Charlie Chan Unravels Black Magic is a detective novel written by Earl Derr Biggers. It features the renowned fictional character Charlie Chan, a Chinese-Hawaiian police detective. The story centers around Charlie's investigation of a series of crimes that seem to involve black magic and the occult. The plot begins with Charlie Chan receiving a mysterious package containing a curse. This piques his curiosity, and he decides to delve into this case, as he does with most others. He discovers that a famous hypnotist, Dr.
Aboard a passenger ship in the South Seas, undercover agent Scott Pearson tells Charlie Chan that he is being sent to Samoa to investigate the sudden appearance of money and artworks stolen from Philippine banks during the Japanese invasion. Later, while the passengers gather in the salon for a ceremony to celebrate the crossing of the equator, Pearson is stabbed in the back and killed. Chan, along with Number Two Son, Jimmy, and assistant Chattanooga Brown, works to find the killer who lurks among the passengers.
You get a bevy of beauties showing off the latest in 1940s bikinis You get the famous Kirk Alyn 2 years before his Superma n serial role playing the straight guy as a motorcycle cop You get actress Rita Quigley who constantly screeches like an air raid siren and spends the whole movie teetering on a nervous breakdown You get a bunch of whiney male actors,one who keeps pronouncing the name Marcia as Mar-CEE-AH You get Mrs Weebles,the housekeeper, who hates show people and constantly says Liquor is the root of all evil In the opening credits, shot at the beach, a person runs in front of the camera as the credits dissolve from the screenwriter to the technical crew. Like the last few films these entries are mostly lackluster with a small sprinkle of interesting tidbits I ve read where Sidney Toler was in pain during this and the previous films shooting due to his spreading cancerous condition.
He discovers that a famous hypnotist, Dr. Carl Jaumont, is at the center of the black magic activities. Jaumont is known for his powers of suggestion and his ability to manipulate others.
Charlie Chan and the Jade Mask
Charlie Chan and the Jade Mask is a captivating detective novel written by Earl Derr Biggers. Published in 1928, this book is a part of the Charlie Chan series, featuring the renowned Chinese-American detective, Charlie Chan. Set in Honolulu, Hawaii, the story takes readers on an enthralling journey as Chan unravels the mysteries surrounding a valuable jade mask.
The plot revolves around the murder of an archaeologist, Dr. John MacMaster, who was in possession of the priceless jade mask. As the investigation unfolds, a web of deceit and secrets is revealed, involving a diverse cast of characters including an eccentric millionaire, a beautiful woman with a mysterious past, and a group of treasure hunters. With his unique blend of wisdom, wit, and unassuming charm, Charlie Chan navigates through the complexities of the case, ultimately bringing the culprits to justice.
The character of Charlie Chan has become iconic in the world of detective fiction. A Chinese detective working for the Honolulu Police Department, Chan defied stereotypes prevalent during that era. Unlike the typical hard-boiled detectives of his time, Chan relied on his intellect, intuition, and knowledge of human nature to solve crimes. His aphorisms, known as “Chan-isms,” added depth and philosophical insight to the narrative, making him a beloved and enduring character.
See also How to Write a Treatment for a TV ShowFAQs about Charlie Chan and the Jade Mask:
1. Who is Charlie Chan?
Charlie Chan is a Chinese-American detective created by Earl Derr Biggers. He is known for his intellect, wisdom, and unique methods of solving crimes.
2. What is the significance of the jade mask in the story?
The jade mask is a valuable artifact that becomes central to the plot. It holds secrets that lead to the motive behind the murder, making it a crucial element of the story.
3. Where is the story set?
The story is set in Honolulu, Hawaii, during the 1920s.
4. Is Charlie Chan a stereotypical portrayal of a Chinese character?
While Charlie Chan initially faced criticism for perpetuating stereotypes, his character has since been recognized for breaking many of those stereotypes. He is celebrated for his intelligence, wit, and philosophical insights.
5. Are there other books featuring Charlie Chan?
Yes, Earl Derr Biggers wrote a series of six Charlie Chan novels. In addition to Charlie Chan and the Jade Mask, some of the other titles include The House Without a Key and The Chinese Parrot.
6. Is the book suitable for all ages?
Charlie Chan and the Jade Mask is generally suitable for readers of all ages. However, younger readers may need guidance due to the complexity of the plot.
