Cast
View All
Warner Oland
as Charlie Chan
Katherine DeMille
as Yvonne Roland
Pauline Moore
as Betty Adams
Allan Lane
as Richard Masters
Keye Luke
as Lee Chan
C. Henry Gordon
as Arthur Hughes
John Eldredge
as Mr. Cartwright
Layne Tom Jr.
as Charlie Chan Jr
Jonathan Hale
as Mr. Hopkins
Morgan Wallace
as Honorable Charles Zaraka
Frederick Vogeding
as Inspector Strasser
Andrew Tombes
as Chief of Homicide E. R. Scott
Howard Hickman
as Police Doctor
Arno Frey
as Carlos, Zaraka's Henchman
David S. Horsley
as Test Pilot Edwards
Crew
Director
- H. Bruce Humberstone
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Maybe one of the more far-fetched "Charlie Chan" stories, this one. This time, No. 1 son "Lee" (Keye Luke) is en route to take part in the Berlin Olympic games. Simultaneously, an plane testing a revolutionary new guidance system is mysteriously hijacked and "Pop" tracks same to Berlin, and so onto the "Hindenberg" he goes in a race to stop the Nazis from obtaining this crucial bit of kit. This has a slightly more sinister plot, with some genuinely menacing scenes tempered by "Lee", as ever on the lookout for a pretty girl, ultimately getting himself into some serious hot water with the baddies! If there are clues, then they went over my head - I was none the wiser until the denouement, which is no bad thing. Well paced direction, solid efforts from the supporting cast - including Allan "Rocky" Lane (think "Mr. Ed"!) and of course the chief suspect, C. Henry Gordon, who makes another CC appearance - this time as the devious "Hughes". It's got a little actuality from the Olympics too - and, thankfully, "Lee" doesn't need his dad to use the paddle...
Jun 20, 2022
Thematic Analysis
Charlie Chan at the Olympics represents a fascinating example of Mystery/Crime/Thriller cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director H. Bruce Humberstone brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1937, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Charlie Chan at the Olympics took approximately 28 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 71 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 111 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 284 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1937, when this film was released:
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Charlie Chan at the Olympics shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Tough Enough, which focuses more on action than character development, Charlie Chan at the Olympics offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like M and The Blacklist explore similar territory, Charlie Chan at the Olympics stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 21, 1937
- Runtime: 1h 11m
