Charlie Chan goes to Paris, he says on a vacation, but is investigating the Lamartine bank (the richest and most prestigious bank in France) where several forged bonds have circulated across Europe. Nardi, one half of an Apache dance and Chan's Parisian contact, is killed just before he can get any information from her. Looking through Nardi's room, Chan finds a book of her notes, which point suspicion on Albert Dufresne, a worker in the bank. Dufresne is murdered by a mysterious beggar, Xavier Marcel and the blame is placed on Yvette Lamartine, daughter of the bank's president. Chan, son Lee, and Victor Descartes (Yvette's fiancé) must uncover the counterfeiting ring and discover who is disguising himself as Marcel. This is one of the better Chan's in the series, with plenty of mysterious goings-on throughout the film. Nice set locations in the film giving the audience feelings of the Parisian nightlife, dark alleys, and even sewer system. This is the first film to feature Keye Luke as number one son Lee, which gives Oland to play Chan as the fatherly genial type, which is an improvement over the previous entry, Charlie Chan in London. Rating, 8.
34 Reviews
Who killed Nardi?
Jim Tritten11 May 2002
Excellent mystery with Warner Oland on trail of bond forgers who would undermine the Banque Lamartine. Aided by Lee Chan (Key Luke), Chan methodically unravels fraud and murder and ducks an attempt on his life. As with other entries in this series, the viewer cannot figure out the solution because key evidence is only revealed at the end. Chan knows more than the police and the viewer. If you know this and just sit back and enjoy, you will have a pleasant time. Of note is a dance apache done by Nardi at the Cafe du Singe Blue -- apache signifying a member of the Paris underground and not an American Indian tribe. Racial slurs grate us today but reflect the times. Lots of clues but as Chan says, "must turn up many stones to get to hiding place of snake." Recommended.
A Tale Of Two Cities
bkoganbing21 April 2013
In one of the few times that another Charlie Chan film made reference to its immediate predecessor, Charlie Chan In Paris notes that Warner Oland is in Paris having picked up a client in London. Fans of the series will remember that Oland was in London solving the murder in a stable on an estate, a fact also specifically mentioned.
The clients who hired Oland are some bondholders who have bought what looks forged bonds from a respected Paris bank. These bonds have flooded the European market and threaten to bring financial panic on the alleged issuing bank run by Henry Kolker.
I have to say that the conspirators really had a clever scheme of forgery and a pretty good method of committing murder to protect the enterprise. Two murders are committed, one of them of John Miljan who has played a slew despicable villains on screen. In fact Miljan is branching out into a racket all his own when he's killed. That other racket though manages to cast suspicion on a false perpetrator.
Charlie Chan In Paris is one of the cleverest films in the Chan series and fans of Charlie should not miss this one.
The clients who hired Oland are some bondholders who have bought what looks forged bonds from a respected Paris bank. These bonds have flooded the European market and threaten to bring financial panic on the alleged issuing bank run by Henry Kolker.
I have to say that the conspirators really had a clever scheme of forgery and a pretty good method of committing murder to protect the enterprise. Two murders are committed, one of them of John Miljan who has played a slew despicable villains on screen. In fact Miljan is branching out into a racket all his own when he's killed. That other racket though manages to cast suspicion on a false perpetrator.
Charlie Chan In Paris is one of the cleverest films in the Chan series and fans of Charlie should not miss this one.
"I beg your pardon, but this murder has been a great shock to me."
classicsoncall30 January 2005
Warning: Spoilers
"Charlie Chan in Paris" opens with sufficient intrigue; a disguised beggar on crutches is suitably mysterious as Charlie disembarks from his plane. Very soon, a rock with a note attached is thrown through Chan's cab window warning him to leave France or his life will be in danger.
The strong continuity from film to film in the Charlie Chan series begins here, as there are two references to his just concluded investigation from "Charlie Chan in London". Arriving in Paris under pretense of a vacation break, Charlie is on a case for a London banking house investigating fraud at the Banque Lamartine. Forged bonds have surfaced with the actual signatures of the bank president and portending a potential bank crisis.
The investigation begins at the Cafe de Singe Bleu, where the Chan party encounters the mysterious beggar once again, and at this point one begins to wonder why this character chooses to be so conspicuous. Once inside, Chan acknowledges his partner, the cafe apache dancer Nardi working undercover, and after a thrilling performance she is dispatched by a knife thrown by the beggar in dark glasses. With his contact gone, Chan must now use other devices to uncover the murderer and the bank fraud.
It's in this film that the first of the Chan offspring make an appearance; Number #1 Son Lee (Keye Luke) turns up at Charlie's hotel room following a business trip to Rome, and eagerly entreats "Pop" to join the case. Pop's reluctance is minimal, and Charlie warmly accepts his help.
When bank executive Albert Dufresne (John Miljan) is murdered, the daughter of the bank president Yvette Lamartine is framed. Believing in Dufresne's complicity in the bank fraud and Yvette's innocence, Chan now begins to unravel the identity of the mysterious beggar, Marcel Xavier. It turns out that the beggar is actually portrayed by two separate individuals, the lush sketch artist Max Korday (Erik Rhodes), and bank teller Henri Latouche (Murray Kinnell). Along with Dufresne, all three have conspired in the bond forgeries, until Dufresne attempted to cheat the other two.
It occurred to me as the story ended that this movie would be an excellent candidate for a modern day retelling, as the concept of two different individuals impersonating a fictional character comes across as quite clever. It's different and it works, although the way the fictional character Marcel Xavier draws attention to himself could probably have been toned down to maintain more suspense. Nevertheless, the ruse is effectively carried out, and makes "Charlie Chan in Paris" an effectively entertaining mystery.
