Tuesday 8 January 2019

THE TRAP (1946) Directed by Howard Bretherton



I have a real soft spot for these Charlie Chan films, especially those starring Sidner Toler as the Chinese detective. Warner Oland had been a good Chan and some of his films were very good but Toler brought humour to the role, especially when aided by the excellent Mantan Moreland as his faithful chauffer. The plots were cliché but it didn't really matter : this one featuring a group of show girls spending the summer at the beach. Needless to say murder ensues. The eagle-eyed viewers may spot future Superman, Kirk Alyn, as a policeman.  Bretherton's direction is functional. Rating: **