Charlie Chan in Panama (1940)

Sidney Toler, Victor Se Yung, Lionel Atwill, Jean Rogers Charlie Chan in Panama features a lush, thick setting that bleeds of Latin America and mixes it with a solid plot and a great and surprising payoff. The sets are fantastic, with lush foliage and ceiling fans everywhere and small and intimate town squares. The cemetary is also tremendous to look at. The plot centers around spies looking to sabotage the US military as it moves through the Panama Canal. Lionel Atwill lends his talents to the supporting cast while Sidney Toler as Chan is excellent as usual. Jimmy is his usually high strung self and the rest of the cast supplies the film with shady and suave characters. A great film to look at with a great mood and one of the best Toler Chans. 1940, 66 minutes, B&W

With Charlie Chan’s Murder Cruise