Watch Charlie Chan's Secret - Warner Oland as Charile Chan

Charlie Chan's Secret is a 1936 mystery film, starring Warner Oland as the famous Chinese detective. This movie is notable for being one of the very best films featuring the character, serving as a testament to Oland's ability to bring depth and nuance to the often-stereotyped role. The film opens with Chan traveling to San Francisco to visit his son, Lee, who has recently returned from college. However, upon arriving, Chan discovers that Lee has become embroiled in a dangerous situation after becoming involved with a woman who is mixed up with a gang of criminals.

As Chan begins to investigate, he finds that the mystery runs deeper than he originally thought, and that his son may be in grave danger. With the help of some old friends, a quick mind, and deep intuition, Charlie Chan works to unravel the web of lies and deception that threatens his family and the city at large.

One of the most striking things about this film is the way that it deals with complex family dynamics. While Charlie Chan is often portrayed as a distant and formal figure, here we get to see a softer side of the character, as he worries about his son's safety and struggles to balance his duties as a detective with his responsibilities as a father.

In addition, the performances in the film are all top-notch, with Oland delivering a nuanced and compelling portrayal of the detective that still stands up today, nearly a century later. Rosina Lawrence is also excellent as the young woman who gets caught up in the gang's schemes, bringing a depth and complexity to her character that is often lacking in similar roles from this era.

Of course, it wouldn't be a Charlie Chan movie without a healthy dose of humor and wit, and this film certainly delivers on that front. Chan's dry sense of humor and razor-sharp wit keep the film from becoming too bogged down in its more serious moments, serving as a testament to Oland's ability to balance the character's many different facets.

Overall, Charlie Chan's Secret is a fantastic example of a classic detective film, filled with complex characters, witty dialogue, and plenty of thrills and intrigue. While the film is certainly a product of its time, it remains a testament to the enduring popularity of the Charlie Chan character, and a worthy addition to any mystery-lover's collection.

Charlie Chan's Secret - Warner Oland as Charile Chan is a 1936 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 12 minutes.