Charlie Chan at the Wax Museum


1h 3m 1940

Brief Synopsis

A wax museum run by a demented doctor contains statues of such crime figures as Jack the Ripper and Bluebeard the Pirate. In addition to making wax statues the doctor performs plastic surgery. It is here that an arch fiend takes refuge. The museum also houses a statue of Charlie. Frustrated number-two son kicks statue in rear; oops, number-two son wrong in his assumption.

Film Details

Release Date
Sep 6, 1940
Premiere Information
not available
Production Company
Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corp.
Distribution Company
Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corp.
Country
United States
Screenplay Information
Based on the character "Charlie Chan" created by Earl Derr Biggers.

Technical Specs

Duration
1h 3m
Sound
Mono (RCA High Fidelity Recording)
Color
Black and White
Theatrical Aspect Ratio
1.37 : 1
Film Length
5,718ft

Synopsis

Dr. Cream, a plastic surgeon, operates a wax museum featuring figures of infamous criminals as a front for his real business of altering the faces of fugitive criminals. One of these men, Steve McBirney, was convicted by the illustrious detective Charlie Chan and is bent on revenge. After undergoing surgery, McBirney coerces the doctor to lure Chan to the museum on the pretense of participating in a crime solving radio broadcast. Although suspicious of Cream's motives, Chan accepts the invitation, unaware that he is to be electrocuted as he sits in one of Cream's chairs. However, at the last moment, Chan changes seats with Dr. Otto von Brom, another crime expert, and von Brom is murdered. The weapon is not electricity, however, but a poison dart that is blown at him by someone lurking within the museum. The occupants of the museum are unable to call the police because the phone is out of order, and they know that the person who leaves to make the call may be the murderer. As they are sequestered in the museum, terror electrifies the air as the ominous wax dummies appear to come alive. Later, Chan discovers a trap door leading to a secret chamber, where he traces von Brom's murder to Dagan, McBirney's supposedly dead partner who has had his face altered by Cream. After Dagan kills McBirney and attempts to murder Chan, Inspector O'Mathews of the police arrives with his men. Chan then unmasks Dagan as radio broadcaster, Tom Agnew, who killed in order to keep his criminal identity a secret.

Film Details

Release Date
Sep 6, 1940
Premiere Information
not available
Production Company
Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corp.
Distribution Company
Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corp.
Country
United States
Screenplay Information
Based on the character "Charlie Chan" created by Earl Derr Biggers.

Technical Specs

Duration
1h 3m
Sound
Mono (RCA High Fidelity Recording)
Color
Black and White
Theatrical Aspect Ratio
1.37 : 1
Film Length
5,718ft

Quotes

Only very foolish mouse makes nest in cat's ear.
- Charlie Chan

Trivia

Notes

For additional information on the series, consult the Series Index and for Charlie Chan Carries On.