This opens up with the most anachronistic scene you're ever likely to see in a "Charlie Chan" film. Him, mama and his thirteen (is that a lucky number?) all around the dinner table excitedly awaiting the arrival of the first grandchild. Whilst "Pop" - for the first time played by Sidney Toler - is suitably distracted, No.2 son "Jimmy" (Victor Sen Yung) manages to get in way over his head impersonating his father on a murder case onboard a freighter where nobody seems to speak English! Fortunately for him (and us), his father is soon back on the case before anyone gets eaten by "Leo" the ship's own lion, or bumped off by the unknown assailant. It's a better paced drama, this one - plenty going on with some fun sub-plots and an always welcome George Zucco as the enigmatic "Dr. Cardigan" who has some very interesting luggage. Just over an hour, and well worth watching.

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