Movie spotlight
Chandu consults his crystal ball and sees that Nadji, Princess of Egypt, is in danger. She is about to be sacrificed by the black magic cult of Ubasti. Headed for the magic island of Lemuria, he is shipwrecked , washed ashore and captured. He becomes invisible, escapes and after numerous detours is able to rescue the princess.
The mystical Egyptian magician Chandu, who has been living in Tibet, returns to London to thwart the evil plans of his sister, the sorceress Princess Nadine. She seeks to achieve immortality and world domination through dark rituals. Chandu must use his supernatural powers and bravery to protect his friends and defeat his wicked sister.
As a 1930s film serial, 'The Return of Chandu' was primarily received as thrilling Saturday matinee entertainment for younger audiences, offering adventure and mystery. While Bela Lugosi's presence added a notable draw, its episodic nature and B-movie production values meant it was not typically reviewed by major critics in the same way as feature films.
Praised for Bela Lugosi's charismatic performance as the heroic magician.
Appreciated for its adventurous plot and exotic setting.
Seen as typical, somewhat dated, cliffhanger serial entertainment of its era.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this 1934 film serial is not readily available.
Bela Lugosi's role as Chandu marked one of his few heroic characters during his career, as he was predominantly known for playing villains.
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This might have worked better as a silent feature as it mixes up it's mythologies to allow Bela Lugosi's eponymous character (aka. "Chandler") to race to the rescue of the imperilled Egyptian princess "Nadji"(Maria Alba). Why? Well it seems...