THE FAVORITE FOURSOME BLOGATHON: The Hi-Lo's

Hosted by MovieMovieBlogBlog, in celebration of that wonderful blog's fourth anniversary (cue the cheering and confetti) The Favorite Foursome Blogathon is underway.

Click HERE for the fun.

COOL TV was a Canadian specialty channel with a focus on music (jazz, blues, world) that operated from 2003 to 2008. COOL TV did not introduce me to The Hi-Lo's; I had long admired and enjoyed the close harmonies of this jazz vocal group. However, COOL TV brought The Hi-Lo's into my life in a big way.

During that decade I became something of a professional patient. A struggle with colorectal cancer involved radiation, two bouts of chemotherapy and numerous surgeries. Downtime was devoted to something referred to medically as recuperation. The most recuperative of my time was spent in my happy place in front of the television. The happiest of my happy places was at lunchtime when COOL TV showed The Rosemary Clooney Show.

A syndicated half-hour program of 40 episodes produced between 1956 and 1958, The Rosemary Clooney Show starred the popular singer with Nelson Riddle and his Orchestra, and "four guys called the Hi-Lo's". This was how the guys introduced the line-up, and themselves, not to mention "our very, very special guest (fill in the blank)". What guests! Everyone from Boris Karloff to Buster Keaton, Carol Channing to Charles Coburn, Dorothy Kirsten to Mel Torme, and more.

Gene Puerling, Bob Strasen, Clark Burroughs, Bob Morse

The Hi-Lo's were featured as a group, soloists, in duets with Rosie, and in skits. Vocalist and arranger Gene Puerling (1929-2008) formed the group in 1953. Our personnel that appeared on the program are Gene, Bob Morse (1923-2001), Bob Strassen (1928-1994), and Clark Burroughs.

As you can see from the picture above, the name of the group came not only from their sizes; Bob S. and Bob M. being tall and Gene and Clark on the shorter side, but also from their range with the Bobs baritones, Gene a bass-baritone, and Clark a tenor.

A sample of The Rosemary Clooney Show with guest star Boris Karloff.

Watching The Rosemary Clooney Show daily not only gave me a chance to enjoy great guest stars, and Rosie singing her hits and great standards arranged by Nelson Riddle, but it was an opportunity to see and hear The Hi-Lo's in their early prime stretching their vocal abilities and having fun. I'm sure it was good for my health. I should also mention that my Hi-Lo's album collection increased greatly during this time.

This is just a touch of their discography:

Listen to the Hi-Lo's
The Hi-Lo's I Presume
The Hi-Lo's Under Glass
Suddenly It's the Hi-Lo's
The Hi-Lo's and All That Jazz
The Hi-Lo's Broadway Playbill
The Hi-Lo's Happen to Folk Songs
Ring Around Rosie (with Rosemary Clooney)

Bob Strasen left the group in 1959, but they continued with the addition of Don Shelton. Later Don would be a part of the incredible recording group Sings Unlimited with Gene, Len Dresslar (1925-2005), and the magnificent Bonnie Herman. Above enjoy The Hi-Lo's in a clip from the 1964 comedy Good Neighbor Sam. Jack Lemmon is an ad man and Dave Ketchum is the beleaguered actor in the commercial being shot.

The Hi-Lo's parted ways in the mid-1960s but were reunited in the 1970s at the urging of the German label recording Singers Unlimited. The album The Hi-Lo's - Back Again was recorded in 1978 and for the next decade, they thrilled audiences at festivals and colleges.

The music of The Hi-Lo's and Gene Puerling's arrangements would influence many singers/musicians including The Beach Boys, the Mamas and the Papas, The Gatlin Brothers, Take Six, and Manhattan Transfer. To this day students and jazz singers look to The Hi-Lo's for inspiration. Check out Toronto's own Danny Fong for some great new music.

I will leave you with The Hi-Lo's and the Gershwin's Fascinatin' Rhythm, trusting that you will now be lost in YouTube Heaven for the next hour or three.

