Most of the Monogram Charlie Chan movies have poor critical reputations, but The Shanghai Cobra is a notable exception. With a complex mystery involving the deaths of three employees of a bank -- all from cobra venom -- and a master criminal on the run, and their possible connection to a priceless government radium supply, the movie never lets up the pace, from the eerily atmospheric opening to the rapid-fire, almost cliff hanger-style action in the denouement. Along the way are some interesting blind alleys, a few relatively unobtrusive comic moments involving Chan's assistants, his number-three son (Benson Fong) and chauffeur (Mantan Moreland), and some amazing little twists, including deadly twists on a then-current technology (that one would describe as interactive) and an unusually physically demanding series of threats for Sidney Toler's Chan to overcome in an action-filled climax. Additionally, the movie benefits from a colorful cast of supporting players, including James Flavin, Gene Roth, Roy Gordon, George Chandler, Paul Newlan, and Cyril Delevanti, many of whom are uncredited but totally worth watching.
The Shanghai Cobra (1945)
Directed by Phil Karlson
Genres - Mystery |
Sub-Genres - Detective Film, Whodunit |
Release Date - Sep 29, 1945 (USA - Unknown), Sep 29, 1945 (USA) |
Run Time - 64 min. |
Countries - United States |
MPAA Rating - NR
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