CHARLIE CHAN FAMILY SCRIPT PROJECT: "Charlie Chan at College"

CAST:
Warner Oland: Charlie Chan

Keye Luke: Lee Chan

Sen Yung: Jimmy Chan

Pauline Moore: Sally Winton

Lotus Long: Irene Chow

Iris Wong: Samantha "Sam" Wu

Kane Richmond: Ralph Thompson

Robert Lowery: Tom Mallory

Guy Usher: Captain Dormers

Fred Keslo: Sergeant "Flat-foot" Flynn

Selmer Jackson: Coleman Winton

Russell Hicks: Leyland Sanders

Marc Lawrence: Harry Walden

Barbara Jean Wong: San Toy

Philip Ahn: Ling Toy

Warner Oland: Warner Oland

CHAN: (Puzzled) "Strictly off BEAM?" Am afraid ancient ears of honorable father not tuned to radio frequency of modern sons.

CLOSE SHOT of Chan and Lee.

LEE: (Looking at Chan): It's owned by a Mr. Ling Toy, a nice old guy. I heard that it started out as a grocery store with a soda fountain in the back.

MEDIUM SHOT of the three as Jimmy interjects.

JIMMY: (Almost interrupting) Yeah, but they started selling more malteds and fewer groceries! Mr. Toy, the owner, was so busy at the soda fountain and the shelves have gotten bare enough that we started asking him to put out ketchup and mustard bottles with napkins and straws.

LEE: (Grinning) I hear that Mr. Toy finally put some tables in one corner.

JIMMY: (Grinning back - proudly) For the older students who are too wobbly to stand up like us big athletes!

CHAN: (Shaking his head as he prepares to cross the street) Will take humble self to other side of street if only to clear head and gain respite from double dose of confusion.

CLOSE SHOT of Chan as he looks both ways and steps into the street accompanied by his two sons close behind.

FULL SHOT as, halfway across the street, a car roars around the corner and heads for Chan. Lee and Jimmy tackle him into a space between two cars on the far side.

FULL SHOT as some Chinese girls come out of a nearby house. One of them runs to the Chans.

CLOSE SHOT on Samantha "Sam" Wu.

SAM: Jimmy!

MEDIUM SHOT of another Chinese girl comes out of the Toy Store, wearing a silky not-quite traditional Chinese outfit with western style sleeves. She is wearing a white apron over it and a little white cap with ruffles in her hair. San Toy stops only for a second and runs to the Chans and Sam.

FULL SHOT of group as Chan, Lee, and Jimmy dust themselves off and slowly get to their feet.

SAN TOY: Jimmy! Are you okay--?

LEE: (Shaken) That driver tried to run you over, Pop! Are you all right?

JIMMY: Wow! That was sure a close shave!

CHAN: Fortunately, elderly father still have plenty whiskers. Thank you both for timely shove off of bulls eye.

JIMMY: You said it, Pop! I thought you were a goner, sure!

CHAN: "Pop" not "going" anywhere yet, it seems.

MEDIUM SHOT of Sam with Chan, Lee, and Jimmy as she helps Chan to his feet.

SAM: (To San Toy) Hold on! Don't you think that we'd better--?

CHAN: (Interrupting) Please - Best to leave street to automobiles.

He turns to see an older man rushing from the same "grocery store" as the two girls.

FULL SHOT as Ling Toy enters to the whole group.

LING TOY: (Bowing as he reaches the Chans) Is everyone all right? May suggest the miserable shelter of my humble establishment as refuge from unexpected dangers of Los Angeles street for honorable gentleman, Charlie Chan, whose famous face has often graced our city's newspapers?

SAN TOY: Charlie Chan?? That's your father, Jimmy?

Jimmy smiles, silently acknowledging her question.

CHAN: (Returning bow) Am warmed by both your kindness and your overly generous praise. Hospitable offering of comfort in time of great trial is like a spoonful of honey in a cup of bitter tea most welcomed by humble self and sons. Thank you so much.

FULL SHOT as Ling Toy leads the group back to his store. Sam gets between Jimmy and his father to support Chan by the elbow, pushing San Toy out of the way.

San Toy stands there momentarily, stomps her foot and grabs Charlie's other elbow, pushing Lee out of the way. CLOSE SHOT as Lee grins at his brother Jimmy who rolls his eyes.

FADE OUT as they follow the others into the store.

FADE IN as Chan, Lee, and Jimmy sit at a table as Ling Toy nudges his daughter.

LING TOY: Daughter, please bring food and tea for our honored guests.

SAN TOY: (With an unhappy glance at Sam) Yes, father.

She exits, reluctantly leaving the field to Sam.

CLOSE SHOT of Jimmy as he stands up and introduces the remaining girl.

JIMMY: Pop, may I present Miss Samantha Wu?

MEDIUM SHOT of Chan, Jimmy, and Sam.

CHAN: (Rises from his chair, bows, and sits back down, patting his brow with a handkerchief) So pleased!

