Watch The Return of Chandu

The Return of Chandu is a 1934 adventure film directed by Ray Taylor, starring the Croatian-American actor Bela Lugosi, the Spanish actress Maria Alba, and the American actress Clara Kimball Young. The movie is based on the character of Chandu, a mystical hero who appeared in various pulp stories and radio programs in the 1930s. The plot of the film revolves around Chandu (Bela Lugosi), a former magician turned yogi, who is summoned by his sister to investigate a dangerous cult that plans to conquer the world with the power of a magic crystal. Along with his friend and assistant, the beautiful Egyptian princess Nadji (Maria Alba), Chandu travels to the cult's hidden fortress in the mountains of Tibet. There, he must use his mystical powers and knowledge of ancient spells to foil the cult's plans and save the world from destruction.

The film is a sequel to the 1932 serial Chandu the Magician, also starring Lugosi and directed by William Cameron Menzies. While the first movie focused on Chandu's battle against an evil hypnotist named Roxor, The Return of Chandu expands the scope of the story to include exotic locales, giant monsters, and epic battles between good and evil.

One of the most striking aspects of The Return of Chandu is its unique blend of Eastern mysticism and pulp adventure. The movie features a variety of mystical practices and symbols, including yoga, meditation, hypnotism, astrology, and alchemy. These elements are combined with more traditional pulp tropes, such as secret cults, hidden fortresses, and daring rescues, to create a distinctive fantasy world that is both familiar and mysterious.

Another notable feature of the film is the impressive special effects and set design. The movie includes a number of impressive set pieces, including a giant underground laboratory, a throne room with a massive crystal globe, and an expansive cavern filled with boiling lava. The film also features a number of impressive practical effects, including a giant spider, a fire-breathing dragon, and a hypnotic ray that can turn people into zombies.

The performances in the film are also noteworthy. Bela Lugosi, best known for his role as Dracula, brings a commanding presence to the role of Chandu. He exudes a sense of mystical power and authority, while also displaying a sly sense of humor and a charming rapport with Maria Alba's Nadji. Alba, for her part, is a stunning presence on screen, delivering a performance that balances poise and vulnerability. Clara Kimball Young, a veteran of silent films, provides strong support as Victoria, Chandu's sister and a key player in the fight against the cult.

Overall, The Return of Chandu is a fascinating and entertaining relic of a bygone era of pulp fiction and matinee serials. While the film may seem dated and corny to modern audiences, it remains a fascinating example of early 20th-century popular culture, blending mystical spirituality with rollicking adventure in a way that is both compelling and entertaining. If you're a fan of classic adventure films or early pulp fiction, The Return of Chandu is definitely worth checking out.

The Return of Chandu is a 1934 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 5 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.