Charlie Chan in Reno (1939)

How sad is this?

Great Film overall

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

"Charlie Chan in Reno" from 1939 is about divorce and murder. Mary Whitman (Pauline Moore), a friend of Charlie's, has traveled to Reno to get a divorce. However, while there, the woman her husband left her for (Louise Henry), also at the hotel, is murdered. Mary is accused and arrested, and Charlie arrives with #2 son (Victor Sen-Yung) to get Mary out of hot water.There are plenty of suspects - in fact, there are too many, which makes the movie a little confusing. However, the good cast, which includes Phyllis Brooks, Ricardo Cortez, and Slim Summerville help the plot along, along with Charlie's witticisms and Jimmy Chan's antics.Directed by Norman Foster, this is a good entry into the series during its 20th Century Fox days.

An enjoyable whodunit, this film stars Sidney Toler as the formidable but good-natured sleuth on the trail of the killer of an annoying Reno socialite. Usually, I can guess correctly who the killer is, but this time I was wrong.The story is much more complex than it first appears. And it's not entirely believable. But the puzzle is what's important. The plot includes a nighttime visit to a ghost town, and some genuine humor in the form of a loquacious taxi driver.B&W lighting contributes to suspense, especially at the ghost town. Casting and acting are fine, though I could have done without irritating number two son, Jimmy (Victor Sen Yung). The actors all seem to be having a good time with their roles.Despite a weak story premise, the film gets an overall positive review from me, owing to effective B&W lighting, humor, and a surprise ending. "Thank you so much".

Run-of-the-mill murder mystery. Mary Whitman(Pauline Moore)arrives in Reno, Nevada for a six-week divorce. She finds herself arrested accused of murdering another divorce-seeker staying at her hotel. Circumstancial evidence seems to be damning, but family friend Charlie Chan(Sidney Toler) the Honolulu detective is summoned to seek the truth. Charlie's number-two-son Jimmy(Sen Yung)is on hand with intent to help his dad and is about as useful as the dim-witted local sheriff(Slim Summerville). The Police Chief(Charles D. Brown)is more than happy to have Chan on the case, because the crime quickly becomes complex. Cab driver Eddie Collins provides some humor. Other players: Ricardo Cortez, Phyllis Brooks, Kay Linaker and Kane Richmond.

Unlike most of the Warner Oland Chan films, those featuring Sidney Toler as Lieutenant Charlie Chan, Honolulu Police Department, often include sufficient clues that the viewer can play detective along with the hero. Charlie Chan in Reno is one of those films. Released prior to a first-class film with a similar main storyline (`The Women' in 1939) this Chan film also has a group of females waiting their time in Reno before a divorce decree can be granted. Chan has an eye for these ladies: `Charming company turn lowly sandwich into rich banquet.' Norman Foster takes over from a series of Mr. Moto films to direct the first of three good Chan films.Good supporting comedic cast with Victor Sen Yung as No. 2 son Jimmy - a USC undergraduate, former Keystone Kop Slim Summerville as Sheriff `Tombstone' Fletcher, and Eddie Collins as the ever-talkative cab driver (until it is suggested that he might appear in court). Ricardo Cortez is smooth as the suspicious doctor with a motive for murder. Some racial slurring as a hood from the lineup pulls up on the corners of his eyes and tells the detective that he also is one of Chan's sons.Most of the story takes place at the Hotel Sierra or Police Headquarters. Jealousy, possible robbery, and other motives and a number of obvious suspects complicate the solution. `When searching for needle in haystack, haystack only sensible location.' A keen eye for details will lead the viewer to see what Chan sees and to anticipate his every move. Good luck, the Sheriff could not figure it out and storms out of headquarters heading for Tonopah in disgust at the end.Could have moved faster. Recommended.