Watch Charlie Chan: The Secret Service

Charlie Chan: The Secret Service is a 1944 mystery film directed by Phil Karlson and starring Sidney Toler as the famous detective Charlie Chan. The film features one of Chan's most intriguing cases as he is brought in to investigate the disappearance of an inventor who has developed a new top-secret torpedo guidance system for the US Navy.

The film is set in Washington, D.C., during World War II, and opens with Chan meeting with Admiral Keefe (Cyril Delevanti) and his assistant, James Morton (Arthur Loft). They inform Chan that Professor Chanterelle, inventor of the new torpedo system, has gone missing, and that foreign agents are suspected of being involved. Chan takes the case and begins his investigation.

As Chan delves deeper into the case, he discovers several suspicious characters, including Chanterelle's wife, Julie (Marianne Quon), his assistant, Haggerty (Benson Fong), and a mysterious woman named Angela (Victoria Faust). Chan also enlists the help of his comedic sidekick, Birmingham Brown (Mantan Moreland), who provides much of the film's humor.

The plot thickens as Chan and Brown uncover a plot to steal the torpedo system and sell it to a foreign power, and the stakes are raised when Chanterelle is found dead. The race is on to find the villains and the missing torpedo system before it's too late.

One of the strengths of the film is Toler's portrayal of Chan. He brings a sense of wisdom and humor to the character, and his interactions with Moreland's Birmingham Brown are a highlight of the film. Moreland's comedic timing is spot-on, and he adds a touch of levity to what could be a very serious film.

The supporting cast is solid, with Arthur Loft providing a suitably slimy performance as Morton and Marianne Quon bringing an air of mystery and intrigue to the role of Julie Chanterelle. Victoria Faust is also strong as Angela, a character whose motives are never quite clear.

The film is directed by Phil Karlson, who went on to have a successful career directing crime dramas in the 1950s and '60s. Karlson brings a fast-paced and efficient style to the film, keeping the mystery moving along at a brisk pace.

One of the challenges of making a film set during World War II is balancing the need for patriotism with the need for entertainment. In this regard, Charlie Chan: The Secret Service succeeds admirably. The film includes several scenes that highlight the efforts of the military and the importance of the war effort, without becoming too heavy-handed or preachy.

Overall, Charlie Chan: The Secret Service is an entertaining and well-crafted mystery film. Toler and Moreland make a great duo, and the supporting cast is strong. The plot is intriguing, and the action moves along at a good pace. Charlie Chan fans should definitely check out this film, as should anyone who enjoys a good mystery.