The strong continuity from film to film in the Charlie Chan series begins here, as there are two references to his just concluded investigation from "Charlie Chan in London". Arriving in Paris under pretense of a vacation break, Charlie is on a case for a London banking house investigating fraud at the Banque Lamartine. Forged bonds have surfaced with the actual signatures of the bank president and portending a potential bank crisis.
The investigation begins at the Cafe de Singe Bleu, where the Chan party encounters the mysterious beggar once again, and at this point one begins to wonder why this character chooses to be so conspicuous. Once inside, Chan acknowledges his partner, the cafe apache dancer Nardi working undercover, and after a thrilling performance she is dispatched by a knife thrown by the beggar in dark glasses. With his contact gone, Chan must now use other devices to uncover the murderer and the bank fraud.
It's in this film that the first of the Chan offspring make an appearance; Number #1 Son Lee (Keye Luke) turns up at Charlie's hotel room following a business trip to Rome, and eagerly entreats "Pop" to join the case. Pop's reluctance is minimal, and Charlie warmly accepts his help.
When bank executive Albert Dufresne (John Miljan) is murdered, the daughter of the bank president Yvette Lamartine is framed. Believing in Dufresne's complicity in the bank fraud and Yvette's innocence, Chan now begins to unravel the identity of the mysterious beggar, Marcel Xavier. It turns out that the beggar is actually portrayed by two separate individuals, the lush sketch artist Max Korday (Erik Rhodes), and bank teller Henri Latouche (Murray Kinnell). Along with Dufresne, all three have conspired in the bond forgeries, until Dufresne attempted to cheat the other two.
It occurred to me as the story ended that this movie would be an excellent candidate for a modern day retelling, as the concept of two different individuals impersonating a fictional character comes across as quite clever. It's different and it works, although the way the fictional character Marcel Xavier draws attention to himself could probably have been toned down to maintain more suspense. Nevertheless, the ruse is effectively carried out, and makes "Charlie Chan in Paris" an effectively entertaining mystery.
Formerly Considered Lost, Paris is a Solid Series Entry
gftbiloxi4 April 2005
20th Century Fox recognized a money-spinner when it saw one. Between 1931 and 1942 the studio produced no fewer than 27 Charlie Chan films, first starring Warner Oland and later Sidney Toler. Unfortunately, of the sixteen films starring Warner Oland, four have been "lost." For a great many years, however, the number of "lost" films stood at five--until a single print of the 1935 CHARLIE CHAN IN Paris was located.
Like the earlier CHARLIE CHAN IN London, this film shows the series in full stride, a neat mixture of comedy and mystery bolstered by a solid cast. It is particularly notable as the first film in the series to introduce Chan's son Lee, memorably played by Asian-American actor Keye Luke, who would continue the role through several films. This episode finds Chan in, of course, Paris--pretending to be on vacation while in fact investigating counterfeit bank bonds in a mystery that leads Chan to the infamous sewers of the city.
Chan films, particularly those starring Oland, often use the device of allowing other characters to show vulgar racism toward Chan--and Chan often encourages such dismissiveness to his own ends; underestimation of Chan's talents often delivers the killer into the detective's hand. At times, however, the device has an unfortunate tone, and that occurs here, particularly in an early scene which presents Chan speaking in pidgin and then joining others in their laughter at the "joke." This sort of patronization would be soon dropped from the series, but it is significantly offensive when it occurs.
That aside, however, CHARLIE CHAN IN Paris is quite a good entry in the series, which features dancing spies, stolen love letters, and shots in the dark. The cinematography is typically static and the acting is a bit broad, as is typically of many mid-1930s films, but it's quite a bit of fun.
Gary F. Taylor, aka GFT, Amazon Reviewer
Like the earlier CHARLIE CHAN IN London, this film shows the series in full stride, a neat mixture of comedy and mystery bolstered by a solid cast. It is particularly notable as the first film in the series to introduce Chan's son Lee, memorably played by Asian-American actor Keye Luke, who would continue the role through several films. This episode finds Chan in, of course, Paris--pretending to be on vacation while in fact investigating counterfeit bank bonds in a mystery that leads Chan to the infamous sewers of the city.
Chan films, particularly those starring Oland, often use the device of allowing other characters to show vulgar racism toward Chan--and Chan often encourages such dismissiveness to his own ends; underestimation of Chan's talents often delivers the killer into the detective's hand. At times, however, the device has an unfortunate tone, and that occurs here, particularly in an early scene which presents Chan speaking in pidgin and then joining others in their laughter at the "joke." This sort of patronization would be soon dropped from the series, but it is significantly offensive when it occurs.
That aside, however, CHARLIE CHAN IN Paris is quite a good entry in the series, which features dancing spies, stolen love letters, and shots in the dark. The cinematography is typically static and the acting is a bit broad, as is typically of many mid-1930s films, but it's quite a bit of fun.
Gary F. Taylor, aka GFT, Amazon Reviewer
Keye Luke makes an entrance...
AlsExGal18 February 2023
... as he appears as someone who Charlie thinks is at first an intruder in his hotel room, but emerges from the bathroom in a hotel robe, hotel towel covering his hair and face. When he uncovers his face we get his trademark - "Hi Pop!" as Charlie's number one son. This is not only his first appearance in a Chan film, but his first credited film role. Keye Luke is actually in his early thirties at this point, but plays early twenties quite effectively.
