“The Trap (1946) starring Sidney Toler & Mantan Moreland / Z-View

The Trap (1946)

Director:  Howard Bretherton

Screenplay:  Marl Derr Biggers based on the character created by Miriam Kissinger

Stars: Sidney Toler, Mantan Moreland, Victor Sen Yung, Larry J. Blake, Kirk Alyn and Howard Negley 

Tagline: GORGEOUS SHOWGIRLS DOOMED TO DEATH!

The Plot…

Cole King (Negley) is vacationing with his troupe of showgirls at a beach house.  When one of the girls is found strangled, it isn’t long before Charlie Chan (aided by his son, Jimmy (Yung) and valet, Birmingham (Moreland) are called in to determine the murderer or murderess!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

This was Sidney Toler’s last outing as Charlie Chan.  Toler had been suffering from cancer and passed away within 3 months of the film’s release.

The Trap follows the same format as all Charlie Chan films. There is a murder with multiple suspects and Chan is brought in to investigate.  He’s assisted by his son and valet (for comedy effect).  Chan determines who the killer is (and it’s usually not one suspected by the audience).  Everything wraps up in about an hour or a little more.  Charlie Chan films are a great way to end an evening.

My main reason for checking out the Charlie Chan films is Mantan Moreland.  He’s one of the most underrated comedians of his era.  The more screen time Moreland gets, the better the film.

The Trap earns 3 of 5 stars.