Cast
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Warner Oland
as Charlie Chan
Keye Luke
as Lee Chan
Helen Wood
as Alice Fenton
Thomas Beck
as Bruce Rogers
Alan Dinehart
as George Chester
Gavin Muir
as Bagley
Gloria Roy
as Catherine Chester
Jonathan Hale
as Warren Fenton
G.P. Huntley
as Denny Barton
George Irving
as Major Gordon Kent
Frank Coghlan Jr.
as Eddie Brill, Jockey
Frankie Darro
as 'Tip' Collins, Jockey
John Rogers
as Mooney, Ship Cabin Steward
John Henry Allen
as 'Streamline' Jones
Harry Jans
as Al Meers
Crew
Director
- H. Bruce Humberstone
Reviews
CinemaSerf
I am rapidly coming to the conclusion that being a friend of "Charlie Chan" is a downright dangerous thing to be! This time, his pal "Maj. Kent" (George Irving) is accompanying his celebrated horse "Avalanche" to Los Angeles to race it in the famous "Santa Juanita" handicap when he is discovered in it's stall, having been kicked to death! Charlie and No. 1 son "Lee" (Keye Luke) must get to the bottom of this sinister conspiracy and soon discover that maybe the horse wasn't to blame after all.. This feature had a really good dynamic between father and son; more for Luke to work with here on both the comic and practical fronts and it's got quite a few plausible suspects as the mystery unfolds. Some nice equestrian footage and a lively supporting cast make for superior effort from all concerned.
Jun 19, 2022
Thematic Analysis
Charlie Chan at the Race Track represents a fascinating example of Mystery/Comedy/Thriller/Crime 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 1936, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Charlie Chan at the Race Track took approximately 23 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 70 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 94 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The musical score contains over 34 unique compositions.
- The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1936, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- 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 Race Track shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Murder by Death, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Charlie Chan at the Race Track offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Charlie Chan at the Olympics and Castle in the Desert explore similar territory, Charlie Chan at the Race Track 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: August 7, 1936
- Runtime: 1h 10m
