Luke who had appeared in the Oland Chans. Both appeared in the 70s TV series "Kung Fu" as Chinese mentors to star David Carradine.