Incomparable Charlie Chan

Earl Derr Biggers

(4.3 Sterne; 11 Bewertungen)

The detective Charlie Chan has been viewed in many different ways over the decades. Earl Derr Biggers, who created the character in novels, developed a heroic figure that was new to many readers and viewers. Many Asian characters had been depicted in movies as nefarious adversaries, but detective Chan was a positive force in shaping public perceptions.

The times of the popular movies and radio broadcasts were indeed confusing: the US was fighting against Japan after the Pearl Harbor attack, had interred many Asian Americans in camps due to fear of treason or sabotage, yet watched Charlie Chan movies with great affection. Keye Luke, an Asian actor, was generally happy to have his role in the movies because, for once, the lead character was a hero.

However, there has been great concern over the stereotypes that the character may have reinforced, particularly regarding the lack of an Asian actor in the lead role. The program was serialized as an episode every day from Monday to Friday for one complete story, but very few episodes have survived.

This recording is part of the Old Time Radio collection.