This is my first exposure to the “Charlie Chan” franchise. It’s still considered to be one of the longest running franchises in film history with over forty instalments. Although often dismissed nowadays as politically incorrect, there’s something endearing about these films. This appears to be one of the more popular entries in the series.

Charlie Chan (Warner Oland “The Black Camel”, “Charlie Chan In Shanghai”) is called to investigate when an heir to a fortune is presumed dead. Things get strange when a séance is held at a mansion and the body of the missing man appears. Only Charlie Chan has the wits to help solve this most puzzling case.

Warner Oland does a really good job as Charlie Chan. Of course, the make-up gives him a slight Asian appearance and he puts on a rather dodgy Chinese accent. However, the character is still fun to watch. Just think of him more as a Chinese Poirot. No matter how crafty the villains may be, Charlie Chan is always on their trail and he always outfoxes them. The other characters are okay and some of them managed to put a smile on my face. Of course, the focus really is on the titular character.

“Charlie Chans’ Secret” is certainly not a great film. A lot of people may find it to be far too slow and rather uneventful. However, there is something undeniably charming about it. The mystery is moderately complex and takes some interesting twists and turns. The Charlie Chan characters himself is likeable and it is a shame we don’t see more of him and other characters that once dominated the big screen (Zorro is another that springs to mind). This is a relatively short film that lasts little over an hour and it made me happy so I’m recommending it.