Famed detective Charlie Chan (Oland) and his number one son Lee (Luke) are traveling by ship to New York. On board, they meet Billie Bronson (Henry). Bronson left the US a year prior to avoid testifying in a case. On board the ship, her room is ransacked, so she hides a package in the Chans' luggage, planning to retrieve it later.
After landing in New York, Charlie is invited to a police banquet by Chief Inspector James Nelson (Huber). Billie is hounded by photographer Joan Wendall (Marsh) and reporter Speed Patten (Woods). That evening she is murdered at the Hottentot Club, owned by her boyfriend Johnny Burke (Fowley). When a second dead body is discovered in the Chans' hotel room, Charlie joins Inspector Nelson on the case. Can they find the culprit before more bodies pile up?
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 15th of 16 appearance as the character.
The Good:
Like other entries in the Charlie Chan series, the plot moves at a decent pace and juggles multiple potential suspects. It also nicely balances the murder mystery with comedy, mostly at the expense of Keye Luke's Lee.
The Bad:
No real complaints. But Joan Woodbury's Marie is annoying, and her act in the club is just unnecessary filler.
Other Comments:
-The series continued with Sidney Toler for 22 films and Roland Winters for 6 films.
-Luke also appeared in the Mr. Wong film series, taking over the role from Boris Karloff. He also appeared as Lee Chan in the Mr. Moto series.
-Another enjoyable Chan adventure.
Charlie Chan on Broadway (1937) 68 minutes
Director: Eugene Forde
Starring: Warner Oland as Charlie Chan
Keye Luke as Lee Chan
Joan Marsh as Joan Wendall
J. Edward Bromberg as Murdock
Douglas Fowley as Johnny Burke
Harold Huber as Chief Inspector James Nelson
Donald Woods as Speed Patten
Louise Henry as Billie Bronson
Joan Woodbury as Marie Collins
Leon Ames as Buzz Moran
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