SAM: Forgive me for being so forward, Mr. Chan, but . . . you see . . . I'm a nursing student--

JIMMY: And a good one, too!

CLOSE SHOT of Chan.

CHAN: (Eyeing his son) Please, take seats and join detective who finds it preferable to sit following close call with car outside. Charlie Chan and sons nearly paid unexpected visit to realm of honored ancestors!

FULL SHOT as Sam, Lee and Jimmy sit down and San Toy brings a tray with cups and treats for all. She tries to push a chair between Sam and Jimmy but Lee pointedly makes more room for her on Jimmy's other side.

MEDIUM SHOT on a third, older, girl who enters waving a pencil and notepad in hand.

IRENE CHOW: Mr. Chan! Mr. Chan!

FULL SHOT on Irene and the group seated at the table as Irene continues:

I wrote down the number of the car that tried to hit you.

Lee gets up, offering his chair to Irene. Smiling at him, she takes the seat. MEDIUM SHOT of Irene and Chan as Irene tears a page off of the pad and hands it to Chan.

CLOSE SHOT of Irene.

IRENE: A friend is calling the police. I not only wrote the number down but the description of the car. It had a coffee brown body with a dirty cream top. I think the driver had a tweed jacket and reddish blond hair. Oh, and he wore glasses with tinted lenses. I think he was of about medium height.

FULL SHOT of the group.

JIMMY: (Surprised) How could you tell?

IRENE: (Turning to him, just as surprised) I don't know, but he was sitting tall enough to see over the dashboard but short enough that you could see the top of his head framed in the car window.

CLOSE SHOT of Lee.

LEE: (Trying hard not to laugh at his brother) Are you going out for the police department, Miss . . . ?

CLOSE SHOT of Irene.

Irene: (Her eyes open wide) Oh! No!

FULL SHOT of group as Irene swings around to face Chan.

IRENE: (To Chan) My name is Irene Chow, Mr. Chan. My father owns and runs a newspaper in Chinatown in San Francisco and . . . well . . . Well, Mr. Chan, he wants me to be a secretary, but I want to be a reporter and work my way up like he did so I can help him run his paper!

MEDIUM CLOSE SHOT on Chan and Irene.

CHAN: (Giving Irene a fatherly smile) A devoted child is a father's greatest gift. Great struggle for honorable child . . . to make parent happy or to ease his burden.

IRENE: But, you see, Mr. Chan, I know that car! This isn't the first time I've seen it! There's a gang here and the man that runs it . . . . That's his car.

FULL SHOT of the group at table.

CHAN: (Showing concern) You are sure of this?

IRENE: Sure? You bet! Dad thought he'd be nice and decided to "let" me cover a story and sent me here to cover the big art exhibit. Dad doesn't know it, but in my spare time I go over and try to pick up nice juicy stories. I pester our local officer on the beat, Sgt. Flynn, so often that he threatens to have the cops at the station adopt me as their unofficial mascot I'm underfoot so often.

LEE: (Smiling suavely) Pretty cute mascot

IRENE: And don't you forget it!

LEE: I'm here for the art exhibit, too.

IRENE: Yes, I know! In fact you are the reason that my father sent me to Los Angeles to cover the art show here. It isn't every day that the son of a famous Chinese detective is involved in a big art show after winning an award in Paris!

MEDIUM SHOT on Chan, Lee, and Irene.

CHAN: (Gently waving his hand) Much time to interview budding artist later, but owner of malevolent car --

IRENE: (Looking at Chan) I've seen "Flat-Foot" Flynn bring this guy in too often--

CHAN: Excuse, please but what is "Flat-foot" Flynn?

The other girls and Jimmy start laughing.

MEDIUM SHOT of Jimmy, San Toy, and Sam.

JIMMY: That's what we call Sgt. Flynn behind his back --

CLOSE SHOT of Chan.

CHAN: Ah -- such disrespect from the mouths of today's youth.

MEDIUM SHOT of Jimmy and Chan.

JIMMY: Sorry, Pop. But you'll see what we mean when you meet him yourself!

Chan just shakes his head slowly.

FULL SHOT of the group.

IRENE: (Interrupting) But, Mr. Chan! I've seen the head of this gang driving around the campus here in that car. A couple of times he's pulled over and made cracks about how a mouse could get caught by a cat if it squeaks too often.

CHAN: Perhaps streets are not safe for young moth who wishes to fly too close to dangerous flame.

IRENE: You're not turning into an old fuddy-duddy, are you, Mr. Chan?

CHAN: No, merely make humble suggestion that for time being, you must be very careful. Is there someone you trust to accompany you on unexpectedly wicked streets?

MEDIUM SHOT as Irene looks thoughtfully at Charlie for a moment and then turns to Lee and blushes deeply.

CHAN: (Shaking his head and smiling) Only alternative is acting as secretary to elderly Chinese detective while he is here to speak with head of University for series of guest lectures.

CLOSE SHOT of Lee.

LEE: She could kill two birds with one stone. Or . . . job . . . well, you know what I mean, Pop!

