Main Cast: Warner Oland, Pat Paterson, Thomas Beck, Rita Hayworth, Stepin Fetchit
Release Year: 1935
Country: US
Run Time: 65 minutes
Plot
As much a horror film as a murder mystery, Charlie Chan in Egypt is one of the best entries in the "Chan" series. The story is motivated by a King Tut-like curse, which has apparently befallen the members of an archeological expedition. Charlie Chan (Warner Oland) is brought into the case when a French museum wants to find out how several valuable Egyptian artifacts, originally slated for museum exhibition, have ended up for sale to the highest bidder. Arriving in Egypt, Chan must first figure out the modus operandi for two murders in which neither a weapon nor a wound was found. The solution to the killings involves a certain musical pitch played on a violin (a familiar mystery-movie device of the period). Though the screenwriters do a good job concealing the identity of the villain, Fox Studio's typecasting policy tends to give away that identity somewhat ahead of schedule. Prominent among the supporting players is black comedian Stepin Fetchit, whose stereotyped routines may offend the sensibilities of modern viewers. Originally released at 72 minutes, Charlie Chan in Egypt is currently available only in its choppy, shortened reissue version. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Review
Definitely one of the better Charlie Chanfilms, Charlie Chan in Egypt has one element that will be a stumbling block for many modern viewers: the presence of Stepin Fetchit for so-called "comic" relief. Fetchit's performances, of course, are considered abhorrently offensive for the negative stereotype which they perpetuate. But even beyond that, there's the big problem that he just isn't funny. In Egypt, he's especially painful to watch. Some other modern viewers also take exception to the character of Chan altogether, but Chan is a more fully-rounded and human character. Egypt also boasts a pretty decent script, and the setting and "horror" elements add a special quality to this entry which makes it stand out in the series. True, the mystery is not as difficult to figure out as one might hope, but the real fun is in watching Chan and how he arrives at his conclusions. As always, Warner Oland is tops as Chan, and it's also a treat to catch a very young Rita Hayworth (here called Rita Cansino) as a servant. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide
James C. Eagles - Barry Arnold; Jameson Thomas - Dr. Anton Racine; Frank Conroy - Prof. John Thurston; Nigel de Brulier - Edfu Ahmad; Paul Porcasi - Fouad Soueida; Arthur Stone - Dragoman; Anita Brown - Snowshoes' Friend; John George - Dwarf Egyptian Helper; George Irving - Prof. Arnold; Frank Reicher - Dr. Jaipur; Gloria Roy - Bit; John Davidson - Daoud Atrash, the Chemist
Credit
Duncan Cramer - Art Director, William S. Darling - Art Director, Walter Koessler - Art Director, Helen A. Myron - Costume Designer, Louis King - Director, Alfred de Gaetano - Editor, Samuel Kaylin - Musical Direction/Supervision, Daniel Clark - Cinematographer, Edward T. Lowe - Producer, Helen Logan - Screenwriter, Robert Ellis - Screenwriter
Charlie Chan is hired when an archaeologist disappears during the excavation of ancient art treasures in Egypt. Charlie must sort out the stories of the archaeological team, deal with the crazed son of the missing scientist, find out why priceless treasures are ending up in the hands of private collectors, and battle a raft of seemingly supernatural events.