But back to the story. Charlie's appearance in Paris is a mystery for about twenty minutes. He makes a call to a colleague who says she has crucial evidence and will talk to him after her dance number at the club. Charlie gets a message soon afterwards saying his reason for being here is known and his life is in danger. There are not the usual red herrings. Instead there is a sinister looking man, a beggar, on crutches, who seems to be making it obvious he is up to no good. Charlie spots him at several places, making his presence known. Why??? Watch and find out.
It turns out all of the secrecy is because some forged bonds have been found in London that were issued by a bank in Paris and Charlie is keeping his investigation under wraps so as to not start a panic. John Miljan is in the cast, and he always played the bad guy, even in MGM shorts, so he is not up to any good here either, but believe me I am not giving anything away by telling you that. He does manage to get the bank president's daughter involved in a scandal in what turns out to be a significant side plot.
Once again Charlie solves the mystery with his sharp powers of observation in this very atmospheric entry. He is very polite considering how Paris law enforcement is acting. At one point, the police are allowing witnesses and passer-bys to trample all over a murder scene, and they are also allowing witnesses to talk amongst themselves rather than isolating them somewhere that is NOT the crime scene.
But back to the story. Charlie's appearance in Paris is a mystery for about twenty minutes. He makes a call to a colleague who says she has crucial evidence and will talk to him after her dance number at the club. Charlie gets a message soon afterwards saying his reason for being here is known and his life is in danger. There are not the usual red herrings. Instead there is a sinister looking man, a beggar, on crutches, who seems to be making it obvious he is up to no good. Charlie spots him at several places, making his presence known. Why??? Watch and find out.
It turns out all of the secrecy is because some forged bonds have been found in London that were issued by a bank in Paris and Charlie is keeping his investigation under wraps so as to not start a panic. John Miljan is in the cast, and he always played the bad guy, even in MGM shorts, so he is not up to any good here either, but believe me I am not giving anything away by telling you that. He does manage to get the bank president's daughter involved in a scandal in what turns out to be a significant side plot.
Once again Charlie solves the mystery with his sharp powers of observation in this very atmospheric entry. He is very polite considering how Paris law enforcement is acting. At one point, the police are allowing witnesses and passer-bys to trample all over a murder scene, and they are also allowing witnesses to talk amongst themselves rather than isolating them somewhere that is NOT the crime scene.
Charm and Warner Oland
lousvr2 October 1999
As in, 'Charlie Chan in Egypt', this little gem reeks with early film atmosphere and sustains itself with the wonderful portrayal by Warner Oland. Warner Oland has more stage presence than a dozen actors of today. It's really a shame, for if one generation could really bridge another generation and look at the whole, they might see what a let down the films of today really are.
what was lost has been found
blanche-21 July 2014
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.
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.
Charlie Chan's Parisian Mystery
lugonian17 September 2005
"Charlie Chan in Paris" (Fox, 1935), directed by Lewis Seiler, the seventh installment to the long running and extremely popular 'Charlie Chan' mysteries starring Warner Oland, is an immediate sequel to "Charlie Chan in London" (1934), in which the story opens with the Oriental sleuth arriving in Paris following his latest case in London. What makes this particular episode special, other than the near perfect Paris backdrop sets and interesting suspense buildup near the conclusion, is the introduction of Keye Luke playing Charlie Chan's Number One Son, Lee. The chemistry between Oland and Luke worked out so well that Luke became a regular, thus, setting the pattern to the future installments that has made the series based on Earl Derr Bigger's created character so successful.
Following the montage of stock footage of Paris, the story immediately gets underway as Charlie Chan (Warner Oland), getting off the airplane where he is set to visit his friend, Victor DeCartier (Thomas Beck). While at the airport, Charlie comes across a crippled beggar, and after boarding a taxi, a rock crashing through the window that nearly misses him is picked up by Charlie with a note attached reading, "The purpose of your visit is known. If you place the least value of your life, leave France tonight. This is your only warning." Of course Charlie is not easily frightened. Having met other characters, including Max Corday (Erik Rhodes), Yvette Lamartine (Mary Brian) and Renee Jacquard (Ruth Peterson), Charlie is entertained at a café where he witnesses the Apache dance, where Naldi (Dorothy Appleby), a woman working as a dancer, actually an undercover agent, is murdered. While attempting to keep his appointment at Le Singe Bleu, Charlie encounters the mysterious beggar again. The beggar becomes the key element to the mystery, leading to more murders. Aside from his involvement with Yvette, accused of murdering her blackmailer, Albert DeFresno (John Miljan), Charlie encounters an intruder in his hotel room only to find him to be his son, Lee (Keye Luke), taking time away from college to visit and afterwards assist his father in solving his latest caper.
Featured in the supporting cast are: Minor Watson as Mr. Renaud; Henry Kolker as Monsieur LaMartine; John Qualen as Concierge; Murray Kinnell as Henri LaTouche; and Perry Ivins as Bedell. For his introduction to the series, Keye Luke's Lee addresses his father as "Dad," although he does call him "Pop" on a couple of occasions, though "Pop" would be the standard name for his father. As the series progressed, the Lee character changed from a serious-minded son to comic relief.