THE SECOND ANNUAL ALFRED HITCHCOCK BLOGATHON: Stage Fright (1950)

The site Maddy Loves Her Classic Films hosts The Second Annual Alfred Hitchcock Blogathon on July 6 and 7. Click HERE for the contributions. Thank you, Maddy.

By necessity, my discussion of Alfred Hitchcock's Stage Fright is not a spoiler-free zone. This is due to the fact that the very thing that annoys some viewers about the film is the very thing that tickles me no end.

Alma Reville adapted Selwyn Jepson's novel Man Running for this film which was filmed in London. The movie was Hitchcock's first in his homeland since leaving for Hollywood a decade earlier.

The first thing we observe on the screen is this theatre safety curtain whose function is to hide and then reveal a world of make-believe on stage, or in this case, on screen. The story we are about to observe is set in the professional and academic worlds of the theatre. The characters with whom we about to become involved are actors by calling or nature. We should be prepared for a world of distortion and misrepresentation. We have been warned by the safety curtain.

Jane Wyman, Richard Todd

Eve Gill is a student at RADA, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, who has harboured a burning crush on her handsome and intriguing friend Jonathan Cooper. When he comes to her in trouble and on the run from the police, she doesn't hesitate to help him escape.

Nova Pilbeam, Derrick De Marney

We can sense the echo of an earlier Hitchcock heroine. Erica Burgoyne in 1937s Young and Innocent got caught up in the similar troubles of Robert Tisdall. An actress was at the root of Tisdall's troubles and Erica quickly became a confederate of the troubled and alluring stranger. Perhaps we are being told not to be too credulous in situations involving actresses and murder and attractive fugitives.

Marlene Dietrich, Richard Todd

Johnny tells Eve the story of the murder of actress Charlotte Inwood's husband and how he came to be blamed for it by trying to protect the woman he loves. Here is where some audiences part ways with Hitchcock. They are upset that the story presented to them on the screen in flashback turns out to be nothing but a bold-faced lie. There is precedent for such a twist (see Sherlock Holmes Faces Death), but some feel a trust has been broken. They have invested in Johnny's innocence only to be made fools.

Personally, I enjoyed Stage Fright immensely upon my first viewing. We are taken on the journey of our heroine and shown that the adventure is not always as anticipated. On subsequent viewings, it is fascinating to watch the interplay of the characters knowing the layers of lies which complicate the story.

Alastair Sim, Jane Wyman, Michael Wilding

Eve is a highly imaginative girl who is drawn to the melodramatic in life, and the chance to help Johnny, for whom she carries a torch, is irresistible. She draws her rather eccentric father Commodore Gill into the goings-on and he is a most willing participant.

Her sleuthing efforts also introduce Eve to a romantic complication in the form of Detective Inspector Wilfrid O. (O for Ordinary) Smith. The Detective Inspector is attracted to our Eve and has no idea she is playing amateur detective. Eve finds herself drawn to the man behind the badge. However, she still feels a strong sense of loyalty to the "innocent" Johnny.

Marlene Dietrich

Eve puts her acting prowess to the test by replacing, for a fee, Charlotte Inwood's maid. What does Eve hope to accomplish? A clue, a confession, something to turn the police's attention to the woman she knows has framed her Johnny. Do you think a woman like Charlotte Inwood, so bound to the axiom of "the show must go on" would be so foolish as to give anything away?

Michael Wilding, Jane Wyman, Alastair Sim, Sybil Thorndike

The closer Eve gets to "Ordinary" Smith the more complicated and dangerous her involvement becomes. The above cozy family scene has "Ordinary" sharing his musical skill, Eve trying to get back to her job as Charlotte's maid Doris, and the Commodore amusing himself with the absurdity of the situation. He realizes that Eve has needed an ordinary man in her life all along.

Eve's mother, who lives in her own world, is enjoying the music and with unselfconscious irony compares it to Sherlock Holmes and his violin. "A stream of beautiful sound and then suddenly out pops the solution."

