Torchy Blane in Chinatown
Torchy Blane in Chinatown

Movie spotlight

Torchy Blane in Chinatown

1939
Movie
58 min
English

Torchy Blane joins her police-detective fiance to solve a series of murders involving a set of Chinese grave tablets taken and sold to a collector and death-threats written in Chinese characters.

Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Director: William BeaudineGenres: Mystery, Crime, Film-Noir

Plot Summary

Reporter Torchy Blane travels to San Francisco's Chinatown to investigate a series of jewel thefts. She teams up with police lieutenant Steve McBride, who is also working the case, to uncover the mastermind behind the crimes. As they delve deeper, they encounter dangerous gangsters and navigate the labyrinthine streets of Chinatown, facing peril at every turn.

Critical Reception

As part of the Torchy Blane series, this installment received moderate attention for its fast-paced mystery and Kay Linaker's portrayal of the intrepid reporter. While not a standout film on its own, it contributed to the B-movie crime genre of the era, offering a straightforward and entertaining whodunit.

What Reviewers Say

  • Appreciated for its quick pacing and engaging mystery.

  • Kay Linaker's performance as Torchy Blane was a highlight of the series.

  • A competent entry in the B-movie crime drama tradition.

Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this film is not readily available.

Fun Fact

This film was the sixth installment in the popular Torchy Blane series, with each film featuring reporter Torchy Blane solving a new mystery.

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