Watch The Chinese Ring

The Chinese Ring, released in 1947, is a thrilling crime drama that follows the adventures of Charlie Chan, a renowned detective, as he sets out to investigate a series of murders and thefts involving a notorious criminal gang. Starring Roland Winters as Charlie Chan, Warren Douglas as Tommy, and Mantan Moreland as Birmingham Brown, the movie offers a classic whodunit plot that is full of twists and turns, and keeps the audience on the edge of their seats until the very end.

The story opens with a series of strange events taking place in San Francisco's Chinatown. A valuable jade necklace has been stolen from a wealthy businessman's home, and a notorious criminal gang known as The Golden Horde is suspected to be behind the theft. Meanwhile, a woman is found murdered in an alleyway, and her body bears the mark of The Golden Horde. Fearing that the gang is planning a major heist, the authorities seek the help of Charlie Chan, a brilliant detective who is known for his expertise in solving complex cases.

Charlie Chan, accompanied by his loyal assistant Birmingham Brown, sets out to unravel the mystery behind the crime. As he digs deeper into the case, he realizes that the theft and murders are just the tip of the iceberg, and that there is a much larger conspiracy at play. With his keen eye for detail and his sharp wit, he pieces together clues that lead him to suspect a number of individuals, including a beautiful singer named Pamela, a mysterious gambler named Victor, and a wealthy businessman named Edwards.

As the investigation progresses, the stakes get higher, and the danger increases for Charlie Chan and his team. A series of close calls and narrow escapes keeps the tension high, and the audience is left guessing till the very end. In the final showdown, Charlie Chan faces a deadly adversary who is determined to stop him from uncovering the truth.

The Chinese Ring is a classic example of the film noir genre, with its dark and moody atmosphere, its intricate plot, and its morally ambiguous characters. The movie is notable for its portrayal of Asian-American characters, which was rare for Hollywood at the time. Roland Winters delivers a convincing performance as Charlie Chan, playing the role with a mix of charm, wit, and intelligence. Mantan Moreland provides comic relief as Birmingham Brown, and his banter with Charlie Chan adds a lighthearted touch to the film. Warren Douglas is convincing as the tough-talking cop-turned sidekick, Tommy, who helps Charlie Chan in his exploits.

The direction of William Beaudine is excellent, with his use of mood lighting, shadowy scenes, and inventive camera angles adding to the film's atmosphere. The movie's memorable score, written by Edward J. Kay, heightens the suspense and adds to the overall feel of the film.

Overall, The Chinese Ring is a classic crime drama that is entertaining and engaging from start to finish. With its clever plot, memorable characters, and classic film noir atmosphere, it is a movie that is sure to appeal to fans of the genre. The film is a testament to the talents of its cast and crew, and has remained a favorite of audiences for over seven decades.

The Chinese Ring is a 1947 thriller 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 5.8.