Fox Movie Channel will discontinue the broadcast of the Charlie Chan mystery films. Originally restored to meet the requests of mystery fans and film preservation buffs, Fox Movie Channel scheduled these films in a showcase intended to illustrate the positive aspects of these movies such as the complex story lines/ characters and Charlie Chan's great intellect . . . However, Fox Movie Channel has been made aware that the Charlie Chan films may contain situations or depictions that are sensitive to some viewers. Fox Movie Channel realizes that these historic films were produced at a time where racial sensitivities were not as they are today. As a result of the public response to the airing of these films, Fox Movie Channel will remove them from the schedule. In the hope that this action will evoke discussion about the progress made in our modern, multicultural society, we invite you to please click CONTACT US to send us your thoughts on the matter.
from fox, via hit and run


there is no dispute that the charlie chan films are deeply racist, in the same way that gone with the wind was, that said, they are needed to remind us of the implications of our actions, the consquences of our history, and as a way to find how our intentions and actions have changed.

that, and even more difficultly, they are great movies, well acted and written, with brilliant pacing.
(i wonder if an asian scholar could use it as the equivlaent of blaxplotation, cf the blog charlie chans revenge)

seeing this smallville came on the television, and the whole exotic bordello cliches came through, in a poker game in an underground de facto opium den.