From the August 1955 issue of Charlie Chan #7
Thursday, June 12, 2008
The Talking Stone Face
So sorry to interrupt Jack Cole Tribute, but must post honorable Charlie Chan story in light of great TCM series ‘Asian Images in Film’ this month. Please accept most humble apology with late bonus offering of ancient Aztec treasure curse, poison tipped arrows, mummies, and giant skull face made of stone. Thank you very much.
From the August 1955 issue of Charlie Chan #7
From the August 1955 issue of Charlie Chan #7
Not bad.
ReplyDeleteI actually liked reading this Charlie Chan story and it really does whet my appetite for purchasing a few issues - if the price is right on any copies that I might find at next weeks convention.
Thanks, Karswell.
I HAVE TO ADMIT I'VE BEEN LOVING THE COLE TRIBUTE THIS WEEK BUT WHEN I SAW THIS CHAN POST I HAD TO READ IT FIRST! I LOVE THE OLD FILMS AND HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO READ ONE OF THESE COMICS! THIS WAS GREAT, IDENTICAL TO THE MOVIES WITH HIS FUNNY LITTLE SAYINGS AND DEDUCTIONS........AND NICE TO SEE BIRMINGHAM GET IN ON THE ACTION TOO! LOVE THE ARTWORK. IF YOU SEE ENOUGH OF THESE FILMS THEN YOU KNOW THERE WONT BE A REAL SUPERNATURAL ELEMENT, PEOPLE CALL IT A SCOOBY DOO ENDING BUT IN FACT CHARLIE UNMASKED QUITE A FEW CREEPS IN HIS TALES LONG BEFORE THE SCOOBY CREW! NONE OF THAT MATTERS OR DETRACT FROM THE FUN. THANKS MAN!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite part is on the last page with the unmasking of the professor and him admiting that it was a stupid waste of time to dress up like the mummy in the first place-- duh! Yeah Prof, if living mummies were REAL maybe your plan might've worked, but you went for the supernatural angle which Chan never falls for!
ReplyDeleteGood luck finding these Chan comics reasonably priced Chuck, I have 3 issues from this series total, bought them back in the 80's and even then they cost me an arm and a leg!
I also hope everyone was able to catch the Charlie Chan films on TCM the other night, as well as Mr Wong starring Karloff and Mr Moto starring Peter Lorre!
"Beyond aid, as all murderers are..."
ReplyDeleteChan's not a believer in rehabilitation, then...or definite or indefinite articles... :)
This was a really fun story. I've only seen one Chan movie, but I remember liking it. Strange mixture of stereotypes and racism while still making the stereotyped figures the heroes--I mean, Chan couldn't be more stereotypical, and yet he's the most capable, intelligent guy around.
Birmingham, on the other hand...
"He who will not listen to whisperings of own conscience has only self to blame if whispers become...THE TALKING STONE FACE."
If more of Confucius's sayings were like this, I think I would convert to his philosophy. Here, let me try...
"He who speak loudly when quiet called for, should not find surprise when WEREWOLVES EAT MAN'S GUTS."
I sense an anthology...
Yeah, I laughed at that famous saying, too, and wondered if there were more like it.
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame Chan is all about debunking the supernatural. This is an enjoyable story, even if it's not very horrific.
Wow, the writing here is just as strong as in any Charlie Chan film. I could read stuff like this all day. He seems to be a mix of both Warner Oland and Sidney Toler, though it's all clearly molded after the Toler era Chan films. But what's up with the blue suit jacket?
ReplyDelete>NICE TO SEE BIRMINGHAM GET IN ON THE ACTION TOO!
ReplyDeleteThe comedy relief from Mantan Moreland is just as much a part of those old Chan films as Charlie himself. A genius actor.
>I've only seen one Chan movie
Rectify this immediatly Vicar!
>It's a shame Chan is all about debunking the supernatural.
I wouldn't say that's what Chan is "all about", he's more in tune with the Sherlock Holmes method of power deduction and reasoning in solving mysteries the most logical and efficient way/s possible. Though we all love the supernatural around here at THOIA, it is hardly logical.
>But what's up with the blue suit jacket?
Is his jacket blue in the Der Biggers books? It sure isn't in the movies although blue, like most colors, rarely translates well in black and white movies. Am I brilliant or what? Probably this is just an art direction decision from the publisher to make Charlie more colorful, just in case they didn't get his sickly yellow skin tone the correct hue of baby poo.
I wouldn't say that's what Chan is "all about", he's more in tune with the Sherlock Holmes method of power deduction and reasoning in solving mysteries the most logical and efficient way/s possible. Though we all love the supernatural around here at THOIA, it is hardly logical.
ReplyDeleteOh, I know. And I like Sherlock Holmes and Charlie Chan. I only meant that in the context of THOIA, it would be great just once to see them come across something logically inexplicable and utterly horrifying -- like a zombie.
"He who toss pebble into still water, that evening will fi-BRAAAAAAAIIIIINS!!!"
ReplyDeleteHe who listen learn more than he who talk--so I just read the other Comments.
ReplyDeleteI never watched any Charlie Chan movies, so imagine my surprise that Mantan Moreland played Birmingham. That's exactly whose voice and vocal mannerisms I read for him. (I only know the man from Spider Baby, but he made a big impression.)
ReplyDelete