Sidney Toler dons the oriental make-up for another Charlie Chan film and solves a murder at a seance. It is not one of the best Chan films but it isn't bad. The solution to the mysterious murder method is fair enough but in so short a running length (only 67 minutes) it is difficult to work out who is who and their motives so the unmasking of the murderer is not as effective as it should be. You do really need some time to get to know the suspects.
Sidney Toler seems a bit low powered and there is far too much of Mantan Moreland as Birmingham Brown rolling his eyes, trembling and generally being frightened. As Number 1 daughter Frances Chan is very cute but is not given much to do apart from smile a lot. It is a lovely smile though. The running theme throughout all the films of Chan's affection for his large family continues here. He is first seen in a hotel room surrounded by toys and games (and playing with one!) that he was taking home for the children the next day.
Sidney Toler seems a bit low powered and there is far too much of Mantan Moreland as Birmingham Brown rolling his eyes, trembling and generally being frightened. As Number 1 daughter Frances Chan is very cute but is not given much to do apart from smile a lot. It is a lovely smile though. The running theme throughout all the films of Chan's affection for his large family continues here. He is first seen in a hotel room surrounded by toys and games (and playing with one!) that he was taking home for the children the next day.