Download Charlie Chan at the Race Track (1936) Colorized HD | Warner Oland | Mystery Crime Classic

Murder and Intrigue at the Racetrack: Charlie Chan at the Race Track (1936) in Stunning Color

Step into the world of 1930s detective noir with “Charlie Chan at the Race Track,” a gripping mystery from 1936, now beautifully colorized for a viewing experience like never before. This film, directed by H. Bruce Humberstone, delivers a perfect blend of suspense, wit, and exotic locales as the beloved Chinese-American detective unravels a complex case of murder and gambling fraud. Perfect for classic film enthusiasts and mystery lovers alike, this HD download brings one of Charlie Chan’s most exciting adventures to life in vivid color.

Charlie Chan at the Race Track Storyline: Death and Deception on the High Seas

The film opens with a shocking upset at the Melbourne Sweepstakes in Australia, where the favored horse Avalanche is disqualified after its jockey fouls another rider. Suspecting foul play, Major Gordon Kent, who gifted Avalanche to American sportsman George Chester, reaches out to his old friend, the renowned detective Charlie Chan.

Before Chan can meet them in Honolulu, tragedy strikes aboard the ship carrying the racing party back to America. The Major is found dead in Avalanche’s stall, apparently kicked to death by the horse. Chan’s keen eye, however, quickly determines that this was no accident, but a cleverly disguised murder.

As Chan investigates, he uncovers a web of deceit involving an international gambling ring, switched horses, and multiple suspects with motives for murder. The trail leads from the high seas to the Santa Juanita racetrack in Los Angeles, where Chan must solve the case before another victim falls and a daring race-fixing scheme succeeds.

Stellar Cast

“Charlie Chan at the Race Track” features a talented ensemble:

• Warner Oland as Charlie Chan

• Keye Luke as Lee Chan (Charlie’s “Number One Son”)

• Helen Wood as Alice Fenton

• Thomas Beck as Bruce Rogers

• Alan Dinehart as George Chester

• Gavin Muir as Bagley

• Gloria Roy as Catherine Chester

• Jonathan Hale as Warren Fenton

• George Irving as Major Kent

Movie Genre

“Charlie Chan at the Race Track” is a classic mystery film that blends elements of detective noir, exotic adventure, and light comedy. It’s a perfect example of the popular Charlie Chan series, which combined intricate puzzles with the charismatic presence of its lead character.

Historical Context: The Charlie Chan Phenomenon

Released in 1936, “Charlie Chan at the Race Track” was the 12th film in 20th Century Fox’s highly successful Charlie Chan series. The character, created by Earl Derr Biggers, became a cultural phenomenon in the 1930s and ’40s. While modern viewers may find aspects of the portrayal problematic, the Chan films were groundbreaking for their time in presenting an Asian protagonist as intelligent, heroic, and respected.

The film also captures the glamour and intrigue of international horse racing in the 1930s, a world of high stakes and colorful characters that provided a perfect backdrop for mystery and crime stories of the era.

Colorization Details

This colorized version of “Charlie Chan at the Race Track” has been meticulously restored using state-of-the-art digital techniques. The process involved carefully analyzing the original black and white footage and assigning appropriate colors to each scene, bringing new life to the 1930s settings, from the deck of an ocean liner to the bustling racetrack.

The colorization enhances the visual appeal of the film’s exotic locations and period details, allowing modern viewers to fully appreciate the production design and costume work that were integral to the Charlie Chan series’ charm. It breathes new life into Warner Oland’s iconic portrayal of Chan and the supporting cast’s performances.

Technical Details

• Director: H. Bruce Humberstone

• Screenplay: Robert Ellis, Helen Logan, Edward T. Lowe Jr.

• Based on: the character created by Earl Derr Biggers

• Cinematography: Daniel B. Clark

• Edited by: Nick DeMaggio

• Music by: Samuel Kaylin

• Production Company: 20th Century Fox

• Distributed by: 20th Century Fox

• Runtime: 70 minutes

Technical Specifications

• Download Format: MP4

• Resolution: HD (1080p)

• Compatibility: Compatible with most devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs.

Critical Reception and Legacy

“Charlie Chan at the Race Track” was well-received upon its release and is considered one of the stronger entries in the Charlie Chan series. It’s praised for its intricate plot, exotic settings, and the chemistry between Warner Oland as Chan and Keye Luke as his enthusiastic son Lee.

The film continues to be appreciated by mystery fans and classic movie buffs for its clever plotting, period atmosphere, and Oland’s charismatic performance as Chan. While some aspects of the character’s portrayal have not aged well, the film remains an important part of mystery cinema history and a window into 1930s popular entertainment.

FAQs

• Q: Is “Charlie Chan at the Race Track” based on a specific novel?

  • A: While not based on a specific Chan novel, it uses the character created by Earl Derr Biggers in a original story.

• Q: How does the colorized version enhance the viewing experience?

  • A: The colorization brings out the period details and exotic settings, making the 1930s world of the film more vivid for modern viewers.

• Q: Who plays Charlie Chan in this film?

  • A: Warner Oland, who portrayed Chan in 16 films between 1931 and 1937.

• Q: Is this film part of a series?

  • A: Yes, it’s the 12th film in 20th Century Fox’s Charlie Chan series.

• Q: How long is the movie?

  • A: The runtime is 70 minutes.

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