Rating: 
Summary: Excellent in all regards
Review: I heard about this book via a Chan chat room. I ordered it and was extremely impressed with it's complete Chan content- written with the care of a fan, yet thoroughly researched. I was also impressed with the fact that the author himself offered to personalize my copy with some very kind words. If you are a person who is interested in learning more about the wonderful Chan movies, this book is quite excellent. Mr. Mitchell has maintained an admirable level of objectivity when discussing the three actors who played Chan (Oland, Toler, and Winters). He also includes Chan's "philosphical quotes" at the end of each movie analysis, which is a treasure. This book is a labor of love and it shows.
Rating:
Summary: Much care went into this book and it shows
Review: I heard about this book via a Chan chat room. I ordered it and was extremely impressed with it's complete Chan content- written with the care of a fan, yet thoroughly researched. I was also impressed with the fact that the author himself offered to personalize my copy with some very kind words. If you are a person who is interested in learning more about the wonderful Chan movies, this book is quite excellent. Mr. Mitchell has maintained an admirable level of objectivity when discussing the three actors who played Chan (Oland, Toler, and Winters). He also includes Chan's "philosphical quotes" at the end of each movie analysis, which is a treasure. This book is a labor of love and it shows.
Rating:
Summary: The Only Definitive Chan Text Available
Review: I just bought this book for my father who is a huge fan of Charlie Chan films, and he was absolutely delighted, calling it the best birthday gift he ever received.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful film book
Review: I just bought this book for my father who is a huge fan of Charlie Chan films, and he was absolutely delighted, calling it the best birthday gift he ever received.
Rating:
Summary: Great film book
Review: I recently read all three books about Charlie Chan, and this one is definitely the best of the lot. Bravo!
Rating:
Summary: Great film book
Review: I recently read all three books about Charlie Chan, and this one is definitely the best of the lot. Bravo!
Rating:
Summary: Charlie Chan says: A well written Book is a joy to read.
Review: I would first like to congratulate Charles Mitchell for an extremely well written and well documented book on a subject that brings back to me so many fond memories. I was raised in New York City, and our family was one of the first to have a TV set in our apartment house. It seemed that every friiday night there was a Charlie Chan film. We got to know all of those great characters and to enjoy some very good detective yarns. I would eventually read all of Earl Derr Biggers books. I have read many film anthology books, but what makes this one so much superior is the enormous background that Mr. Mitchell put into his synopsis and analysis. Additionally, Mr. Mitchell's wit in critiquing the performances is terrific. Reading these synopsis and about the performances brought back to me those fond memories of our family sitting before the circular TV. Some elitist film goers may say, they were only "B" movies. Well, I beg to differ. I have been a movie goer all of my life and enjoy every genre and the only requirement to me is that it be well written and sincerely acted. These Charlie Chan movies just like the older Sherlock Holmes movies were just that. The next time AMC does one of its Charle Chan marathoms, I'll be sure to have this wonderful book on my lap as a guide.
Rating:
Summary: Best book on Chan ever written--most comprehensive, witty.
Review: Mitchell handles each Chan film with great expertise. Even though book is organized alphabetically (chronologically would have been better), the author is astute enough to place each film in its own studio and cinematic context. Really excellent plot outlines and critical commentary make this a book worth buying. Moreover, Mitchell includes the missing Chan films as well as all the "Chan aphorisms" used throughout the film series. It is the best, most authoritative book I've ever read on the Chinese detective. Mitchell's critical ability and perception is peerless. Try it! You'll like it.
Rating:
Summary: I READ THE BOOK! IT's Great!
Review: My pet peeve are reviewers who comment without actually reading a book. You can pick them out easily, because they are so vague, or just try to plug a different book. Well, I just got this book in, and it's great. I love all the Chan extras about the TV shows, the foreign Chan films, the latter day films (I loved Ross Martin!) and the complete quotes. The analysis of the four types of Chan quotes is priceless, as is the complete listing. I also ead the earlier book by Hanke wich was not bad, but this one covers so much more, such as a complete analysis of ERAN TRECE with the script of CHARLIE CHAN CARRIES ON. The Oland version of the film is lost, but with this book, it is just like having seen it. If you are a Chan devotee, do yourself a favor and buy this book. If the Hanke fans (or is it fan) who keeps knocking this book would enjoy it as wel if they actually saw it!
Rating: 
Summary: It's okay
Review: Previous 'reviewer' say: If the Hanke fans (or is it fan) who keeps knocking this book would enjoy it as well if they actually saw it! Look at sales figures for Mitchell book. (roughly 300,000). Look at sales figures for Hanke book. (roughly 100,000). Deduction: It's fans.
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