Charlie Chan's Secret - Warner Oland as Charile Chan

Directed by Gordon Wiles, Charlie Chan’s Secret brings back to life the iconic detective character Charlie Chan portrayed by Warner Oland. The mystery thriller features incredible performances by other notable characters, with Rosina Lawrence playing the compelling co-star.

The film is centered around Charlie Chan, a sharp-witted detective with an uncanny knack for solving intricate crime puzzles. The suave, debonair Warner Oland brings a charismatic charm to the character of Chan, presenting him as a patient, diligent, and incredibly bright individual. This rendition of the detective weaves a thrilling narrative filled with intrigue and suspense, teetering on the edge of the supernatural and the grim realities of human nature.

The narrative is set off when Charlie Chan arrives in San Fransico after receiving a message about a murder mystery from an old friend, Alan Colby. However, upon reaching, Chan discovers that his host has been mysteriously murdered en-route from Shanghai, and is now tied up in a complicated matter of inheritance that involves a wealthy but divided family. Warner Oland, as Chan, is now tasked to unravel the twisted legacy, all while surviving the sinister elements of the Colby mansion.

Rosina Lawrence’s performance is equally captivating. She portrays the character of the niece of the deceased millionaire, an innocent drawn into the sinister goings-on around her. She becomes an unwitting part of the drama unfolding around the suspicious will and the mysterious death of the millionaire. As the events begin to intensify, her life too becomes ominously entwined with the dark events taking place at the mansion, leaving it up to Chan to both solve the case and protect his young charge.

Directly driven by Chan's intellect and determination to secure justice, the narrative progresses elegantly through a labyrinth of secrets and inherited grievances. His impeccable observation skills and prodigious attention to detail guide him through ambiguous clues, shadowy suspects, and red herrings. With his fine understanding of human nature and keen perception of the hidden truth, he proves a formidable adversary to the criminal.

Shots of the eerie mansion bouncing the shadows off its colossal structure, the chilling background music, and the unexpected twists that appear in regular concession all work together to make this film a rich display of suspenseful ambience. The director Gordon Wiles uses the Gothic aesthetic of the mansion to whip up the chills, making it an integral part of the theatrics and the narrative itself.

The intermittent injection of humour contributes a relief to the otherwise intense plot line. This masterful combination of levity with dramatic tension offers a unique atmosphere to this film, where the chuckles invariably heighten the scary sequences.

Charlie Chan’s Secret delivers a captivating mix of humour and horror to provide a strong entry into the series. It serves up a perfect drama of suspense combining the detective's wit, a gloomy mansion, a dysfunctional family, grim secrets, and an unexpected set of events. Aided by a polished script and strong supporting cast performances to complement Oland and Lawrence, the movie remains balanced between the caricaturish displays of stock characters in some scenes and the seriousness of murder in others.

What stands out in this particular piece of cinema is the sophisticated portrayal of Charlie Chan by Warner Oland. The character’s origination from novels was brought to life on the big screen, engaging the audience with his soft-spoken demeanor, witticisms, and quick-witted problem-solving.

In conclusion, Charlie Chan’s Secret is another fascinating triumph in the series of Charlie Chan movies. It showcases the series' ability to blend the suspense of murder mysteries with humor in a unique and compelling settings. With the characters navigating through intricate relationships, plot turns, striking cinematography and a steady narrative, viewers are left guessing till the end, consumed by the world of mystery that Charlie Chan so brilliantly operates in.