Charlie Chan in Paris

From 1935, "Charlie Chan in Paris" was considered one of the lost of the series, but a print was found.

Years and years ago, when I first discovered the Chan films, the TV station I watched at the time showed Sidney Toler films. I like Toler in the role -- he had a world-weary way of saying his lines, his Chan was deliberate, and his kids drove him nuts. Oland brings different qualities to the role, and he's a delight - very upbeat, more active, and in this one anyway, Lee Chan (Keye Luke) was a welcome addition to him, not a bother. He really radiates a special warmth.

Part of the energy difference is due to age -- Oland was about 12 years younger than Toler when he began the series.

In this story, Chan goes on vacation to Paris, but it's just a cover. He's there to investigate a forgery that seems to emanate from one particular bank that is selling bonds. He has someone there, Nardi, working undercover, but she is murdered shortly after the film starts.

Good film, and somehow, even working in a studio, the film manages to create a dark and mysterious atmosphere.

Enjoyable. I know they are not politically correct, but I do love the Charlie Chan films.