7. Does the book provide cultural insights?
Yes, the book offers cultural insights into the Chinese-American community in Hawaii during the 1920s, as well as the prejudices faced by Chinese immigrants at the time.
8. Is the mystery difficult to solve?
The mystery is intricately woven, keeping readers engaged until the end. Solving the case requires attention to detail and an understanding of human nature.
9. Are there any film adaptations of this book?
Yes, Charlie Chan and the Jade Mask was adapted into a film in 1935, starring Warner Oland as Charlie Chan.
10. What makes the character of Charlie Chan unique?
Charlie Chan’s unique blend of intellect, intuition, and philosophical insights, along with his ability to defy stereotypes, sets him apart from other detectives of his time.
11. How does the author’s writing style contribute to the story?
Earl Derr Biggers’ writing style is engaging and descriptive, creating a vivid picture of the setting and characters. His use of Chan’s aphorisms adds depth to the narrative.
12. Is the book still relevant today?
Despite being written almost a century ago, Charlie Chan and the Jade Mask remains relevant due to its exploration of human nature and the universal themes of greed, deception, and justice.
13. Can the book be enjoyed as a standalone novel?
Yes, Charlie Chan and the Jade Mask can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, as the plot is self-contained. However, reading the entire series provides a deeper understanding of the character and his development.
Charlie Chan and the Jade Mask is a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers with its engaging plot, compelling characters, and unique portrayal of a Chinese-American detective. Earl Derr Biggers’ masterful storytelling and Charlie Chan’s wisdom make this novel a must-read for mystery enthusiasts and fans of detective fiction.
Speaking of which,its back to watching these films on DVD which is a big plus.This is on the TCM boxset and the picture quality is clean and sharp. Unfortunately absolutely no extras in the boxset
As Charlie Chan starts to gather evidence and interview witnesses, he encounters various suspicious characters who seem to be connected to the case. There is a wealthy socialite, a Hollywood actress, a stage magician, and a group of individuals involved in a secret society. Each of these characters possesses a motive and the means to commit the crimes. Throughout his investigation, Charlie Chan encounters several misleading clues that redirect his thinking. He faces many obstacles and attempts on his life, making the case even more complex. However, his wisdom, keen observation, and familiarity with human nature aid him in uncovering the truth. The main idea of this novel revolves around Charlie Chan's ability to unravel the black magic mystery through his astute detective skills. As an outsider in American society, Charlie must navigate racial prejudices while solving the case. Despite these challenges, he remains determined, displaying a level of perseverance that is commendable. Charlie Chan Unravels Black Magic serves as an entertaining detective story that combines mystery, intrigue, and elements of the occult. It highlights the skill and intelligence of Charlie Chan as a detective and portrays the complexities of the society he works in. Overall, the novel is an enjoyable read for fans of detective fiction and those interested in the adventures of Charlie Chan..
Reviews for "Charlie Chan vs. Black Magic: A Deadly Encounter"
1. John - 2/5 stars - I found "Charlie Chan Unravels Black Magic" to be extremely predictable and lacking in suspense. The storyline felt cliché and the characters were one-dimensional. The acting was mediocre at best, and the special effects were subpar. Overall, I was disappointed with this film and would not recommend it to others.
2. Sarah - 1/5 stars - "Charlie Chan Unravels Black Magic" was a complete waste of time. The plot was not only formulaic but also confusing, with numerous plot holes that were never resolved. The dialogue was incredibly cheesy, and the acting was wooden and uninspiring. The attempts at suspense and mystery fell flat, leaving me utterly bored. Save yourself the trouble and skip this film.
3. Robert - 2/5 stars - While "Charlie Chan Unravels Black Magic" had the potential to be an interesting mystery, it ultimately failed to deliver. The pacing was slow, and the film seemed to drag on unnecessarily. The acting was lackluster, and the characters were underdeveloped. Additionally, the scenes of supposed "black magic" were laughable and not at all convincing. Overall, I was unimpressed with this movie and would not recommend it to others.
4. Emily - 2/5 stars - I was expecting more from "Charlie Chan Unravels Black Magic," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The plot was convoluted and hard to follow, with a few twists that felt forced and unnatural. The acting was mediocre, and the dialogue often felt stilted. Moreover, the film seemed to lack a clear direction, and the resolution felt rushed and unsatisfying. Overall, I was underwhelmed by this movie and would not watch it again.