CHAN: This afternoon is no time for talk of birds and stones. We go now to see honorable President of University, Mr. Winton!

FADE OUT.

FADE IN:

FULL SHOT:

Sally Winton sits on the edge of the desk of her father, university president Coleman Winton, in his office. She is fidgeting with the band around her hat. The two have been discussing Sally's love life and she is dejected, unable to convince Winton that Tom is worthy of her. Winton is at his bookcase replacing a copy of Shakespeare's "Titus Andronicus." He has the volumes shelved alphabetically yet can't seem to locate the exact spot for his novel. Giving up, he tosses the book back on the desk knowing that his secretary will file it away tomorrow. He turns around to his daughter.

MEDIUM CLOSE SHOT of Sally and Winton.

WINTON: Sally, you may as well give up, I simply don't like Tom.

SALLY: But father, after all you hardly know him.

WINTON: I know him well enough to dislike him. Sally, I'm asking you not only as your father, but as someone who loves and cares deeply about you, give Brandon Mitchell consideration. He's smitten with you, always has been and will make a fine naval officer someday.

SALLY: He left to join the Navy without even talking to me about it first. It was almost as if he wanted to get away from me.

CLOSE SHOT of Winton.

WINTON: Now you know that isn't true. Brandon has the same streak of independence that I've witnessed in you; and on more than one occasion I might add. I admire him, daughter, and you need to realize that you will never be able to change him. Have you told Tom about Brandon?

MEDIUM CLOSE SHOT as he gazes intently at Sally who is unable to hide her love for Brandon.

CLOSE-UP of Winton.

WINTON: Ah hah! No you haven't. And I'll wager you never will.

MEDIUM SHOT of both as Sally attempts to look away. Winton reaches out and pats his daughter lovingly on the shoulder. He dotes on his only child and when he gazes into Sally's eyes, he sees his late wife, Meredith.

Sally has never been able to tell her father a falsehood and reacts as only she can with the truth.

SALLY: You're right, I haven't told Brandon about Tom. I'm afraid of what he might think.

MEDIUM CLOSE SHOT as Winton sits beside Sally on the desk determined to give her some fatherly advice.

WINTON: You're my best girl. And for ten long years, nearly half of your young life, it's been just the two of us. My dear, I'd be worse than a scoundrel if I held onto you any longer without giving you a chance for happiness the kind your mother and I shared. Sally, Tom Mallory isn't the man for you. Brandon is. Give him a chance to explain his actions.

SALLY: Oh, Dad

FULL SHOT of both as she puts her head in her hands and begins to softly cry. The intercom speaker blares and the secretary announces the arrival of Charlie Chan and company.

SECRETARY: Mr. Chan is here to see you, Mr. Winton.

WINTON: (Flicking a switch in the speaker) Please send him in, Miss Danley.

CLOSE-UP of Winton.

WINTON: Here, you blow your nose like the trooper I know you are and let's greet our Mr. Chan.

CLOSE-UP of Sally.

SALLY: You know the trouble with you is that you know me better than I know myself.

FULL SHOT of both as she smiles weakly at her father's gesture of a handkerchief and then snatching it playfully from his hand, she blows her nose. Chan and company enter the office.

WINTON: (Moving to Chan and shaking his hand) Well, Charlie, you took your time getting here! Welcome, welcome!

CHAN: (Bowing) Thank you so much. Very sorry. Immutible fates dictated slight detour on path to your office. Please to meet sons number one and two, Lee, here for big art exhition and Jimmy, currently attempting to honor Chan family with exemplary performance at your university.

JIMMY: (Slightly embarrassed by Chan's introduction) Ah, Pop...

LEE: And don't forget, we have an ace reporter in our midst! (Gesturing toward Irene) Irene Chow from San Francisco.

IRENE: (Blushing, then jokingly wagging her finger) If you think flattery will make me give a favorable criticism of your paintings...

WINTON: Well, well. Please allow me to well come all of you.

Sally recognizes Irene as someone she has seen around campus. Sally acknowledges Irene with wink. Irene winks back.

MEDIUM SHOT of Chan, Sally, and Winton.

SALLY: Mr. Chan on behalf of father and I, may I extend our sincerest welcome. Our university is honored to have you presiding over the Forsythe lectures this spring. May I say how excited we are and what a coup it is to have someone of your caliber lecture on criminology.

CLOSE SHOT of Chan.

CHAN: Flattery falls on ancient ears like feathered caress of summer breeze. Am most honored to speak about life's ambition. Unfortunately, cannot stay just now. Must find lodgings for humble self and offspring, and must arrange for retrieval of ample belongings from baggage area of Union train station.

MEDIUM SHOT - all.

WINTON: Oh my, I've done it again. Charlie, please excuse my absent mindedness, but I've already engaged lodgings for you and your family. My late wife's summer home is free and Sally and I simply will not take no for an answer. Here is the address. (He writes on a sheet of paper and hands it to Chan)

INSERT of a sheet of paper reading "2039 Pinehurst Road."

MEDIUM SHOT - Chan, Winton, and Sally as Winton continues:

We will also arrange to have your baggage picked up and delivered to the house.

