From his primitive nonseries beginnings through the well known Fox series of 44 films (1931-1949), here is the complete history of famous film detective Charlie Chan.

The films are presented in chronological order, with full cast and credits, synopses and evaluations. Biographical details on the three most famous screen Chans--Warner Oland, Sidney Toler, and Roland Winters--and background information on series directors and supporting players, insights into the making of the films, and the full story of the abrupt halt in 1949 as well as an array of the detective's aphorisms (or Chan-o-grams) are included. Numerous photos throughout.