Patricia Hitchcock

Here is Eve's RADA friend Chubby Bannister who inadvertently presents Ordinary Smith with the hint that all is not as he suspects with Eve, or with their burgeoning romance. They meet up at a Garden Party in aid of a theatrical charity. Charlotte Inwood is performing. Eve is performing in her multiple roles of Eve Gill, charity pamphlet distributor, ladies maid and dresser, and young woman finally falling for the right guy.

Kay Walsh, Jane Wyman

Also attending the fete is Nellie Goode, Charlotte's regular maid who was willing to sell out her position for a few days. Nellie has decided she needs more money for exposing herself to the loss of a good job. As if Eve needed further complications! The Commodore will be on hand with the necessary funds, as well as a plan to trap Charlotte. As we know from Chubby's admission to Ordinary, it is Eve who will be trapped.

Richard Todd

Eve, now a most contrite amateur detective officially assists the police in a plan to get information out of Charlotte Inwood. Eve is also still acting as Johnny's loyal friend. The police, however, have a very different theory. At the eleventh hour Eve will learn the folly of her gullibility.

Jane Wyman

The sociopathic Johnny admits everything to Eve when there is no choice left to him. His only course of action will be to murder Eve. Johnny believes this will prove to the authorities that he cannot be held responsible for his actions. Under such horrifying circumstances, Eve is able to keep her wits and escape. Johnny is unable to escape the police and fate in the form of a theatre safety curtain.

I find Stage Fright layered and engrossing. Jane Wyman plays Eve Gill with a winning combination of naivete and confidence. Eve's most important relationship and the most fun to watch is that with her father the Commodore. Alastair Sim is always a scene-stealer, and here it works not only to his advantage but to that of the film and his co-stars.

The other men in Eve's life are cast to their strengths with Richard Todd as the emotionally dangerous Jonathan, and Michael Wilding an understated and realistic hero for our fanciful actress. Grand support abounds from Kay Walsh, Patricia Hitchcock, Sybil Thorndyke, and Joyce Grenfell as an over-eager volunteer carnival barker.

Marlene Dietrich is, of course, Marlene Dietrich and we wouldn't have her any other way! Hitchcock is, of course, Hitchcock; giving us a grand entertainment and something to consider about the nature of our stories and ourselves as we sip our tea.

THE THIRD ANNUAL OLIVIA DE HAVILLAND BLOGATHON: Linnett Moore in The Proud Rebel (1958)

Phyllis Loves Classic Movies and In the Good Old Days of Classic Hollywood are once again hosting their blogathon tribute to Olivia de Havilland. Click HERE or HERE for the contributions to this online event.

Samuel Goldwyn Jr. had the rights to James Edward Grant's 1947 short story Journal of Linnett Moore since 1950, but it took almost the entire decade before the funding and personnel came together to produce the Golden Globe winning picture as The Proud Rebel starring Olivia de Havilland as Linnett Moore. The screenplay is by Joseph Petracca (The Proud Ones) and Lillie Hayward (The Biscuit Eater).

The town records of Aberdeen, Illinois would show that Miss Moore resides alone on the family farm outside of the town, having lost her father and brother during the preceding Civil War. Linnett was the subject of much gossip even before the stranger and his son played by Alan Ladd and David Ladd came to town, and started working for her.

Olivia de Havilland, Eli Mintz, Mary Wickes

Mrs. Ainsley (Mary Wickes): "Why, Linnett, it's been ages. Nobody ever sees you anymore. Why, just the other day at the Union League Social everybody was talking about you and nobody knew what to say. What have you been doing with yourself out on that farm?"

An ambitious sheepherder named Harry Burleigh played by Dean Jagger, and his sons Jeb and Tom played by Harry Dean Stanton and Tom Pittman are troublemakers who like throwing their weight around. Their current target is Linnett Moore and her farm which, according to the Burleighs, is standing in the way of their expansion.