CHAN: Thank you. Have given rest to troubled mind. Am now free to edit lecture notes instead of imposing upon local real estate agents. (Bowing slightly) Thank you so much.

WINTON: Again, please accept my apologies for my absent minded behavior. The Forsythe lecturer always receives adequate accommodations for the duration of his stay.

SALLY: If you're free later Mr. Chan, I'd be happy to take you out to the property and show you around.

CHAN: (Bows, breaking into a wide-mouth grin) Will welcome company of most beautiful daughter of honorable President Winton.

WINTON: I'm a plain-spoken man Charlie, and if there is honor around here, then I've cornered the market having someone such as yourself lecture here at our institution. You've no idea what it means to this college. Well, enough of this blather.

MEDIUM SHOT of Winton and Sally as Winton continues:

Daughter, let's say we treat Mr. Chan and his entourage to a nice lunch at the Brown Derby. Who knows, we might even run into Clark Gable!

SALLY: Oh, Dad you're incorrigible.

FULL SHOT as Irene breaks into mouth wide grin. Everyone makes a show of grabbing hats and coats. Chan bows and Winton slaps him on the back.

MEDIUM SHOT of Chan, Lee, Jimmy, and Irene.

CHAN: (Opening his pocket book and removing twenty dollars and handing it to Lee) Suggest that you go with younger brother and young lady. It is beautiful day outside. Will meet you later here, following lunch before we occupy graciously offered home.

LEE: (Somewhat disappointed) But, Pop!

JIMMY: (Quickly - grabbing the money from Lee's hand) Okay, Pop! THANK YOU SO MUCH!

CHAN: (Eying Jimmy with a feigned look of displeasure) A-HEM!

FADE OUT.

FADE IN.

FULL SHOT of a campus scene moving to a MEDIUM SHOT of Jimmy, Lee, and Sam who are visiting over soft drinks and peanuts under a palm tree on campus. Jimmy is leaning up against the tree shelling peanuts and popping them into his mouth.

LEE: Jimmy, after all of the excitement this morning with that car that almost hit Pop and us I nearly forgot! A telegram was to come in care of you for Pop today, did you remember to get it?

JIMMY: Yeah. I received it at the dorm early this morning. It's probably nothing, just the usual "Welcome to our fair city" stuff, I'll bet. (Removes crumpled telegram from his coat pocket)

INSERT of telegram that reads:

MEDIUM SHOT of all as Jimmy relates the message, continuing:

Just something about Ben Covert arriving in Los Angeles tomorrow. Why, I'll bet Pop probably knew about it before he left for California.

LEE: I don't know...

CLOSE SHOT as Jimmy continues:

JIMMY: Ah...you know how Pop and his kind are, always calling or sending telegrams. Gee, I just want to know where we're staying while Pop is in town. Anything would beat the dorm and my roommate.

MEDIUM SHOT of the three.

SAM: Who is Ben Covert?

JIMMY: A friend of Pop's. He works for the British government.

SAM: Oh.

CLOSE SHOT of Lee and Sam as Lee pops a few peanuts into his mouth and Sam takes a sip of her soda.

CLOSE-UP of Jimmy who looks frustrated.

MEDIUM SHOT of all three.

LEE: (Noting Jimmy's sudden melancholy) What's wrong Jimmy?

JIMMY: My roommate. I can't stand the thought of going back to the dorm.

SAM: Who's your roommate Jimmy?

JIMMY: Norman Cavendish the Third! All he ever does is listen to Mozart. It's enough to drive ya nuts.

CLOSE SHOT of Sam.

SAM: I have a musical appreciation class with Norman. He's strange, all right. You know, when that crazy driver nearly hit your Pop this morning, my first thought was that he kind of reminded me of Norman. Funny isn't it?

CLOSE SHOT of Jimmy.

JIMMY: Yeah, funny like a bad dream. Now that you mention it, the description that Irene gave kind of fit Norman, but he rarely steps out of the dorm. And that music! (Jimmy shudders)

MEDIUM SHOT of all three as Lee and Sam laugh.

CLOSE SHOT of Jimmy.

JIMMY: Mozart's music is okay if you like pre-historic stuff written by guys who wore powdered wigs and painted their faces. I might be able to stand Norman if he listened to something a little more hep. Why, this is 1938!

FULL SHOT of all three as Lee jumps up off the grass and dusts his hands off on the back of his trousers. Sam takes notice of how tall Lee appears and Jimmy watches, green with envy. Lee is oblivious to them.

LEE: (Trying to sound important) I need to get over to the Beverly Hilton. The art exposition people want to talk to me about a private showing next fall in New York.

JIMMY: (Amazed) Wow, Lee, that's swell!

SAM: Lee you're famous!!

LEE: (Still with an air of importance) Look, don't say anything to Pop just yet. I don't want him to get all excited and then have things fall through for me at the last minute. The disappointment may be too much for him to take.

JIMMY: You can count on us, Lee. What do you want me to tell Pop when I see him?

