Author: Lou Armagno

Lucky you live Hawaii! That is unless you are like Mr. Smith, the beachcomber.

Beachcomber: traveler, wander, loafer, hobo, vagabond, tramp, homeless person. If you've read the fourth Charlie Chan novel, The Black Camel (1929), then you are familiar with "Smith, the beachcomber." Mr. Archie Smith a hopeful artist returning from the South Seas painting the scenery, got off a passing vessel intending to leave Hawaii. However, he got … Continue reading Lucky you live Hawaii! That is unless you are like Mr. Smith, the beachcomber. →

Gol Darn it! That black camel was “unbid,” not “unbidden.”

OK, I admit it, goldarn is actually one word. But I already typed it (and I like it better separated) so we'll leave that alone. However, what REALLY irks me is a famous misquote I hear--and see--over and over again! Here is the quote from the 1929 novel, The Black Camel. Charlie Chan has just … Continue reading Gol Darn it! That black camel was “unbid,” not “unbidden.” →

Birds of a feather: Tony the Parrot & Cookie the Cockatoo.

History doth repeat itself! Once upon a time Author Earl Derr Biggers wrote a novel, The Chinese Parrot (1926). This second in the Detective Charlie Chan series featured an Australian Gray Parrot named "Tony," who spoke--you guessed it--Chinese. And in more recent times Biggers' biographer, Author Barbara Gregorich, wrote about another bird: the sensation of … Continue reading Birds of a feather: Tony the Parrot & Cookie the Cockatoo. →

Mission Improbable: Slovakia & The Czech Repubic to find the four lost Chan Films

Good morning Mr./Ms. (your name here.) Your mission is to take a team to Slovakia and The Czech Republic to locate and retrieve the remaining lost Charlie Chan films. The following was intercepted surrounding the film Charlie Chan in Paris on Rush Glick's Charlie Chan Family Home site and explains why: "...Charlie Chan in Paris was … Continue reading Mission Improbable: Slovakia & The Czech Repubic to find the four lost Chan Films →

Chabing. The Chan actress who once held General Douglas MacArthur’s heart.

Ever seen the movies The Chinese Ring (1947) or Shanghai Chest (1948)? Both Charlie Chan films staring Actor Roland Winters as Detective Chan? Well, they also features a lesser know bit actress born Isabel Rosario Cooper, who went under the stage name Chabing. She was also know as "Dimples" to one General Douglas MacArthur! February brings … Continue reading Chabing. The Chan actress who once held General Douglas MacArthur’s heart. →

One other “Earl” was gifted a Key to The City of Honolulu.

HAPPY 2023 everyone...we made it! As previously reported last year (my August 2022 Biggers' Birthday post), in 1925 the Honolulu Tourism Bureau presented Author Earl Derr Biggers with an honorary Key to The City of Honolulu. This was in appreciation for the overwhelming good will and publicity his first Charlie Chan novel, The House Without … Continue reading One other “Earl” was gifted a Key to The City of Honolulu. →

Looking for a special holiday breakfast? Try Toast Hawaii!

One of my favorite breakfast treats (one I never experienced on the Islands) is Toast Hawaii or Hawaii Toast. Easy to prepare and delicious this savory dish is a real people pleaser! So perhaps this Christmas or New Year's morning, why not skip the Cinnabon's (gag), Tea & Toast (boring), or eggs & bacon (ho … Continue reading Looking for a special holiday breakfast? Try Toast Hawaii! →

Get a letter from Santa Claus postmarked at the North Pole!

With the holiday season just around the corner Detective Charlie Chan and family are trying to get ahead of the game. And with eleven children in the Chan household I asked him, "How do the Chans get through the holiday with so many young hearts to please?" Here is what he told me: "Ah, best … Continue reading Get a letter from Santa Claus postmarked at the North Pole! →

BOO! Attend the Charlie Chan virtual Halloween Party!

October 31st is near at hand (where did the year go?) and as he does every year, Webmaster Rush Glick will host his annual "Virtual" Halloween Party on Monday, October 24th! Here's how it works: Guests log into the Charlie Chan Chat Room, using an assumed name chosen from the cast of characters found inside … Continue reading BOO! Attend the Charlie Chan virtual Halloween Party! →