David Ladd, Alan Ladd

Johnny Chandler and his son David are traveling the country looking for a doctor to cure David's hysterical mutism. The trauma of the violent death of his mother while his father was away fighting caused David's condition. The family's sheepdog Lance has been David's only emotional support. The Burleighs covet the dog and turn their bullying on the Chandlers. Johnny takes a beating at their hands and when taken before a judge lack of witnesses causes him to be found guilty in the altercation. Unable to pay a fine and certainly unwilling to leave David, Johnny is placed in the custody of Linnett Moore to work out his fine on her farm.

We learn something of Linnett, how she sees herself and her place in the community in her conversation with Judge Morley played by Henry Hull during their transaction following the trial. Linnett is as broke as the convicted man. She simply couldn't see that poor boy separated from his father.

Olivia de Havilland, Henry Hull

Judge Morley: "Oh, that farm of yours. You'd be a darn sight better off if you got rid of that place and moved into town."
Linnett: "And do what, be a clerk or a waitress or an overworked hired girl? No. I'll stay with the farm."
Judge Morley: "Linnett, you're still a mighty handsome woman."
Linnett: "I won't stay young forever."
Judge Morley: "This is no laughing matter, people are beginning to talk about you and they ain't gonna quit talking until you're respectably married."
Linnett: "People. Don't tell me about people. What am I supposed to do, fly right into the arms of the first man to offer me lawful marriage just to please them? Poor Linnett Moore, all alone on that big farm. As if it were a crime to live alone because I'm a woman and not a man. I'm not a man-starved old maid, Judge Morley."

Young David takes to life on Linnett's farm as if he were born to it. It is the first home he has known for a long time.

Linnett (to Johnny): "He's busy. He feels useful. It's strange but when you're around him you never think about his being - the way he is."

Olivia de Havilland, Alan Ladd

Johnny has those same feelings about the farm and about getting to know Linnett, but he is driven to find a cure for his son. Aberdeen's Quaker doctor played by Cecil Kellaway works to connect the Chandlers with a colleague in Minnesota who has helped patients such as David. Johnny is both hopeful and desperate to make that trip. When the question of the medical treatment becomes a reality the question of money becomes a reality as well. Three hundred dollars is needed and the only way to get it is to sell the beloved Lance to a breeder played by James Westerfield.

King as the beloved Lance

Linnett: "Suppose he never speaks. You've got to be prepared for it. You can't sell the dog. Not on a 50/50 chance. You know how I feel about David. I'd give anything to hear him speak. That's why I'm telling you these things. I'm only thinking of what's good for him."

Johnny cannot be swayed, and will only stop his quest "When the boy speaks." More trouble comes to the little group when the Burleighs burn down Linnett's farm. Faced with a choice, Johnny offers to stay and rebuild. Despite himself, he is putting down roots.

A trip to town brings Linnett's only fine dress out of the trunk. She is very pleased when David signs that she is beautiful and that phrase is interpreted by Johnny. She can't help making a little feminine fuss over her lack of fashion.

David Ladd, Olivia de Havilland

Linnett: "My bonnet is hopelessly out of date. Hats can never stay in style but my father always said that a woman without a hat is only half dressed."

A step forward in the blossoming relationship between Johnny and Linnett occurs at the General Store when Johnny calls her "Linnett".

Linnett: "You never called me that before. As a matter of fact, I was getting tired of all that ma'am talk. Made me sound ten years older than I am and no gentleman would do that."

It is a charming moment in which to see a character who, up until now, has been all gruff and businesslike in her dealings with peers, though a beacon of gentleness to young David. Trouble during the trip to town leaves no doubt that the trip to Minnesota must be made for David's sake, but with one important difference.

Johnny: "Linnett. About the operation. I was wondering if it wouldn't be better for you to go to Minnesota. I just think he'd feel better with you and, I might never come back, but you will. Besides, I need to get the barn up and there's the harvesting, and you never know what the Burleighs are going to do. Will you, Linnett?"
Linnett:  "If that's the way you want it."