LEE: (Smiling) Oh, you'll think of something. But I won't be gone too long. See ya.

CAMERA PANS with Lee as he saunters off.

CLOSE-UP of Sam as she gazes at his fleeting form wistfully and sighs.

MEDIUM SHOT of Jimmy and Sam as Jimmy takes notice again and gives in to his jealousy.

JIMMY: (Suddenly looking serious) Sam, can you keep a secret?

She nods. Her eyes become wide with interest.

JIMMY: (Obviously attempting to out-do his big brother Lee) I'm working on something secret that is sure to have ramifications with our military. I even have a contact down in San Diego, Brandon Mitchell. But that's beside the point. What I need right now is an assistant.

SAM: (Showing a measure of surprise) Brandon Mitchell. Didn't he date Sally Winton at one time?

JIMMY: Who knows? He's originally from Texas but has been around here on campus for awhile. He got into the Navy just a few months ago.

Sam makes a show of becoming serious and shakes Jimmy's hand. Her touch sends tingles up and down his spine.

CLOSE SHOT on Sam as she joins in on Jimmy's "moment in the sun."

SAM: (With an exaggerated serious tone) Mr. Chan, meet your new assistant. Now - what are we working on?

JIMMY: (Hoping to impress Sam) I can't say anything just yet, but it's a special fuel additive for naval warships. See, I think that naval war power is the wave of the future. Just like Themistocles said, "He who has command of the sea has command of everything."

SAM: That's swell, Jimmy! (With some skepticism) But, how did you come up with such an idea?

CLOSE-UP of Jimmy.

JIMMY: Oh, I've been working on it after hours in the chemistry lab of my criminology class. At first I added some of the stuff, I mean the formula to the gas in a car I borrowed from a friend. It gave the car extra pep and drove like a red hot Indianapolis racer!

CLOSE-UP on Sam who seems to be taking Jimmy a little more seriously now.

MEDIUM CLOSE SHOT of the two as Jimmy continues.

JIMMY: Then...I know this sounds crazy...I had the idea to try it out in the fuel that's used in battle ships. We just have to convince the Navy to test it!

CLOSE-UP of Sam as she get dreamy eyed over Jimmy and his ambitions.

SAM: Gosh Jimmy, you sure are swell...I mean, your idea!

MEDIUM SHOT on Jimmy and Sam gazing at each other as we

FADE OUT.

FADE IN to a FULL SHOT inside Tom Mallory's apartment. He is there with Harry Walden and Leyland Saunders. The three are sitting in Mallory's den drinking bourbon and discussing the arrival of Charlie Chan. Walden is particularly interested in his role at the Pinehurst Road residence.

WALDEN: So Chan moves in and meets Roberto Jaramillo, head gardener. A little bit of skin makeup, a hair-piece, a fake moustache, and I'll be able to spy on that Chinese dick plenty. (Walden plays with a fake mustache and toupee. The others agree that his transformation is remarkable)

CLOSE SHOT of Mallory.

MALLORY: I had Sally give old man Jaramillo a vacation to Mexico for two weeks. I'll just tell her he came back early. She'll never know the difference.

CLOSE SHOT of Saunders.

SAUNDERS: Fine - but I'm still worried. We got Covert coming in tomorrow to meet with Chan. Between the two, they might get whiff of what we're doing with that foreign oil experiment.

MEDIUM SHOT of all three.

MALLORY: (With obvious impatience) You're talking about that crazy kid Jimmy Chan and his naval gas gimmick. He's been shooting his mouth off about it around that college, but that's all it is...TALK. Nothing will ever come of it. We need to concentrate on that re-fueling depot off San Diego Harbor.

WALDEN: (Becoming annoyed with Mallory) Mallory, don't go getting funny on me. That young idiot Jimmy Chan might actually be onto something this time. In fact, I believe our contact in Europe would interested in buying his stuff. Look, two Ben Franklins oughta be floating in your eyes about now. If the kid's on the up-and-up, and we get the goods to that formula, and like they say, the world is our oyster.

SAUNDERS: Walden, you're not telling me anything that I'm not already aware of. The only thing standing in the way of our operation is Charlie Chan and his good friend Ben Covert.

WALDEN: (Impatient) Yeah I hear ya - like a sour note I hear ya. But I got plans, see. Big plans. Chan and his buddy ain't gonna be in the way for long.

CLOSE-UP of Mallory as he suffers a coughing spasm.

MEDIUM SHOT of the others as they stare at him quizzically.

FULL SHOT of all.

MALLORY: Can't seem to stop coughing lately. Must be cheap, lousy these coffin nails I've been smoking lately

SAUNDERS: (Opening a humidor on his desk and removing a cigar) Here my boy, have a fine cigar then instead of that cigarette.

WALDEN: Saunders...got any of those Cuban specials ya keep for occasions?

SAUNDERS: Of course my good man, of course. Saunders take out a little device that looks like a small guillotine which he uses to quickly and deftly cut the end off of the cigar.

WALDEN: Watch your fingers, there, boss! Someone could get hurt with that thing!

