Mike Kapetan

As a fan of the Chinese detective;s films, "Charlie Chan At the Opera" ranks among my top five faves. Warner Oland is his usual charming, calm, wise, patient, and creatively devious self. The very presence of Boris Karloff elevates his Chan flic above the ordinary. Keye Luke as Number One Son ads his usual enthusiastic bumbling mostly for comic effect but also with genuine affection between him and the old man. William Demerest never hurt any production he was in, either. Lots of plot twists and clues make this film warmly absorbing.