Performance & Direction: Charlie Chan in Shanghai Review
Last updated: February 4, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Charlie Chan in Shanghai (1935) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.6/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Crime.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and Charlie Chan in Shanghai features a noteworthy lineup led by Warner Oland . Supported by the likes of Keye Luke and Jon Hall , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Charlie Chan in Shanghai
Quick Plot Summary: Charlie Chan in Shanghai is a Crime, Mystery, Thriller film that dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: Charlie Chan in Shanghai
Ending Breakdown: Charlie Chan in Shanghai concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to crime resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Charlie Chan in Shanghai reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Charlie Chan in Shanghai Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Charlie Chan in Shanghai incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, mystery, thriller film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Charlie Chan in Shanghai adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Charlie Chan in Shanghai?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Crime films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Top Cast: Charlie Chan in Shanghai
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Charlie Chan in Shanghai Parents Guide & Age Rating
1935 AdvisoryWondering about Charlie Chan in Shanghai age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Charlie Chan in Shanghai is 71 minutes (1h 11m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.6/10, and global performance metrics, Charlie Chan in Shanghai is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1935 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charlie Chan in Shanghai worth watching?
Charlie Chan in Shanghai is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 6.6/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Charlie Chan in Shanghai parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Charlie Chan in Shanghai identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Charlie Chan in Shanghai?
The total duration of Charlie Chan in Shanghai is 71 minutes, which is approximately 1h 11m long.
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Critic Reviews for Charlie Chan in Shanghai
So "Charlie" (Warner Oland) is to be the guest of honour at a grand banquet. That's all going fine until a prominent British diplomat "Sir Stanley" (David Torrence) finds that his planned gift to our honourable detective is quite lethal... Together with No. 1 son "Lee" (Keye Luke) they must discover whether it was he, or the diplomat, who was the target of their assailant. It doesn't take them long before they, together with local police commissioner "Col. Watkins" (Halliwell Hobbes) and an American agent "Andrews" (Russell Hicks) stumble upon an opium smuggling caper that might just involve the handsome fiancée "Nash" (Jon Hall) of the murdered man's daughter "Diana" (Irene Hervey). Still with me? Well, it's worth paying attention as the story is one of the better efforts and there are quite a few clues to be had as the threads come together. Plenty of quickly-paced banter between father and the constantly (amorously) preoccupied son, and even a rather gentle ditty about "Fu Manchu" from the star help this amiable drama log nicely.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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