Saunders chuckles as he lights the Cuban cigar that Walden sticks in his mouth. The gangster inhales a large drag and soon, cigar smoke fills the room. Saunders and Walden toast each other with their bourbon glasses but Tom keeps to himself allowing his cigar to hang from his fingers not trusting his lungs to handle the smoke.

MEDIUM SHOT of the three as Mallory refreshes Walden's glass. Saunders eyes Mallory, wondering what is wrong with the boy.

FULL SHOT of the room as Mallory walks over to the window and stares out.

CLOSE-UP of Mallory.

MALLORY: (Muttering to himself) Was that doc right about my pipes?

FADE OUT.

FADE IN to a FULL SHOT of the exterior of the Brown Derby restaurant, cars passing, patrons going in and out.

WIDE SHOT of the interior of the Brown Derby showing Coleman

Winton, Sally and Charlie Chan as Frederick, the Maitre D' approaches)

FREDERICK: Have you reservation..? (Suddenly recognizing Winton and his daughter) Oh, President Winton and Sally what a pleasure to greet you! How many will be in your party this afternoon?

WINTON: Three, Frederick. We have an honored guest with us. None other than the famous Charlie Chan who will grace our institution as guest a lecturer.

FREDERICK: (Turning and bowing to Chan) On behalf of myself and the Brown Derby I greet you.

CHAN: (Bowing in return) Most humbly accept greeting so fondly expressed. Simple detective feel most tiny in such elegant surroundings.

FREDERICK: Won't you come this way, please...?

MEDIUM TRACKING SHOT as the four proceed through the crowded restaurant and are attentively seated.

MEDIUM CLOSE SHOT of the group, Winton, Sally, and Chan seated as Frederick passes out the menus, bows slightly, and departs.

CLOSE SHOT of Chan as he thoughtfully scans the menu in his hands.

CHAN: Most excellent variety of dishes.

CLOSE SHOT of Sally.

SALLY: (Trying to act "at home" in the rather plush setting) Certainly, Mr. Chan.

MEDIUM SHOT of Chan and Sally.

CHAN: Please to call me Charlie.

SALLY: (Smiling) Why, of course. Well, you see...Charlie, the Derby is renowned for its variety and quality.

CHAN: (Frowning a bit) But not for its economy!

MEDIUM SHOT of the three.

WINTON: Don't let the prices put you off your appetite Charlie!

CLOSE-UP on a smiling Chan.

CHAN: Yet, frugality is mother of prosperity.

CLOSE SHOT of Chan and Winton.

WINTON: No doubt true, but we have an institutional custom we call the expense account...

CLOSE-UP of Chan who has a slight smile and a nod of understanding as Winton continues:

...which will cover the cost nicely.

CHAN: Yet, must be very fine beefsteak to cost two-and-a-half dollars!

MEDIUM CLOSE SHOT of all three.

SALLY: Well, Charlie I did say fine food, but not cheap food.

CLOSE SHOT of Chan and Sally.

CHAN: (Smiling) Fond greeting of head-waiter indicate frequent use of wonderful mainland invention.

CLOSE SHOT of Winton.

WINTON: Part of my job description, I'm afraid, Charlie.

MEDIUM SHOT of the three.

CHAN: Understand. Will drink from spring and be grateful for its source.

FADE OUT.

FADE IN:

FULL SHOT of Winton, Sally, and Chan eating their meal. Well dressed patrons are coming and going past the dining area.

MEDIUM CLOSE SHOT of the three.

SALLY: As you can see Charlie, the Derby never lacks for celebrities.

WINTON: It is the place to see and be seen especially by the film colony.

CLOSE-UP of Chan as he studies the passersby.

CHAN: Did think I recognized faces familiar through innocent enjoyment of silver screen.

MEDIUM SHOT of the three.

SALLY: (Sighing) But, no Clark Gable, today, I'm afraid.

WINTON: (Patting Sally's hand) Don't let the disappointment spoil your afternoon my dear. You see, Charlie, Sally is quite taken by a certain few film idols.

CLOSE-UP of an embarrassed Sally.

SALLY: Oh dad!

MEDIUM CLOSE SHOT of Chan and Sally as Chan, to ease Sally's embarrassment, adds:

CHAN: Own number one daughter, Ling, had similar infatuations with several gentlemen of silver screen before meeting honorable husband.

SALLY: Then you know, Charlie, that a girl can dream.

CHAN: Yes, until the dream becomes an even sweeter reality.

SALLY: (Glancing at her father and then back to Chan) Well, Charlie, when my Prince Charming brings me to the alter, I expect to see you sitting in the front row!

CHAN: (Nodding with a broad smile) Shall be most honored.

CLOSE-UP on Sally smiling. Suddenly her expression turns to surprise as she exclaims:

SALLY: Say, isn't that..?

MEDIUM SHOT of the three as Winton pats his mouth with his napkin and gets up from his chair.

WINTON: Why yes... I say Warner, hello. Could I impose on you for a moment?

