Tensions run high when a troupe of performers takes a vacation at a Malibu beachfront house,  and then a strangler strikes. As a girl who knows Jimmy tries to get his help, Charlie Chan ends up investigating, with the help of both Jimmy and Birmingham Brown, and with the aid of a state policeman (Kirk Alyn, who later played Superman in two Columbia serials) as well. Sidney Toler’s final appearance as the detective is rather disappointing; the movie is cluttered with too many characters, and the denouement is a tad unsatisfying as well.

  Recommended only for completists. Otto thinks you should avoid this movie otherwise.

Movie 8 for 2021.