Close to being virtually forgotten today, "Charlie Chan in Paris" is best known as being a lost entry in the series with a print to actually be discovered in the 1970s, while earlier episodes, "Charlie Chan Carries On" (1931), "Charlie Chan's Chance" (1932), "Charlie Chan's Greatest Case" (1933) and "Charlie Chan's Courage" (1934), all featuring Oland, continue to be among the missing links. Thanks to its discovery, "Charlie Chan in Paris" has become a welcome addition to the television markets, and at long last, introduced to television, in the New York City area anyway, on August 12, 1978, becoming the final installment to the eight-week television series, titled "Lost and Found" (1978) hosted by Richard Schickel on WNET, Channel 13. "Charlie Chan in Paris" was also the only sound movie to the list of formerly lost silent movie titles presented. For the "Chan" segment, Schickel did go on to mention in his discussion about Keye Luke's performance as Chan's son to be actually a one-time commitment resulting becoming an addition to the series. In later years, "Charlie Chan in Paris" became one of several Chan titles to be distributed on video cassette, as well as being presented on American Movie Classics from 1989 to 1990, and seven years later, was resurrected on AMC from 1997 to 1998. With Warner Oland as one of the more notable Charlie Chan portrayals, his venture in Paris ranks one of the better entries and worthy screen entertainment for any mystery lover or follower to the 'Charlie Chan' mysteries. Next installment: "Charlie Chan in Egypt" (1935), with Warner Oland, but without Keye Luke. (**1/2)
Following the montage of stock footage of Paris, the story immediately gets underway as Charlie Chan (Warner Oland), getting off the airplane where he is set to visit his friend, Victor DeCartier (Thomas Beck). While at the airport, Charlie comes across a crippled beggar, and after boarding a taxi, a rock crashing through the window that nearly misses him is picked up by Charlie with a note attached reading, "The purpose of your visit is known. If you place the least value of your life, leave France tonight. This is your only warning." Of course Charlie is not easily frightened. Having met other characters, including Max Corday (Erik Rhodes), Yvette Lamartine (Mary Brian) and Renee Jacquard (Ruth Peterson), Charlie is entertained at a café where he witnesses the Apache dance, where Naldi (Dorothy Appleby), a woman working as a dancer, actually an undercover agent, is murdered. While attempting to keep his appointment at Le Singe Bleu, Charlie encounters the mysterious beggar again. The beggar becomes the key element to the mystery, leading to more murders. Aside from his involvement with Yvette, accused of murdering her blackmailer, Albert DeFresno (John Miljan), Charlie encounters an intruder in his hotel room only to find him to be his son, Lee (Keye Luke), taking time away from college to visit and afterwards assist his father in solving his latest caper.
Featured in the supporting cast are: Minor Watson as Mr. Renaud; Henry Kolker as Monsieur LaMartine; John Qualen as Concierge; Murray Kinnell as Henri LaTouche; and Perry Ivins as Bedell. For his introduction to the series, Keye Luke's Lee addresses his father as "Dad," although he does call him "Pop" on a couple of occasions, though "Pop" would be the standard name for his father. As the series progressed, the Lee character changed from a serious-minded son to comic relief.
Close to being virtually forgotten today, "Charlie Chan in Paris" is best known as being a lost entry in the series with a print to actually be discovered in the 1970s, while earlier episodes, "Charlie Chan Carries On" (1931), "Charlie Chan's Chance" (1932), "Charlie Chan's Greatest Case" (1933) and "Charlie Chan's Courage" (1934), all featuring Oland, continue to be among the missing links. Thanks to its discovery, "Charlie Chan in Paris" has become a welcome addition to the television markets, and at long last, introduced to television, in the New York City area anyway, on August 12, 1978, becoming the final installment to the eight-week television series, titled "Lost and Found" (1978) hosted by Richard Schickel on WNET, Channel 13. "Charlie Chan in Paris" was also the only sound movie to the list of formerly lost silent movie titles presented. For the "Chan" segment, Schickel did go on to mention in his discussion about Keye Luke's performance as Chan's son to be actually a one-time commitment resulting becoming an addition to the series. In later years, "Charlie Chan in Paris" became one of several Chan titles to be distributed on video cassette, as well as being presented on American Movie Classics from 1989 to 1990, and seven years later, was resurrected on AMC from 1997 to 1998. With Warner Oland as one of the more notable Charlie Chan portrayals, his venture in Paris ranks one of the better entries and worthy screen entertainment for any mystery lover or follower to the 'Charlie Chan' mysteries. Next installment: "Charlie Chan in Egypt" (1935), with Warner Oland, but without Keye Luke. (**1/2)
Pretty good, enjoyed.
gazzo-211 August 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I think this is the best of the Chan films that I have seen so far.
*Involving mystery.
*Some suspense.
*Very good lurking in the dark room/sewers scenes.
*Engaging banter between Chan and son Lee(Keye Luke).
*John Qualen cameo(line in the Searchers-Next time I raise Pigs by Golly!), blink and ya miss him.
*Oland very good here.
*Check out the pseudo-Astair and Rogers-like opening dance number where Nardi is killed. That was something else.
*Amazing how awful later entries ala 'Sky Dragon' got. Wow.
*** outta ****, if you like Chan this is one you will wanna see.
*Involving mystery.
*Some suspense.
*Very good lurking in the dark room/sewers scenes.
*Engaging banter between Chan and son Lee(Keye Luke).
*John Qualen cameo(line in the Searchers-Next time I raise Pigs by Golly!), blink and ya miss him.
*Oland very good here.
*Check out the pseudo-Astair and Rogers-like opening dance number where Nardi is killed. That was something else.
*Amazing how awful later entries ala 'Sky Dragon' got. Wow.
