One of the strongest entries in the Charlie Chan series sees the detective (Warner Oland) racing to Germany (part of the trip aboard the Hindenburg) and the 1936 Olympics to catch up with a murderer and a stolen aeronautical invention before the latter can be sold to sinister foreign buyers. Two sons lend a hand this time, Lee (Keye Luke), on hand because he is part of the U.S. Olympic team, and a younger son, played by Layne Tom Jr. A romantic subplot involving two members of the Olympic team (played by Allan Lane and Pauline Moore) and a femme fatale (Katherine DeMille) is the only real weakness, but even it has a place because of the young man’s connection with the aircraft company whose invention has been stolen. Morgan Wallace is suitably malevolent as Dr. Zaraka, the foreign agent who is after the invention, and C. Henry Gordon adds interest as another person who wants the device. A good mystery is enlivened by the thriller aspects of the plot.

  Recommended. Otto finds this one pleasing enough to relax.