A Guide to Charlie Chan Films: (Bibliographies and Indexes in the Performing Arts) [Hardcover]

Charles P. Mitchell (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 031330985X | ISBN-13: 978-0313309854 | Publication Date: June 30, 1999 | Edition: annotated edition

There are over fifty Chan films and an additional three Spanish language Chan films. This guide reviews the forty-four extant Chan films. Entries, alphabetically arranged, include a unique annotated cast list, a comparative rating system, production information, analysis and plot synopsis, a performance critique, and a collection of Chan sayings, which vary from film to film. An introduction discusses the history and literary origins of the Chan films and the formulaic devices common to the films. Film scholars and fans of the Charlie Chan films will appreciate the extensive information each review provides. Each film is given a star rating, and several appendices provide additional information such as the lost films of Charlie Chan, actors who played Chan, and Chan on television.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Mitchell's research, added to his light yet informative writing style, is a winner and makes this book interesting to read. Now I want to go back and rewatch the Chan movies all over again, which is a credit to any film book.”–Mad About Movies

“A terrific job! This book will be a "must" for every Charlie Chan devotee around the world.”–Richard Gordon Gordon Films, Inc. Producer of The Cat and the Canary (1977)

“Charles P. Mitchell's A Guide to Charlie Chan Films is certainly the best, most scholarly and detailed book ever written about the famous Earl Derr Biggers detective. Mitchell's work is a shining example of talented researchers who have captured and captivated their public with imagination, perception, style, and unerring wit.”–Ronald Schwartz Professor of Romantic Languages and Film City University of New York-Kingsborough

“From winning the bar bet to researching a master's thesis, A Guide to Charlie Chan imparts enough information to satisfy even the most ardent Chan fan. Charles Mitchell knows his subject.”–Lt. Patrick Picciarelli NYPD (ret.) Author of Jimmy the Wags: Street Stories of a Private Eye

“Charles Mitchell's uncanny ability to capture the spirit of the Chan films makes his comments on them a joy to read.”–Bob King Editor, Classic Images

About the Author

CHARLES P. MITCHELL has served as director of a number of Maine libraries and has been Chairman of the Southern Maine Library District.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 312 pages
• Publisher: Greenwood Press; annotated edition edition (June 30, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 031330985X
• ISBN-13: 978-0313309854
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,666,859 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It has all the answers!, November 17, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: A Guide to Charlie Chan Films: (Bibliographies and Indexes in the Performing Arts) (Hardcover)

For years I have been searching for any answers to questions about the Charlie Chan films, and this book has them all! I was most impressed to find the person behind the singing voice for Boris Karloff in "Charlie Chan at the Opera!" All other books and sources were unable to come through, but this book provided the answers. Bravo to Charles Mitchell for this wonderful film book

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Much care went into this book and it shows, December 17, 1999

By 

Ara Hagopian (Lake Quannipowitt) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Guide to Charlie Chan Films: (Bibliographies and Indexes in the Performing Arts) (Hardcover)

I heard about this book via a Chan chat room. I ordered it and was extremely impressed with it's complete Chan content- written with the care of a fan, yet thoroughly researched. I was also impressed with the fact that the author himself offered to personalize my copy with some very kind words.

If you are a person who is interested in learning more about the wonderful Chan movies, this book is quite excellent. Mr. Mitchell has maintained an admirable level of objectivity when discussing the three actors who played Chan (Oland, Toler, and Winters). He also includes Chan's "philosphical quotes" at the end of each movie analysis, which is a treasure.

This book is a labor of love and it shows.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Only Definitive Chan Text Available, November 17, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: A Guide to Charlie Chan Films: (Bibliographies and Indexes in the Performing Arts) (Hardcover)

A positive, well written text, done with style and facts is a simple way to say... Charles Mitchell has the definitive character of Charlie Chan analyzed to perfection. Given the change of stars, the diversity of plots (writers), directorial changes, and so on, Mr. Mitchell has created the quintessential reference source for all Chan fans.

One need not check the Appendix A section if one does not care to, but it sure makes for a very accurate lists of "who dunnit! ".

We are proud owners of Mr. Mitchell's text, personalized for us by Charles himself. No other Chan author to date has offered such personalization to over 300,000 buyers (have they?

No Chan movie buff should be without Mr. Mitchell's book.