*** outta ****, if you like Chan this is one you will wanna see.
Paris, the city of love - and danger...
binapiraeus5 March 2014
Directly from solving successfully the London murder mystery, Charlie Chan goes on to Paris - on account of a British bank, who's discovered there's some strange business with bonds going on at a Parisian bank, with huge sums of money involved, of course. In Paris, Charlie has got an undercover helper who's been working on the case for a while and has gathered quite some information; and they agree that he and the beautiful young dancer meet right after her performance - but, there's a pretty gruesome beginning to this new case: at the end of her magnificent dancing performance, pretty Nardi is brutally stabbed before she can give any information to Charlie.
At least, he finds something in her apartment: a notebook with everything she'd found out, which contains the name of one of the bank's employees, Dufresne, who's been spending surprisingly high amounts of money lately... But Dufresne is soon murdered himself, and the suspicion falls on the bank director's daughter Yvette, who once had an affair with him; then there is Victor Descartes, now Yvette's fiancée and also an employee at the bank, their friend, painter Latouche - and a mysterious, crippled beggar who always seems to turn up near the scene of every crime...
Sounds complicated? In fact, it IS, and it requires absolute attention by the audience - and of course of by Charlie, who's in constant danger... To his good fortune, his 'number 1 son' Lee (Keye Luke, in his first appearance in the series) appears in Paris to assist his father! Another VERY well done classic crime mystery, absolutely worth watching and still fresh after 80 years...
At least, he finds something in her apartment: a notebook with everything she'd found out, which contains the name of one of the bank's employees, Dufresne, who's been spending surprisingly high amounts of money lately... But Dufresne is soon murdered himself, and the suspicion falls on the bank director's daughter Yvette, who once had an affair with him; then there is Victor Descartes, now Yvette's fiancée and also an employee at the bank, their friend, painter Latouche - and a mysterious, crippled beggar who always seems to turn up near the scene of every crime...
Sounds complicated? In fact, it IS, and it requires absolute attention by the audience - and of course of by Charlie, who's in constant danger... To his good fortune, his 'number 1 son' Lee (Keye Luke, in his first appearance in the series) appears in Paris to assist his father! Another VERY well done classic crime mystery, absolutely worth watching and still fresh after 80 years...
Paris and London
Michael_Elliott11 March 2008
Charlie Chan in Paris (1935)
*** (out of 4)
Another good entry in the Fox series has Charlie Chan (Warner Oland) working in Paris trying to crack some fraudulent bonds. He receives a warning to leave town but of course he doesn't but the stakes rise when his undercover assistant is murdered.
Up to this point in the series, CHARLIE CHAN IN Paris was without question the best. This is due in large part to the fine performances, a great little mystery and one of the most memorable murder sequences from this period of films. It's clear that the series kept making money for Fox or else they wouldn't have kept making them but it also shows that the studio was willing to treat the series with respect and that includes coming up with a very good screenplay.
The story itself is one that works extremely well because all of the twists and turns are nicely done and help build up a very good mystery. The movie will certainly keep the viewer off guard as we get several suspects but the mystery of the killer is never given away early in the film, which just helps keep you more involved with the plot. Another major plus is that we're given one of the more effective murder scenes from any film around this time. We get a terrific shot of the murderer getting ready to throw a knife into the victim and then we get a terrific shot of the victim screaming as she knows what is about to happen. This sequence is extremely well-shot and highly effective.
Of course, the performances are another major plus with Oland once again doing a terrific job in the lead. He certainly had everything from the walk to the talk down cold and there's no doubt that he could have done this film in his sleep. He manages to bring the character to life and his line delivery, especially on the comedy, is remarkable. The strong supporting cast includes nice work from the likes of Mary Brian, Erik Rhodes, John Wualen and of course Keye Luke who makes his appearance as the #1 son. CHARLIE CHAN IN Paris really succeeds on all levels making it one of the more memorable films of the series.
*** (out of 4)
Another good entry in the Fox series has Charlie Chan (Warner Oland) working in Paris trying to crack some fraudulent bonds. He receives a warning to leave town but of course he doesn't but the stakes rise when his undercover assistant is murdered.
Up to this point in the series, CHARLIE CHAN IN Paris was without question the best. This is due in large part to the fine performances, a great little mystery and one of the most memorable murder sequences from this period of films. It's clear that the series kept making money for Fox or else they wouldn't have kept making them but it also shows that the studio was willing to treat the series with respect and that includes coming up with a very good screenplay.
The story itself is one that works extremely well because all of the twists and turns are nicely done and help build up a very good mystery. The movie will certainly keep the viewer off guard as we get several suspects but the mystery of the killer is never given away early in the film, which just helps keep you more involved with the plot. Another major plus is that we're given one of the more effective murder scenes from any film around this time. We get a terrific shot of the murderer getting ready to throw a knife into the victim and then we get a terrific shot of the victim screaming as she knows what is about to happen. This sequence is extremely well-shot and highly effective.
Of course, the performances are another major plus with Oland once again doing a terrific job in the lead. He certainly had everything from the walk to the talk down cold and there's no doubt that he could have done this film in his sleep. He manages to bring the character to life and his line delivery, especially on the comedy, is remarkable. The strong supporting cast includes nice work from the likes of Mary Brian, Erik Rhodes, John Wualen and of course Keye Luke who makes his appearance as the #1 son. CHARLIE CHAN IN Paris really succeeds on all levels making it one of the more memorable films of the series.
