Charlie Chan at Monte Carlo

"Questions are key to the door of doubt."

Famed detective Charlie Chan (Orlan) and his number one son Lee (Luke) are in Monte Carlo for an art show. They befriend the Chief of Police Jules Etienne Joubert (Huber) at a casino.

That evening, two men are murdered and $1 million in bonds are missing. The bonds belong to Victor Karnoff (Blackmer), who blames his rival Paul Savarin (Raquello). The car of Evelyn Grey (Field) is seen fleeing the first murder site. Evelyn is dating Karnoff's secretary and brother-in-law Gordon Chase (Kent). Karnoff's wife, Joan (Linaker) is also connected to the case, along with bartender Al Rogers (Lynn). With multiple murders, blackmail, lies, theft, and romance at play, can Chan unravel the truth?

The character of Charlie Chan was created by Earl Derr Biggers in a series of novels from 1925-1932. In 1931, Chan was the star of Charlie Chan Carries On, starring Warner Orland. This is Orlan's 16th and final appearance as the character. 

The Good:

The story moves at a decent pace. It also has a mix of mystery and humor, mostly on behalf of Keye Luke's Lee Chan. Luke is funny and charismatic in the role.

Warner Oland's Charlie Chan is methodical and astute. He rolls with the situation around him, while also keeping the suspects in line, by interrupting them with "Contradiction, please" or "Excuse, please". I also enjoyed his camaraderie with Harold Huber's Inspector. 

The Bad:

I guessed the guilty party early on. It didn't hurt the enjoyment of the film.

Other Comments:

-This was Orlan's final film.

-The series continued with Sidney Toler for 22 films and Roland Winters for 6 films.

-Luke also appeared in thr Mr. Wong film series, taking over the role from Boris Karloff. He also appeared as Lee Chan in thr Mr. Moto series.

-Enjoyable film. I am interested in watching other films in the series, especially to see how the character differs with other actors.

Charlie Chan at Monte Carlo (1937) 73 minutes

Director: Eugene Forde

Starring:Warner Oland as Charlie Chan

Keye Luke as Lee Chan

Virginia Field as Evelyn Grey

Sidney Blackmer as Victor Karnoff

Harold Huber as Chief of Police Jules Etienne Joubert

Kay Linaker as Joan Karnoff

Robert Kent as Gordon Chase

Edward Raquello as Paul Savarin

George Lynn as Al Rogers

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl

Wallace (Whitehead) has an invention for everything, including making and feeding him breakfast. But inventing is not cheap and he needs to find a way to make some money. Wallace invents a gnome robot, called Norbot (Shearsmith), to help his long suffering dog Gromit, and later the town.

Years before, Wallace and Gromit helped the police capture notoriius criminal Feathers McGraw. McGraw was imprisoned in a zoo. He learns of Wallace's recent success and plots to escape, ruin Wallace, and re-steal the Blue Diamond. He turns the Norbot evil and the town turn against Wallace. Can Wallace and Gromit clear their names and stop McGraw?

This is Aardman Animations 6th Wallace and Gromit adventure: 4 short films (A Grand Day Out, The Wrong Trousers, A Close Shave, and A Matter of Loaf and Death) and 1 previous feature length film (Curse of the Were-Rabbit).

The Good:

It has been over a decade since Wallace and Gromit appeared on screen. But it feels like no time has passed here. Wallace and Gromit are a loveable duo. As always, this is a stop-motion animated film, with lots of personality and quirky characters. 

Feathers McGraw is the best villain and does not disappoint here. The gnomes were the right amount of creepy.

The Bad:

It's mostly good, but the scene of Norbot charging is cringey. Other than that, no real issues.

Other Comments:

-Feathers McGraw previously appeared in the short Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers.

-This film is nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. 

-A thoroughly enjoyable film. I was concerned that they wouldn't be able to recapture the magic of prior films, but my fears were unfounded. It was great!

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (2024) 79 minutes

Director: Nick Park & Mark Crossingham

Starring: Ben Whitehead as Wallace

Peter Kay as Chief Inspector Albert Mackintosh

Reece Shearsmith as Norbot

Diane Morgan as Onya Doorstep