Charlie Chan Collection, Vol. 3 DVD Review

In his 16 films as Charlie Chan, Warner Oland played the Chinese sleuth as a man you could have over for dinner or a murder, preferably the latter, though his manners (not to mention his wit) certainly were good enough for the former.

Four of Oland's films comprise this lively set of B-movies from Fox--“The Black Camel” (1931), “Charlie Chan On Broadway” (1937), “Charlie Chan at Monte Carlo” (1937) and “Charlie Chan's Secret” (1936).

The set also includes 1929’s “Behind that Curtain,” with Oland not appearing, though Boris Karloff does--as a servant.

The films were made on the cheap, but they were engaging. Now fully restored, they also almost look respectable.

Grade: B