Turner Classic Movies pick for June 10, 2008: Charlie Chan triple feature

June 9, 5:39 PMClassic TV ExaminerDoug Krentzlin

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 “Charlie Chan at the Circus,” TCM, Tuesday, June 10, 8 p.m. (EST)

“Charlie Chan in Honolulu,” 9:30 p.m.

“The Scarlet Clue,” 10:45 p.m.

The 1930s and 40s were a great time for moviegoers who were also mystery fiction buffs. Films featuring such literary sleuths as Sherlock Holmes, Mr. Moto, Philo Vance, The Lone Wolf, Boston Blackie, Philip Marlowe and Nick and Nora Charles appeared regularly at theaters.

One of the most beloved of these heroes was Earl Derr Biggers’ Charlie Chan and TCM is running three of his cinematic exploits back-to-back Tuesday.

The title of “Charlie Chan at the Circus” (1936) is fairly self-explanatory. The screen’s best Chan, Warner Oland, stars in this murder mystery set in the Big Top.

“Charlie Chan in Honolulu” (1938) was the first time Chan was played by Sidney Toler, who took over the role after Oland’s death. In this one, Chan is trying to solve a murder committed on an ocean liner bound for Honolulu.

“The Scarlet Clue” (1945) takes place in a radio station. The highlight of this entry is the hilarious Mantan Moreland (as Chan’s chauffeur, Birmingham Brown) and his Vaudeville partner Ben Carter recreating their classic “you don’t say” comedy routine.