Charlie Chan in Egypt (1935)

While investigating the theft of antiquities from an ancient tomb excavation, Charlie discovers that the body of the expedition's leader concealed inside the mummy's wrappings.

Director:

Louis King (as Luis King)

Writers:

Robert Ellis (original screenplay), Helen Logan (original screenplay)

Stars:

Warner Oland, Pat Paterson, Thomas Beck

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Warner Oland	...	Charlie Chan
Pat Paterson	...	Carol Arnold
Thomas Beck	...	Tom Evans
Rita Hayworth	...	Nayda (as Rita Cansino)
Stepin Fetchit	...	Snowshoes
Jameson Thomas	...	Dr. Anton Racine
Frank Conroy	...	Prof. John Thurston
Nigel De Brulier	...	Edfu Ahmad
Paul Porcasi	...	Insp. Fouad Soueida
Arthur Stone	...	Dragoman
James Eagles	...	Barry Arnold
Frank Reicher	...	Dr. Jaipur
George Irving	...	Prof. Arnold
Anita Brown	...	Showshoes' Friend
John Davidson	...	Chemist Daoud Atrash

Storyline

An X-ray machine reveals the presence of a corpse in an Egyptian sarcophagus. It is not that of the ancient high priest. Instead the body is that of the archaeologist who was thought to be on a trip to the Upper Nile, but is now found murdered.

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Plot Keywords:

cigar smoking | charlie chan character | four word title | 1930s | tomb | 

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Taglines:

HE SOLVES HIS MOST CHILLING MYSTERY! An ancient tomb reveals a modern criminal! (Print Ad- Greenfield Recorder-Gazette, ((Greenfield, Mass.)) 3 July 1935)

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

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Certificate:

Approved

Did You Know?

Trivia

A young Rita Hayworth appears in a minor role, before she became a star.

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Goofs

The plot revolves around items from the tomb of a high priest of Sekhmet, and the statue of Sekhmet, which are found in the tomb itself. Although Sekhmet was indeed the goddess of revenge, she was not a mortuary goddess. The writers may have confused Sekhmet with Selket, who *was* a mortuary goddess.

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Quotes

Charlie Chan: Varnish on 3000 year old mummy case not completely dry.

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Connections

Followed by Charlie Chan at Treasure Island (1939)

User Reviews

Once Again, the Robbery of Egyptian Artifacts

Despite the ridiculous presence of Stepin Fetchit, who really contributes nothing but the most egregious of stereotyping, this is a pretty good mystery. Oh, he is quite successful at mumbling incomprehensibly and bringing a flashlight when one is needed. He lives in perpetual fear. Anyway, something is going on with Egyptian treasures that British imperialists are stealing from Egypt to take back to museums. During a discovery, an archaeologist drops dead. This leads to infighting among groups who obviously have made a major discovery and would like it for there own. Charlie Chan has come on the scene and has no idea at the outset that there is so much going on. There is a romantic angle with the young male lead getting in over his head. One interesting thing is the appearance of the beautiful young Rita Hayworth who does little more that look attractive. What is interesting to me is that there is a point where they start to blame Charlie for all the ills they are facing. He takes this in stride because, after all, he is a lesser being in the pecking order. The method of murder and the wrapping up of the case is quite satisfying.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

21 June 1935 (USA)

Also Known As:

Charlie Chan in Egypt

Company Credits

Production Co:

Fox Film Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

73 min 72 min (FMC Library Print)

Sound Mix:

Mono Mono (Western Electric Noiseless Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1