Acensbart Excellent but underrated film

Philippa All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

Bob This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.

Caryl It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

JohnHowardReid Copyright 7 August 1936 by 20th Century-Fox Film Corp. New York opening at the Roxy: 14 August 1936 (ran one week). U.S. release: 7 August 1936. 6,300 feet. 70 minutes. SYNOPSIS: A gambling syndicate moves in on a Melbourne Cup winner.NOTES: Number twelve of the sixteen pictures made by Warner Oland in the series, and the first of three to be directed by Lucky Humberstone (who also directed Sidney Toler in his initial entry, Charlie Chan in Honolulu). Shooting from 15 May 1936 through 18 June 1936. Locations filmed at Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, California. COMMENT: For once the screenplay plays scrupulously fair with viewers. Not a clue is hidden away from our sight, to be suddenly produced by the detective at the climactic unmasking of the villain. Everything is played out in front of the audience and often explained, but nonetheless Mr X is most cleverly concealed. Even I didn't penetrate that intriguing business with the fake letters, though Charlie's motive is commendably simple and the actual clue itself is quite prominently thrust before our eyes on no less than two occasions.What's more important, however, is that Race Track can in no way be described as a talk feast. In fact, it emerges as one of the most incident-packed of the whole series. Maybe I missed a few, but I counted two murders, two fires, two shootings, two stunt-filled horse races, one explosion, and at least one hair's-breadth escape. Nor do the writer's stint on supplying Charlie with some typically ready rejoinders, including the following bon mots: "Good wife best household furniture"; "Smart fly keep out of gravy"; "Easy to criticize, more difficult to correct"; "Foolish to seek elsewhere when great treasure hidden under nose"; "Rabbit run very fast, but sometimes turtle win race"; "Truth sometimes like stab of cruel knife."No other actor can match Warner Oland at his best (as here) for smooth charm, convincing Orientalism and delicious delivery. Alan Dinehart (love his hat!), Gavin Muir, Helen Wood and Frankie Darro contribute some fine work in support, and there's a stand-out performance from the cinema's number one seedy ship-steward, John Rogers who has some delightful run-ins with Chan's number one son, Keye Luke. I also enoyed the antics of "Lollipop", the clever monkey who offers more than a comic diversion, but provides Chan (and us) with a vital clue. Keen film buffs will also relish the chance to catch director Lucky Humberstone as the dapper gambler who causes Charlie and son to kidnapped. (And as for Lucky's actual direction, it rates as fast, smooth, ultra-proficient and even inventive. Just look at those swish dissolves). A classy production all around, Race Track rates as deservedly one of the most popular movies in the entire 53-picture series.

gridoon2018 The title is a partial misnomer: about half of the movie takes place on a ship. The actual horse-racing scenes are well-filmed, but the movie in general is forgettable. The biggest issue is the anonymous supporting cast: it's hard to tell any of the characters apart, and none of them inspire any interest, sympathy, or even antipathy. The exceptions are, of course, Warner Oland, who is solid as Charlie Chan and whose aphorisms are the best quality of the film, and his Number One Son, likably played by Keye Luke. Oland has the single best moment in the film when he says to the culprit, with deadpan seriousness, "You convict self. Thank you so much"! My other favorite Chan line is probably "Suspicion often father of truth". ** out of 4.

Michael O'Keefe The famed detective Charlie Chan(Warner Oland) is on board a steamer when a prominent horse breeder is found stomped to death and possibly by his own horse. When Chan investigates he discovers his friend may not have been killed by his horse after all, but actually a ring of ruthless gamblers. Number One Son Lee(Keye Luke)helps prove that the smallest clues lead to the biggest answers. Charlie and son will have to match wits with kidnapping gamblers. The races at Santa Anita make a busy backdrop for murder gone bad. H. Bruce Humberstone directs this caper that also features: Helen Wood, Paul Fix, Gloria Roy, Thomas Beck , George Irving and Robert Warwick.

MartinHafer This film begins with Chan in Honolulu giving a forensics lecture to policemen. However, Lee Chan (Charlie's "Number One Son") interrupts to announce that "the big race is about to begin and I've got a hot tip"--at which point all the cops turn on the radio and begin cheering. Oddly, the race is being held in Australia and I find it hard to believe the people in Hawaii would care THAT much! Later, when the horse is on its way to the West Coast of the US, the ship with the horse is met by Charlie Chan since the man who raised the horse has been killed and he was a friend of Chan. Although it appears that he was kicked to death by his prize horse, Charlie quickly deduces that it was murder! It seems that a gambling syndicate is heavily involved in murder and mayhem in an attempt to make a huge haul at an upcoming race and it's up to Charlie to unravel it all and make sure the guilty pay.Compared to other Chan films, this one has a much better plot, though the plot has been used, in part, before. While complex, the plot is quite thrilling and does a lot to help the film. Additionally, the best of the Chan sidekicks, Number One Son ('Lee') is on hand to provide some comic relief and occasional assistance.Excellent acting, pacing and plot--this one is a triple crown winner of a B-movie.