One of the better Chan mysteries.
michaelRokeefe12 September 2010
Warning: Spoilers
The Honolulu sleuth Charlie Chan(Warner Oland), is undercover in Paris investigating a bond forgery scheme, when a fellow agent is murdered. An illusive counterfeiter is the subject of an intensive search knowing his bond forgeries can possibly send more than just Paris into financial catastrophe. Although the covert assignment becomes public, the detective's Number One Son Lee(Keye Luke) provides important assistance. One of the better films in the popular Charlie Chan mystery series. Lewis Seller directs with a supporting cast featuring: Mary Brian, Henry Kolker, Erik Rhodes, Dorothy Appleby, Murray Kinnell and John Qualen.
Darkness In The City Of Lights
boblipton24 February 2024
In the tenth Charlie Chan movie, Warner Oland is in the City of Lights to investigate some forged bonds from Henry Kolker's bank. Mary Brian, Kolker's daughter, is engaged but being blackmailed by John Miljan for old love letters. When she goes to his apartment to get the letters, Miljan is sot, then the gun is thrown into the room. Miss Brian picks it up, so now she is in jail for the murder.
It's the first movie in the series in which Keye Luke appears, and he is actually helpful to Oland in his investigations. The scene where he turns up is nicely handled, with both warmth and respect.
Although handled with the care that Fox's sure money-maker deserves, there are some issues, possibly caused by the replacement of the director in mid-shoot. Oland has to give a long-winded explanation of what went on to wrap up the mystery, which was not that difficult to do. There's a lot of mugging by the performers. Still, it is pleasant to see Oland actually doing some moving around and with a gun in his hand. Although not the best of the series, it's still an entertaining entry, with a cast that includes Minor Watson, John Qualen, and Dorothy Appleby in a rousing Apache dance.
It's the first movie in the series in which Keye Luke appears, and he is actually helpful to Oland in his investigations. The scene where he turns up is nicely handled, with both warmth and respect.
Although handled with the care that Fox's sure money-maker deserves, there are some issues, possibly caused by the replacement of the director in mid-shoot. Oland has to give a long-winded explanation of what went on to wrap up the mystery, which was not that difficult to do. There's a lot of mugging by the performers. Still, it is pleasant to see Oland actually doing some moving around and with a gun in his hand. Although not the best of the series, it's still an entertaining entry, with a cast that includes Minor Watson, John Qualen, and Dorothy Appleby in a rousing Apache dance.
Enjoyable Chan mystery
chris_gaskin1236 June 2005
Charlie Chan In Paris was recently released on VHS and DVD in the UK and I was pleased I purchased a VHS copy.
Charlie Chan comes to Paris making out he is having a holiday but is actually over to investigate a forgery racket but also ends up investigating murders after two people are killed. With the help of his No 1 son, he gathers clues and the investigation takes them under Paris in the sewers and the culprit is caught at the end, in heavy disguise...
This mystery is atmospheric at times, especially the sewer scenes.
Charlie Chan is played well by Warner Oland. I'm not familiar with the rest of the cast though.
If you like a good old mystery, you will enjoy Charlie Chan In Paris. Great fun.
Rating: 3 stars out of 5.
Charlie Chan comes to Paris making out he is having a holiday but is actually over to investigate a forgery racket but also ends up investigating murders after two people are killed. With the help of his No 1 son, he gathers clues and the investigation takes them under Paris in the sewers and the culprit is caught at the end, in heavy disguise...
This mystery is atmospheric at times, especially the sewer scenes.
Charlie Chan is played well by Warner Oland. I'm not familiar with the rest of the cast though.
If you like a good old mystery, you will enjoy Charlie Chan In Paris. Great fun.
Rating: 3 stars out of 5.
Entertaining
LeRoyMarko10 April 2001
It's the first movie that I see in the Charlie Chan's series. I must say that I liked it. It's a pretty good mystery taking place in Paris. Like other films of this genre, the answer to the puzzle is not known until the end. Like good old Charlie says in the movie: «Must turn many stones to find hiding place of snake»! The dance scene at the Singe Bleu is quite compelling.
Out of 100, I gave it 78.
Out of 100, I gave it 78.
Charlie Chan in Paris is slow but enjoyable mystery
tavm2 October 2006
Charlie Chan in Paris is the second Warner Oland entry I've seen, the first was Charlie Chan at the Opera some twenty years before. The movie seemed a bit slow going at first but as the picture went on that pace seemed to work in its favor. Charlie goes to the French city, ostensibly on vacation, to visit a son of a banker friend and with his fiancée and another couple whose male part likes to draw pictures of people he knows, they go to a nightclub where an apache dancer, actually an assistant of Chan's named Nardi, gets murdered. Another one occurs later on. This film is notable as Keye Luke's first appearance as Chan's number one son Lee, here seen quite helpful in the case. Worth seeing for mystery fans, especially those who like '30s-type programmers.
Nothing dim about this in the city of lights
pbalos25 July 2000
A Warner Oland classic that takes place in Paris.Excellent mystery in all respects.No doubt one of the best written Chan dramas and brought to fruition by some excellent acting. The one annoyance is the same drunken character that is seen in Charlie Chan in London is also seen here. Overall, however, it is a must see for any Chan enthusiast.
"Only foolish man waste words when argument is lost."
utgard1416 February 2014
Charlie Chan (Warner Oland) goes to Paris to investigate a forger and winds up investigating a murder alongside his son Lee (Keye Luke). I love old detective films and the Charlie Chan series are among the best. Several actors played Chan but Warner Oland was my favorite. This film is also the debut of another favorite, Keye Luke as Lee Chan aka Number One Son. Luke was a wonderful addition to the series, providing Charlie with a sidekick to do physical action as well as be comic relief. There would be other sons and sidekicks for Charlie later but Lee was the best, in my opinion. Nice supporting cast that includes Erik Rhodes, John Miljan, Thomas Beck, and John Qualen. This is a fun one, as all of the Warner Oland Chans were.