MEDIUM SHOT of a well dressed gentleman with vaguely Oriental features who stops and turns in their direction. He smiles as he recognizes President Winton and comes to acknowledge Winton's request.

CLOSE SHOT of Warner Oland as he speaks to Winton. Although his hair is slightly longer than usual in preparation for an upcoming movie role, he still bears a "striking" resemblance to Charlie Chan.

OLAND: Why of course, President Winton. What a pleasure to see you again. Sally, as well. My pleasure is more than doubled.

CUT TO CLOSE-UP of Chan, smiling.

CUT TO CLOSE-UP of Oland smiling.

MEDIUM CLOSE SHOT of Sally, now standing, Oland, and Winton.

SALLY: (Smiling, after doing something of a "double take" at the facial similarities of Oland and Chan) Flatterer. Oh, Dad, these film idols?

OLAND: (Chuckling) Well, Sally, I must uphold the screen actors' code.

FULL SHOT of all four standing around the table.

WINTON: (Gesturing toward Chan) I wonder if I might introduce you to someone, Warner.

OLAND: Of course, Coleman.

WINTON: Warner, this is Mr. Charlie Chan who will be giving a series of lectures at our college.

MEDIUM SHOT of Chan and the back of Oland (a stand-in) as Chan rises diffidently shakes Oland's hand.

CHAN: Most honored to meet actor of great renown.

MEDIUM CLOSE SHOT of Oland and the back of Chan (a stand-in) as the pair finish their handshake.

OLAND: Are you the great Honolulu detective? The Charlie Chan? It is I who am honored, indeed.

CLOSE SHOT of Chan.

CHAN: (Bowing slightly) Must plead guilty of being same.

CLOSE SHOT of Oland.

OLAND: Why, Mr. Chan who hasn't read and been thrilled by your exploits?

CLOSE SHOT of Chan, who holds up his hand in a gesture of "stop, please."

CHAN: Please, no more, or poor detective's hat will soon be too small for head. Like image so small on film but blown up greatly when projected on screen, so humble detective's efforts greatly exaggerated by journalists eager for sensation.

MEDIUM SHOT on Oland and Winton, both looking at Chan.

OLAND: Your modesty does you all the more justice.

WINTON: Well said, Warner. You echo my thoughts exactly. After all Charlie, modesty is all well and...

FULL SHOT of the group (Oland's stand-in with back to camera) as they are interrupted by the Frederick who comes to the table followed by a tall, sturdily built man in a dark somewhat rumpled suit.

FREDERICK: Excuse me for interrupting, but this gentleman, that is, Captain Dormers, expressed an urgent need to speak with you, Mr. Chan.

Dormers steps in front of Frederick rather abruptly.

DORMERS: (Rather gruffly) Okay, I can handle my own introduction.

Frederick departs somewhat ruffled.

CLOSE-UP of Dormers.

DORMERS: My name is Tom Dormers, captain in the LAPD. (Turning to Oland) I've seen your face before. You must be Mr. Chan! I've got some important information to...

CLOSE-UP of Oland.

OLAND: Just a moment... I believe you have the wrong suspect. My name is Warner Oland. I'm only a screen actor.

MEDIUM SHOT of the entire group (Chan stand-in with back to camera) as Oland continues:

May I introduce the man you are looking for (Indicating Chan).

MEDIUM SHOT of entire group (Oland stand-in with back to camera) as Chan who bows slightly towards Dormer).

CHAN: So pleased to meet brother officer. (Shaking Dormer's hand)

CLOSE SHOT of Oland.

OLAND: Well, gentlemen...(Glancing toward Sally) ...and lady...I have an appointment to keep. So, I offer a fond good-bye. It was indeed a pleasure, Mr. Chan.

CLOSE SHOT of Chan.

CHAN: (Bowing) Honor completely mine. Multitudinous family in Honolulu will certainly pester humble parent over our meeting. Suspect that we may share distant kinship.

CLOSE SHOT of Oland.

OLAND: (Winking) One never knows, sir...one never knows. (As he turns and walks off)

FULL SHOT of the remaining four.

DORMERS: (A bit embarrassed) By golly Mr. Chan I should have recognized you right off the bat. Sometimes I speak before I think.

CHAN: Often dangerous habit for detective.

DORMER: You're telling me! But say, I'd better get down to business. I traced you here through President Winton's secretary. I'm afraid I have some tough news for you.

CLOSE-UP of Chan showing sudden concern.

CHAN: What is nature of news, please.

MEDIUM SHOT of Chan and Dormers.

DORMERS: A man was just knocked down by an hit and run driver over near the college campus. He was pretty banged up and is still unconscious. Anyhow, his papers included an English passport in the name of Covert.

CLOSE-UP of Chan.

CHAN: Ben Covert!

CLOSE SHOT of Dormers.

DORMERS: Ben - that's right. He had other papers on him, including a recently dated letter signed by -

CLOSE SHOT of Chan.

CHAN: Charlie Chan!

DORMERS: (Surprised) Yeah! That's right!

