After watching MR. MOTO'S GAMBLE on DVD, I watched this 'making of...' film that explained the process through which this feature film was created. Much of what they said didn't surprise me, as it was obvious that this Moto film was originally a Charlie Chan film (complete with #1 son). But why this happened was interesting. I'd assumed that this film was simply made just after the death of Warner Oland and the studio decided to simply put Moto into it instead in order to not waste the script. However, it turns out that this film came out months before Oland's untimely death. Instead, Oland's bizarre behavior and alcoholism had actually resulted in discontinuing the film. It was assumed the guy just needed a break from work and he'd return for the next Chan film--after an extended rest in his native Sweden.
In addition to all this interesting background, the film consists of many well-chosen film clips and interviews. While not of much interest to anyone who is not a Chan or Moto fan, it's indispensable to anyone who sees MR. MOTO'S GAMBLE, as the film is very strange and unlike any previous Moto film.
In addition to all this interesting background, the film consists of many well-chosen film clips and interviews. While not of much interest to anyone who is not a Chan or Moto fan, it's indispensable to anyone who sees MR. MOTO'S GAMBLE, as the film is very strange and unlike any previous Moto film.
