Vashirdfel Simply A Masterpiece

Chirphymium It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional

Humaira Grant It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

Kaelan Mccaffrey Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.

tavm This is the first in a series of Charlie Chan films I'll be reviewing in the next several days. It's also the earliest surviving one of the official series entries, not to mention the only one that's actually based on one of creator Earl Derr Biggers' novels that's still in existence (unless the other four are eventually found, that is). In this one, a movie starlet gets it after her past gains on her. As one expects, Chan rounds up the suspects and ...oh, just watch. Anyway, among the supporting cast are Bela Lugosi and Dwight Frye, both of whom would become familiar to audiences for their work on Dracula the same year. Also on hand is Robert Young-years before "Father Knows Best" and "Marcus Welby, M.D."-as part of a young loving couple. Incidentally, his character's name-before playing Jim Anderson on FKB-is Jimmy. Also, I have to mention he's another show biz veteran native to my birthtown of Chicago, Ill. In contrast to his young adult sons in subsequent films, here Chan has to tolerate a goofy Japanese-American assistant named Kashimo (Otto Yamaoka) who, while extremely annoying, does inspire some funny wisecracks from Chan. The actor playing Charlie, Warner Oland, does quite well with his part even this early in the series. A mix of beautiful Hawaiian backgrounds and atmospheric shadows at night provide just the right balance of entertainment especially when a bunch of children sing a native song that I automatically recognized from an instrumental that played during a honeymoon scene in my favorite movie, It's a Wonderful Life. And how amusing was it seeing Charlie sitting with his offspring at the dinner table where his children's slang of the time confuses the hell out of him? So on that note, I highly recommend The Black Camel.

xnet95 I don't hate this film, but I'd certainly never take the time to watch it again, either. I realize that this is a 1931 film, but it really appears very amateurish in many respects. First of all is the acting, especially the first 10 minutes or so. The actors/actresses were horrible - completely unnatural, uncomfortable, and not believable. Second, where are the subtitles for Warner Oland, Bela Lugosi, and the actor that played the part of blondie's ex-husband? I seriously couldn't understand half of what they said - horrid accents, plus bad mic technique, bad equipment...all of the above? (My copy of this film is great quality, so I think the problem lies in the production.) This is one of my main beefs with this flick. Third, Warner Oland didn't seem to portray the warm, lovable Chan of later years. This Chan is kind of a nasty, smart-ass. Actually, not too many of the characters here are very likable. Also, who are all the people in blondie's house when she gets killed? Why are they there? Did I miss something? We were never (or not clearly) introduced to them. Last, who the hell is the maniac that is Chan's assistant? He's like the Rain Man on speed. I kind of hate him and kind of like him at the same time. I just wanted someone to punch him. I was very disappointed with this film, and I was shocked to see all the high votes that it received. I'm not a big fan of the Monogram Chan's, but most were better than this. Only hardcore Chan lovers could appreciate this movie.

r-c-s I really love these old time movies. The atmosphere warrants attention alone, but the plot is quite good, too. Of course it follows the cliché of the 'round all suspects up and follow the leads', but I found it pretty entertaining...much more than today's gory 'crime scene' bunk serials. The storyline is entangled enough to keep interest sustained until the end of an otherwise short movie (about 1h10mins). Hollywood actress filming in Hawaii is stabbed to death while her ex-husband, her fortune-teller and her betrothed are around...much like the ghost of a deceased actor she knew too well but doesn't want anybody to know about. Turns out the chambermaid killed the actress, but watch the movie to know why. Acting is fine, although there are bits of overacting and the 'clumsy Japanese attendant' bits are annoying. Good movie.

Jay Harris The Black Camel,made by the old FOX studios in 1931 is a cheaply made b-movie,typical of its time & period.All b-movies were shown either as part of a double bill or with some acts of vaudeville.This does not mean that it is a bad movie, It is enjoyable for what it is.Charlie Chan is portrayed by Warner Oland, The later Chan's are not as good as Mr.Oland was.In the cast is also Bela Lugosi ( whose next film was Dracula). Here in a non-menacing role he is quite good.Also cast in his first performance in a sound film, He was in one silent movie as an extra) Marcus Welby himself, ROBERT YOUNG, he was 27 at the time but looked like a late teen.In this first role, you could see the promise of the fine actor he became.The distaff side of the cast are featured actresses of the period & are OK.The film was partly made in Hawaii,Most scenes were done in the old FOX lot at Sunset Blvd & Western Ave,(Historical note: the opening credits has the 20 Th Century Fox Logo, but 20th was not founded till 1935 )One other note (SPOILER ALERT) an actress is stabbed in the heart & no blood appears,even tho this is a pre_code film,, they could not show blood or wounds. NOTE in movies where someone is shot, you never see bullet holes in clothes. This was the way they made movies back then.This movie is available as a rental from NETFLIX, watch it for curiosity sake,do not expect much. the film is fast & likable.Ratimgs: **1/2 (out of 4) 69 points (out of 100) IMDb 6 (out of 10) ****** for a old b-movie this is a relatively high rating.