MEDIUM-CLOSE SHOT of Chan and Dormers.

DORMERS: That's what it says. (Taking a piece of letter paper out of his billfold) Here it is. (Handing it to Chan)

CHAN: (Quickly inspecting the letter) Most assuredly my letter to unfortunate friend, Ben Covert.

DORMERS: Would you come with me to the hospital for a more positive identification?

CHAN: When friend is in distress friend must answer call. (Turning to Sally and Winton) Must apologize for sudden departure. Thank you for splendid meal in most wonderful restaurant.

CLOSE SHOT of Sally.

SALLY: No apology needed.

MEDIUM SHOT of the group.

WINTON: Absolutely. I only hope that your friend is not badly injured and will recover soon.

CHAN: Thank you so much. (With that he turns and with Dormers proceeds out of the dining room.)

FADE OUT.

FADE IN:

MEDIUM SHOT - INTERIOR OF "TOY STORE."

Jimmy is seated at the malt shop's counter conversing with San Toy.

JIMMY: So I figure that with a little more work my fuel energy enhancer will be a pretty valuable item.

SAN TOY: (Smiling and "making eyes") Gosh Jimmy, that sounds wonderful!

CLOSE SHOT of Ling Toy at the far end of the counter.

LING TOY: (Breaking San Toy's mood) Aha, then maybe you can pay for all the malts purchased on the credit of honorable Chan name.

MEDIUM SHOT of all three as Jimmy and San Toy move over to Ling Toy and sit down.

JIMMY: (Embarrassed and flustered) Gee!

SAN TOY: Oh, father. I trust Jimmy!

CLOSE-UP of Ling Toy.

LING TOY: Humph!

MEDIUM SHOT of the Toy Store front door as a clearly excited Irene Chow makes an hurried entrance.

MEDIUM CLOSE SHOT of Irene.

IRENE: Jimmy! San! It's happened again, but this time worse!

CLOSE SHOT of a surprised Jimmy and San Toy.

JIMMY: What do you mean Irene? What's happened?

CLOSE SHOT of Irene.

IRENE: Another hit and run accident.

CLOSE-UP of Jimmy.

JIMMY: (Shocked) POP!?

MEDIUM SHOT of all four.

IRENE: No, no, not Mr. Chan. Someone else. An Englishman named Covert.

CLOSE-UP of Jimmy.

JIMMY: (Relieved, then remembering) Covert? Say, that name sounds familiar. (Suddenly remembering) Oh my gosh! (He searches several pockets frantically before fishing out the crumpled telegram)

CLOSE SHOT of Jimmy, Irene, and Sa Toy as Jimmy continues:

Yes it is. Look! (Showing the message to Irene and San Toy)

IRENE: Gee, Jimmy, does your Pop know about this?

JIMMY: No, I forgot to give it to him.

CLOSE-UP of a shamed faced Jimmy as he continues:

This is serious. Was, was he killed?

CLOSE SHOT of Irene.

IRENE: No, not dead, but he's in bad shape and he's still unconscious.

CLOSE SHOT of Jimmy.

JIMMY: Do you know where they took him?

CLOSE SHOT of Jimmy, Irene, and San Toy.

IRENE: Why, University Hospital, I believe.

FULL SHOT of all four as Jimmy gets up to head toward the door.

SAN TOY: Say Jimmy where you headed?

CLOSE SHOT of Jimmy at the Toy Store door.

JIMMY: I'm going to the hospital to check this out. Mr. Toy, if Pop or Lee call, please tell them what happened.

CLOSE SHOT of Ling Toy.

LING TOY: Okay, Jimmy.

FULL SHOT of the Toy Store interior.

IRENE: (Dashing for the door) Wait for me, Jimmy!

FADE OUT.

FADE IN:

ESTABLISHING SHOT of the imposing exterior of a hospital.

CLOSE SHOT of a sign that reads "UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL."

EXTERIOR SHOT of University Hospital as a police car rolls up at the main entrance.

MEDIUM SHOT as Chan and Captain Dormers get out of the car.

DORMERS: (Turning back and saying to the driver) Okay, Helman. You stick here and keep your eyes open. I don't think we'll be long.

CLOSE SHOT of Helman.

HELMAN: Right you are, Captain!MEDIUM SHOT of Charlie and Dormers entering the hospital.

MEDIUM SHOT as they approach the main desk. Dormers shows his badge and is directed on.

MEDIUM CLOSE TRACKING SHOT from the front as Chan and Dormers down a hall.

CHAN: Police have description of car that hit unfortunate friend?

DORMERS: Yes. We got a partial description from a witness, and, get this, Charlie, it was a black sedan, different from the one that we had received a report of almost running you down this morning. With all this, I had almost forgotten about your close call! The boys are running a check on the license number right now.

CHAN: Puzzling develpment. Point to picture of increasing size.

MEDIUM SHOT as they proceed down the hall to a bank of elevators. In doing this they pass a young man standing against a wall apparently engrossed in his newspaper. As they proceed past and down the hall he lowers the paper and stares intently after them as they enter a