David Ladd, Olivia de Havilland, Alan Ladd

There could be no greater sign of the bond which has grown between these characters. The commitment between them is unspoken, but the trust is implicit. The strength of the unit will be tested when the operation on David is not successful and the loss of Lance is unbearable for both the boy and the dog.

The Burleighs make one last play to eliminate their enemies. The trauma of the violence with the Burleighs and danger to Johnny works a final psychological healing on David. Linnett Moore gets her family and the Chandlers find theirs in her.

Alan Ladd, David Ladd, King, Olivia de Havilland

The Proud Rebel would be the last of ten films which teamed Olivia de Havilland with director Michael Curtiz. Their first collaboration was 1935s Captain Blood when Olivia was 19 years old. Olivia was 42 years old at the time of this film's production. So much of her film career was behind her at this point.

Ted McCord is the brilliant cinematographer who makes The Proud Rebel so beautiful. It would be his final of nine films made with Curtiz. Oddly enough, despite their years at Warner Brothers, this was the only film in which McCord would film de Havilland. Also adding to the emotion of the film is Jerome Moross' sweeping score which echoes that of The Big Country released the same year.

Olivia de Havilland

Dodge City

I can see Linnett Moore as a full circle counterpart to an earlier western hero also directed by Curtiz, Abbie Irving of Dodge City. A younger woman, but still with pride and strength, and a strong stubborn streak that is both a hindrance and useful. Linnett Moore is a character and a performance that I enjoy and admire. I hope Ms. de Havilland, if she thinks of The Proud Rebel, can say the same.

CAFTAN WOMAN'S CHOICE: ONE FOR JULY ON TCM

A pioneer is one who goes before to prepare the way for others.

Emily Dunning, who lived in New York at the turn of the century, was a pioneer.

This is her story.

Emily Dunning

1901 Graduation

Miss Dunning began her medical career in 1901 after graduating from the Cornell University School of Medicine. Despite placing tops in her class, and in the qualifying examination, Dr. Dunning's application to intern at Gouverneur Hospital in New York City was denied. The following year, with some string pulling from influential friends, she was accepted.

Emily Dunning Barringer's memoir Bowery to Bellevue published by Norton in 1950 tells of the obstacles faced by the first woman post-graduate surgical resident in a hospital. The roadblocks, prejudices, and harassment experienced by Dr. Dunning as detailed in her book were the basis for MGMs 1952 release The Girl in White.

The screenplay was written by Irma von Cube and Allen Vincent, Oscar nominees for Johnny Belinda, and Philip Stevenson, Oscar-nominated for Story of G.I. Joe. The director was John Sturges, renowned for his adventure films today, but at this point in his career at MGM, he worked on a variety of stories, from children's fare to crime dramas to this subtle drama.

June Allyson

June Allyson stars as Emily Dunning in an assured performance. She is strong and feisty without becoming precious. She is compassionate and caring without becoming sentimental. Director Sturges and cinematographer Paul Vogel don't overdo it yet make lovely use of June's expressive eyes.

Emily is confident in her knowledge and her abilities. She went into this career fully aware of the hindrances faced by women in the medical profession as she had a mentor in Dr. Marie Yoemans played beautifully by Mildred Dunnock. Dr. Yoemans had written textbooks used by medical teachers, but was constantly denied a hospital position.

Emily also faces romantic difficulties. You will note the last name of Barringer, and when you watch the movie you will see her fellow medical student and beau, despite his love, having to learn to accept a woman with a career. Arthur Kennedy plays Ben Barringer with an outer fire and an inner irony that makes him particularly appealing. 

The head of the hospital is played by Gary Merrill and his character is virulently opposed to female doctors. Before Emily even begins her first day a petition has been circulated to have her removed. Marilyn Erskine plays a delightful nurse the same age as Dr. Dunning, and before long Emily has all the nurses on her side. Her first male champion is an ambulance driver played by Jesse White.

