Watch Black Magic

Black Magic, released in 1944, is the ninth entry in the Charlie Chan series and features Sidney Toler as the titular character. The movie is a fast-paced mystery-comedy that combines elements of suspense, black magic, and comedy to produce an entertaining and engaging experience for the audience. The story revolves around a wealthy businessman named Frank Chandler (played by Bob Stevenson) who returns to his home in San Francisco after a long stay in the Orient. Chandler has become the target of a group of con artists and black magicians who are trying to steal his money using various tricks and illusions.

When Chandler seeks the help of Charlie Chan, the clever detective quickly realizes that he is dealing with something far more sinister than a mere group of criminals. With the help of his trusty sidekick, Birmingham Brown, played by the talented Mantan Moreland and a beautiful Chinese woman named Mai Ling (played by Frances Chan), Chan sets out to unravel the mystery of the black magic cult that is threatening Chandler's life.

As the story unfolds, the audience is treated to a series of thrilling and suspenseful set pieces, such as the scene where Chandler is nearly killed by some black magic practitioners who use a snake to frighten him, or the scene where Chan and his team have to navigate a series of hidden traps and illusions to find the secret lair of the cult.

The movie has a wild and unpredictable storyline that is filled with twists and turns, making it hard to guess what's coming next. The humor is also a highlight of the movie, with Mantan Moreland's comedic timing and facial expressions providing many laugh-out-loud moments throughout the film.

The performances of the lead cast are top-notch, with Sidney Toler delivering a convincing and nuanced portrayal of the famed detective. Toler's Chan is a wise and patient man who is always one step ahead of his adversaries. Frances Chan is also excellent as Mai Ling, bringing a sense of grace and beauty to her role.

Despite the movie's black magic theme, it never veers into the lurid or sensationalistic territory that was common in many horror movies of the time. Instead, the focus is on creating an intriguing mystery that keeps the audience engaged until the very end.

Overall, Black Magic is a testament to the skill of the talented cast and crew who brought it to life. It's a satisfying mystery that is well-paced, well-acted, and entertaining from start to finish. If you're a fan of classic mysteries, black magic stories or just good old-fashioned fun, this is definitely a movie you don't want to miss.

Black Magic is a 1944 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 7 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.