"Optimist only sees doughnut. Pessimist sees hole."
bensonmum226 June 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Charlie Chan in Paris is another solid entry in the Charlie Chan series. In this one, Chan is hot on the heels of a gang of bond forgers. The criminals' trail takes him from the night clubs of Paris to the cities famous sewers. And the sewers in Charlie Chan in Paris are as uninviting a place as Chan ever visited. There's a real sense of menace and danger in these scenes. Warner Oland is as good as ever. Ably assisting Chan is son Lee played by Keye Luke. He may not have been the only son to come to his father's aid in the series, but Luke was by far the best, least annoying of the bunch. Unlike later Charlie Chan films where the offspring are there for little more than comic relief, Lee actually helps his father and saves his life on more than one occasion. The rest of the cast is good, but nothing outstanding. The mystery elements of the story are enjoyable. The criminals' identities will keep you guessing up to the very end.
I suppose that this is as good a time as any to write about my feelings on the racial aspects and controversy surrounding the Charlie Chan films in recent years. Growing up, I'm not sure if I realized Warner Oland wasn't Asian or not, but it didn't matter. Through Chan, Oland taught honesty, self respect, and the importance of education. He taught this young fan of the importance of accepting all people, regardless of race, including Asians. I think these are good important lessons to learn regardless of Oland's ethnic origins. There's an unfortunate scene in Charlie Chan in Paris where one of the characters attempts to make a joke at Chan's expense by speaking to him in pigeon English. Chan quickly turns the table on him with class and grace and makes the would-be jokester the butt of his own joke. Good going Charlie!
I suppose that this is as good a time as any to write about my feelings on the racial aspects and controversy surrounding the Charlie Chan films in recent years. Growing up, I'm not sure if I realized Warner Oland wasn't Asian or not, but it didn't matter. Through Chan, Oland taught honesty, self respect, and the importance of education. He taught this young fan of the importance of accepting all people, regardless of race, including Asians. I think these are good important lessons to learn regardless of Oland's ethnic origins. There's an unfortunate scene in Charlie Chan in Paris where one of the characters attempts to make a joke at Chan's expense by speaking to him in pigeon English. Chan quickly turns the table on him with class and grace and makes the would-be jokester the butt of his own joke. Good going Charlie!
Charlie Crosses the Channel
Hitchcoc22 December 2015
After solving the Stable Murder, Charlie finds his way to Paris and a meeting with a contact, who is a dancer, performing In a nightclub. After arriving in the City of Lights, pretending to be on vacation, he waits for the dancer to conclude her performance. Before he can talk to her, she is stabbed. A guy who is dressed like Father Guido Sarducci, is the culprit. This will be a significant development later in the story. An attractive young woman has connections to some guys who have been messing around with illegal treasury bonds. As a matter of fact, she is present when a man, with whom she has had a relationship, is gunned down. Because of her presence on the scene and her connection to the guy, she is blamed for the murder. Once again, however, the great Chinese detective looks for the small details which lead to his solving he case.
first appearance of "Lee Chan"
monsterlover589 January 2004
This entry in the Charlie Chan series has a great deal of signifigance due to the fact that it is the first entry to "feature" one of Charlies kids as a major part of the story. Set in Paris, Charlie is on the hunt for bank note forgers. He has an ally, a young dancer named Nardi. As he is about to make his first contact with her at the nightclub where she works,she is stabbed by a mysterious man just as she has completed her act. As the story moves along Charlie becomes suspicious of a particular artist who is involved in a small group of people that Charlie has befriended. Charlie also has to help another young lady in the same group who has been wrongly accused of murder As these multiple storylines weave together this becomes a really good mystery tale that leaves you guessing right up to It,s conclusion. Thought to be a "lost film" for almost 35 years,this is an excellent entry in the series and is commercially availible...So if you like a really good mystery...pick this up and enjoy!
for a Charlie Chan film, it's good stuff
planktonrules30 July 2006
Warning: Spoilers
The famous Charlie Chan series of the 1930s starred Swedish actor Warner Oland as the main character. Yes, I understand that having a non-Chinese man playing Chan is NOT politically correct and they SHOULD have had a Chinese guy play the detective as well as play him less stereotypically, but considering this is the 1930s and the films are still entertaining, this is something the viewer is just going to have to overlook. In the 1940s, the series would continue with other non-Asians (Sidney Toler and then Roland Winters) as well as move from glamorous Twentieth Century Fox to poverty row Monogram Studios--where the production values would drop considerably and racial insensitivity would increase dramatically! Since this is one of the earlier Fox Charlie Chan films, it is a definite step up in quality and entertainment.
In this film, Charlie is supposedly on vacation in Paris but is actually on the trail of a counterfeiting scheme. How Chan seemed to travel to new exotic locale in each film is a mystery in and of itself, as he was always described as "the great Hawaiian detective" but never seemed to be there! Anyway, this film has a lot going for it in spite of Charlie's ability to solve crimes too easily (it's like they gave him a copy of the script). The best of Chan's sons, #1 son Keye Luke, is there to assist him and Mantan Moreland of the Monogram films is NOT--a good recipe for success. Plus, the plot and the whole idea of the handicapped beggar really took some imagination and showed that this wasn't just a slapped together entry in the series (like so many later ones were). A good example of the genre.