The story of The Girl in White is an interesting one for its humanity and historical perspective. The movie doesn't rush its telling, neither does it dawdle. Our interest in Emily Dunning and her groundbreaking career is genuinely sustained.

James Arness, June Allyson

Although not named onscreen, on the credits a baby-faced James Arness is called "Matt". He is one of Emily's first ambulance cases, and the whole incident is adorable. 

Many thanks to Laura's Miscellaneous Musings for putting this movie on my radar a few years ago. Eventually (last fall) I caught the film on TCM, and now they are giving us another viewing opportunity. Laura's review is HERE.

Emily Dunning Barringer

1876-1961

TCM's primetime lineup on Friday, July 13th presents "Women in Medicine". First up is June Allyson in The Girl in White, the only biographical picture of the evening. The other movie doctors are Barbara Stanwyck in You Belong to Me, Greer Garson in Strange Lady in Town, and Kay Francis as Dr. Monica.

FAVOURITE MOVIES: Girl Shy (1924)

A story of Cracker Jack and dog biscuits

Harold Meadows is the lead character played by Harold Lloyd in a paradoxically gentle and raucous romantic comedy. Harold is a shy tailor's apprentice who stutters at the best of times, but around girls all the time. The girls in his hometown of Little Bend make sport of Harold. For his part, Harold has decided to make a silent and distant study of the female sex. He has studied so diligently that it has resulted in a book about his imaginary love affairs.

THE SECRET OF MAKING LOVE

BY HAROLD MEADOWS

LITTLE BEND

Harold dedicates his book to the young men of the world to whom he passes on such advice as the way to win over the vamp is to feign indifference, and the way to a flapper's heart is to act the caveman. Oh, Harold. Silly advice indeed, but the basis for some very funny skits as we peek inside Harold's imagination.

Harold takes a momentous trip from his small town to the big city where he plans to grace a publisher with the honour of publishing his book. Aboard the train is Mary Buckingham, an heiress with a temperamental car who had not planned a railway trip. Harold becomes involved with Mary, her contraband pooch and some mixed up luggage. The sweet and attentive Mary is so attractive and unpretentious that Harold eventually forgets to stutter.

When Mary is picked up at the station by her driver, she impulsively kisses Harold goodbye. In a sentimental gesture, she keeps the empty box of Cracker Jack he bought her. Likewise, Harold hangs onto a box of dog biscuits that figured in their adventure. A dazed Harold drops his book at the publisher's office and returns home, dreaming of Mary. Can it be love?

A further encounter with Mary affirms the affection between the two starstruck lovers. Harold believes he will soon be a wealthy author and worthy of the girl of his dreams. Mary is a girl besotted and gives no thought to their differing stations in life.

On a follow-up visit with the publisher, Harold is given the gears by the girls in the office who had a great laugh over his efforts. He leaves the publisher heartbroken. His dream of being an author is quashed, and he feels he cannot propose to his girl. Harold makes what he imagines is the grand sacrifice for love, by breaking off the hopeless romance between a tailor's apprentice and an heiress. He has only succeeded in breaking two hearts.

Mary succumbs to family pressure to marry a man they deem suitable, but whom she can barely tolerate. The day of the wedding is a day filled with surprises. Harold is initially insulted to discover that the publisher has released his book as a joke entitled The Boob's Diary. The publisher's advance of $3000 assuages his outrage because now Harold is in the position of being able to propose to his beloved Mary. First, all he has to do is stop her marrying a man Harold has learned is already married!

The last twenty minutes of the movie is a race to the altar filled with thrills and gags. Harold starts out at a run and never lets up. Various automobiles are involved including one that belongs to a bootlegger and came complete with pursuing cops. There are horses and trolleys and a motorcycle, and two harnessed horses that make our Harold look for all the world like Ben-Hur. Will he get there on time? Lloyd's directing team of Sam Taylor and Fred Newmeyer keep the action frantically cutting between the race and the nuptials to give the audience a nail-biting finale.

