Charlie Chan (Sidney Toler) investigates the locked-room murder of wealthy chess expert Thomas P. Manning (Sam Flint). He has little time to do so, as he must head back to Washington in a couple days to continue his war work. There’s a moderately effective use of a funhouse setting — I always enjoy it when movies make use of wax dummies — and some good support from Benson Fong (as son Tommy) and Mantan Moreland.

Mildly recommended.