Henrietta Lowell hires Charlie Chan to find word on what happened to her nephew, Allen Colby, who disappeared years ago. Colby, presumed drowned in a recent accident, makes his way back to the family's San Francisco estate, but is killed as soon as he enters. Mrs. Lowell (who like her deceased brother is into psychic research) conducts a seance to locate her nephew, but Colby's corpse appears, and Charlie and the police must find out who the murderer is. The suspects include many of the Lowell family since Colby would inherit the estate and money and even Mrs. Lowell, since Colby was the one member of the family who didn't believe in psychic phenomenon, which also makes mediums Prof. Bowen and assistant Carlotta suspects. Mrs. Lowell decides to cut several members of the family from her will, which puts her life in danger. When Mrs. Lowell is killed, the family blames Charlie for the accident, but the great detective has a plan to uncover the murderer. The film is a letdown from many of the other entries in the series since there is less mystery, suspense, or intrigue in this entry. Keye Luke was missing from the series and comic relief in the form of Herbert Mundin leaves the film rather dry. The revelation of the murderer was one where anyone could have been the murderer. Rating, 5.
Review of Charlie Chan's Secret