The movie is filled with funny, clever and delightful gags that arise organically out of the character's actions and the situations in which they are placed. Two charming and delightful leads in Harold Lloyd and Jobyna Ralston make Girl Shy a romantic comedy for the ages; always good for a laugh, a smile, and a gasp.

PS: Does anyone know where we could listen to this song?

REEL INFATUATION BLOGATHON: Keye Luke as Lee Chan

Maedez of Font and Frock and Ruth of Silver Screenings are once again hosting the popular Reel Infatuation Blogathon on June 8th - 10th. Those fictional crushes can be so real!  Day 1  Day 2   Day 3

My tween years were devoted to sneaking up late at night and watching whatever old movie I could find. One momentous night I was introduced to Inspector Charlie Chan, 60 summers young and 60 winters old, and his number one son, Lee in Charlie Chan in Shanghai. Warner Oland played the internationally known crimefighter and Keye Luke his assistant.

Here's Lee's entrance joining his Pop at the dock in Shanghai. The first scene in the movie had introduced me to Inspector Chan who seemed a movie detective worth following. Lee immediately impressed me with his good looks and enthusiasm. It's even more fun to solve a fictional crime if you have a crush on one of the detectives! 

Lee, looking spiffy in his pajamas and robe, always has a theory or two to help his Pop wrap up his current case. It seemed to me Pop was too quick to dismiss some of these theories.

A Scotland Yard compatriot of Inspector Chan's has been murdered. A fiendish dope ring is behind the business and they want to get rid of Chan. Lee realizes his Pop has been kidnapped and is hot on the trail of the crooks. He'll do anything, face any danger to save his Pop.

The Chans find themselves in a very risky situation, but fans need never fear. Together they are more than equal to any enemy. 

The element of surprise!

Quick reflexes and a quick escape.

Check it out! That clever and good looking Lee Chan is also a master of disguise.

The Chans are happy with the conclusion of the case. I was happy watching this movie for the first time and looked forward to seeing more of Lee Chan ... and, his father the venerable Inspector.

Charlie Chan in Shanghai was the second Chan movie to feature Keye Luke as Lee. The first, also released in 1935, was Charlie Chan in Paris.

The earlier 1935 feature, Charlie Chan in Egypt hinted at Stepin Fetchit possibly joining the series as Chan's assistant. However, someone had the bright idea to find a sidekick in Chan's legendary large family. Lee made his first appearance with his head in a towel as the Inspector hears an intruder in his Paris hotel room.

Ta-da! Here you go, girls. Um, I mean, here you go, general audience. A new, fresh, young character for you to enjoy. The popularity of this actor and this character helped sustain the Charlie Chan series.

Immediately, we can sense the bond of affection between Charlie and his firstborn. Warner Oland and Keye Luke became close, with Oland a mentor to the young man, and Luke a fond protector to his often troubled older friend.

Charlie Chan at the Circus in 1936 has Lee going incognito as a child's nurse to tail a suspect. He's teamed up with little person entertainer George Brasno to solve the murder and save the circus. Lee's costume does not impress a pretty contortionist played by Shia Jung. Lee's romances often conflict with his detecting.

Here's another disguise as Lee drives a laundry truck and sets off a distraction of fireworks in Charlie Chan at the Race Track in 1936.

Charlie Chan at the Opera is a favourite of mine featuring Boris Karloff as a mad baritone. Lee goes undercover in the ensemble of an Opera Company plagued by threats, secrets and murder.

In 1937s Charlie Chan at the Olympics, Lee Chan is on America's team going to Berlin. Here on shipboard, the athletes observe the Hindenberg Zeppelin unaware that Inspector Chan is flying above them on the way to Berlin as well. The Inspector is not after medals, but spies.

Actual footage of the Berlin Olympics is incorporated into the movie, and in our fantasy portion, Lee Chan is a medal winner. Only after his kidnapping by spies and a most harrowing time for Pop.

