Charlie Chan in Honolulu (1938)
1h 7m | PG-13
While Charlie is distracted with the birth of his first grandchild, son Jimmy impersonates his father in order to investigate a murder aboard a freighter in the harbor.
Director: H. Bruce Humberstone
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Genre: Mystery, Crime, Comedy, Thriller
Video: 720p
Cast
Sidney Toler
as Charlie Chan
Phyllis Brooks
as Judy Hayes
Victor Sen Yung
as James Chan
Eddie Collins
as Al Hogan
John 'Dusty' King
as Randolph
Claire Dodd
as Mrs. Carol Wayne
Reviews
This opens up with the most anachronistic scene you're ever likely to see in a "Charlie Chan" film. Him, mama and his thirteen (is that a lucky number?) all around the dinner table excitedly awaiting the arrival of the first grandchild. Whilst "Pop" - for the first time played by Sidney Toler - is suitably distracted, No.2 son "Jimmy" (Victor Sen Yung) manages to get in way over his head impersonating his father on a murder case onboard a freighter where nobody seems to speak English! Fortunately for him (and us), his father is soon back on the case before anyone gets eaten by "Leo" the ship's own lion, or bumped off by the unknown assailant. It's a better paced drama, this one - plenty going on with some fun sub-plots and an always welcome George Zucco as the enigmatic "Dr. Cardigan" who has some very interesting luggage. Just over an hour, and well worth watching.