Main      Site Guide    
At-A-Glance Film Reviews

Charlie Chan At the Wax Museum (1940)

Rating

[2.5]

Reviews and Comments

"Knowledge short. Suspicion long."

Part of the fun of Charlie Chan mysteries is watching how Chan's charisma and affecting dialogue can keep them afloat through some (by today's standards) cornball plot contrivances. This series entry crosses the line just slightly, however -- there's no way the gangsters' plot to kill Chan could be easier than plugging a bullet in his skull when he's not looking. And the usual host of suspects are a confused jumble as they are given too little screen time to be individuals. Nevertheless, the film successfully creates a moody atmosphere, and it's fun watching the Chinese detective and his number two son unravel the case.

Series Entries

Related Films

Links