In this film, Charlie is supposedly on vacation in Paris but is actually on the trail of a counterfeiting scheme. How Chan seemed to travel to new exotic locale in each film is a mystery in and of itself, as he was always described as "the great Hawaiian detective" but never seemed to be there! Anyway, this film has a lot going for it in spite of Charlie's ability to solve crimes too easily (it's like they gave him a copy of the script). The best of Chan's sons, #1 son Keye Luke, is there to assist him and Mantan Moreland of the Monogram films is NOT--a good recipe for success. Plus, the plot and the whole idea of the handicapped beggar really took some imagination and showed that this wasn't just a slapped together entry in the series (like so many later ones were). A good example of the genre.
Grain of Sand in Eye May Hide Mountain.
rmax30482322 May 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I'm plowing through a boxed set of Fox's Charlie Chan movies with Warner Oland and maybe that's a mistake. Charlie Chan movies like banana splits. Best to have only once in while.
Charlie Chan is supposed to be investigating some bank fraud and, inevitably, a couple of murders in Paris. Aside from some stock footage of the Champs and mostly French names you wouldn't know it was Paris. Of course I knew it wasn't Paris immediately. In a café, there is a close up of a man putting out his cigar in an ash tray -- and the ash tray doesn't say Cinzano.
In this same café, I think, we get to see what the French call an Apache dance. Some low-life dancer with a Gaulois hanging on his lip gets to throw around a woman like a tiny blond doll. He flings her away. Kicks her a little. Lights a match by scratching it on her shoe. Yet she comes crawling back every time and clings to his leg. This is the way it should be, the way nature intended, with the man as master. It was certainly that way in my house, and a most harmonious arrangement it was. I made all the decisions. I decided to carry out every order my wife gave me. I even made a firm decision to have her kick me around once in a while after I found I'd gotten to like it.
Okay, that's a little off the track but, really, what is there to say about this movie? Well, it introduces Enumerated Son Number One, Keye Luke. And then, umm, yes, the final scene takes place in a spooky Paris sewer where improbable bullfrogs congregate.
Eric Rhodes is in this one. He's the dignified paid correspondent in Fred and Ginger's first starring feature, "The Gay Divorcée," where he's memorable as a not-too-bright Italian -- "Chance is the fool's word for Fate." Or, "Your wife is safe with Tonetti. He prefers spaghetti." Curious to see him lapse into sneering villainy here.
It occurred to me that the many fans of Charlie Chan must really love his character and, especially, his aphorisms because, aside from that, there really isn't much substance to the movies. Take away Charlie and Number One Son and what you have is an ordinary B feature with inexpensive sets and stock studio players. Instead of Charlie, you could thrust Boston Blackie into the lead, or the Falcon, or Bulldog Drummond, or Mister Wong, or Mister Moto, or the Green Hornet, or one of the dozens of other B-level detectives that enthralled the kids on Saturday afternoons.
Charlie Chan is supposed to be investigating some bank fraud and, inevitably, a couple of murders in Paris. Aside from some stock footage of the Champs and mostly French names you wouldn't know it was Paris. Of course I knew it wasn't Paris immediately. In a café, there is a close up of a man putting out his cigar in an ash tray -- and the ash tray doesn't say Cinzano.
In this same café, I think, we get to see what the French call an Apache dance. Some low-life dancer with a Gaulois hanging on his lip gets to throw around a woman like a tiny blond doll. He flings her away. Kicks her a little. Lights a match by scratching it on her shoe. Yet she comes crawling back every time and clings to his leg. This is the way it should be, the way nature intended, with the man as master. It was certainly that way in my house, and a most harmonious arrangement it was. I made all the decisions. I decided to carry out every order my wife gave me. I even made a firm decision to have her kick me around once in a while after I found I'd gotten to like it.
Okay, that's a little off the track but, really, what is there to say about this movie? Well, it introduces Enumerated Son Number One, Keye Luke. And then, umm, yes, the final scene takes place in a spooky Paris sewer where improbable bullfrogs congregate.
Eric Rhodes is in this one. He's the dignified paid correspondent in Fred and Ginger's first starring feature, "The Gay Divorcée," where he's memorable as a not-too-bright Italian -- "Chance is the fool's word for Fate." Or, "Your wife is safe with Tonetti. He prefers spaghetti." Curious to see him lapse into sneering villainy here.
It occurred to me that the many fans of Charlie Chan must really love his character and, especially, his aphorisms because, aside from that, there really isn't much substance to the movies. Take away Charlie and Number One Son and what you have is an ordinary B feature with inexpensive sets and stock studio players. Instead of Charlie, you could thrust Boston Blackie into the lead, or the Falcon, or Bulldog Drummond, or Mister Wong, or Mister Moto, or the Green Hornet, or one of the dozens of other B-level detectives that enthralled the kids on Saturday afternoons.
Charlie Chan in Paris has little in the way of a sense of Paris but is z good atmospheric mystery
vampire_hounddog7 November 2020
Charlie Chan (Warner Oland) finds himself on business in Paris when he becomes the target of an attempted murder and becomes caught in the middle of a case of a counterfeit organisation.
There is plenty of charm and style in this Charlie Chan thriller that really gives little flavour of Paris other than PHANTOM OF THE OPERA style sewer scenes. Keye Luke appears in the film for the first time as Number One son.
There is plenty of charm and style in this Charlie Chan thriller that really gives little flavour of Paris other than PHANTOM OF THE OPERA style sewer scenes. Keye Luke appears in the film for the first time as Number One son.
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