Another 1937 release, Charlie Chan on Broadway has Chan and Son dealing with the newshounds and big shots who populate The Big Apple. Here Lee startles and then charms (naturally) a pretty girl played by Toshia Mori, who works at a nightclub.

Charlie Chan at Monte Carlo is the last feature we have starring Warner Oland with Keye Luke. Here the helpful Lee used his supposed proficiency at French, and managed to get them thrown in the clink!

Charlie Chan at Ringside was in production in 1938 when Warner Oland, experiencing physical and mental problems, walked out of the production. A few months later he would pass away in his native Sweden of bronchial pneumonia.

Keye Luke, Harold Huber, Peter Lorre

Charlie Chan at Ringside found a home with another Fox series and became Mr. Moto's Gamble starring Peter Lorre. The connection to the Chan series is kept alive by Keye Luke as Lee taking a criminology course being taught by Mr. Moto. Moto, Lee, and a pickpocket classmate played by Maxie Rosenbloom help Lt. Riggs played by Harold Huber with a case involving big-time gamblers and the murder of a boxer.

Maxie Rosenbloom, Keye Luke

At one point Mr. Moto lets a rural sheriff lock the overly helpful Lee and Maxie up. When Maxie wonder why, Lee tells him that Pop used to do that to him all the time. It's a cute line, and Lee looks swell in that fedora, don't you think? 

Twentieth Century Fox was continuing the successful Chan series and, of course, popular Keye Luke was asked to stay on as Lee Chan. Keye Luke, however, could not see himself in the series without Warner Oland. 

Sen Yung, Sidney Toler

Jimmy: "Say Pop, I've been thinking ... I wish you'd let me be a detective. Now that brother Lee is in the New York Art School I can take his place."

Charlie Chan in Honolulu in 1938 featured the changing of the guard. Sidney Toler, at 64, took over the role of Inspector Chan and 23-year-old Sen Yung played Number 2 son, Jimmy.

Keye Luke was a trained professional artist whose work was sometimes mentioned or used in his films. In Charlie Chan in Shanghai Lee used his talent to woo the pretty object of a shipboard romance. Here is an excellent article on Keye Luke's career as an artist from Silver Scenes.

Victor Sen Yung, Carol Forman, Keye Luke

Ten years later, Keye Luke returned to the role of Lee Chan at Monogram Studios where Roland Winters was playing the Inspector. The Feathered Serpent also features Victor Sen Yung as Jimmy. Sky Dragon was Keye Luke's last go around as #1 son. Trivia buffs like to point out that Winters and Luke playing father and son were both born in 1904. 

Van Johnson, Keye Luke, Lionel Barrymore

Keye Luke played other continuing roles in the movies. He played Dr. Lee Wong How in the Dr. Gillespie series for MGM. Dr. How even makes an appearance in Andy Hardy's Double Trouble. He played detective James Wong in The Phantom of Chinatown, as the younger version of the character played by Boris Karloff in a series. Unfortunately, "Phantom" did not become a series for Keye Luke. He was also Kato in the 1940 serial The Green Hornet Strikes Again!.

Keye Luke's movie credits total the nice round number of 99 with his final role in 1990s Alice. His television work lists 119 titles on the IMDb beginning with 1950s Mysteries in Chinatown and including Star Trek, Gunsmoke, General Hospital, Night Court, Adam-12, Kung Fu as Master Po, and the voice of Charlie Chan in the Saturday morning cartoon show The Amazing Chan and the Chan Clan. He also starred on Broadway and on the road in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Flower Drum Song.

Keye Luke played many roles and played them well. It makes me happy every time I see him in a movie or on a classic television program, unless I feel the role is beneath his talents. My admiration and affection for the actor runs deep, but my crush, the crush of that tween girl up late when she was supposed to be sleeping on a school night, is only for Lee Chan, #1 son.

Please have a look at KEYE LUKE on Vimeo, a short film from 2012 directed by Timothy Tau. It is a charming and thoughtful piece of work.