bnwfilmbuff Smuggling, counterfeiting, espionage, blackmail, theft, treason, and murder are all intertwined in this brilliant Chan pre-WWII mystery. Charlie is trying to leave Paris on the eve of the war when he stumbles into this complex web of deceit while investigating the murder of a munitions manufacturer. The cast and acting were amazing. However, Harold Huber as the bumbling police inspector does get to be a bit much, though he has several laugh-out-loud funny scenes. Sidney Toler is on top of his game for this entry with several wonderful quips as well as his trademark poise amid the insanity but fear when endangered. This has a marvelous finish as well as a prescient statement ending the movie. This is a must see for fans of this series.

robertguttman Although not the best of the Charlie Chan series, this is a cut above the later Sidney Toler Chan films. However, what really makes it worth seeing is that the story takes place during the 1938 Munich Crisis (September 1938), yet was produced before WW-II began (September 1939). The setting is Paris, which is blacked out due to the threat of war, and while the French armed forces are busy mobilizing. The city-wide blackout explains the title, as "The City of Light" had been transformed into a "City in Darkness".There are plenty of lame gags involving the distribution of gas masks, and people panicking due to false air raid alarms. Within a few months of this film's production none of those things would be laughing matters anymore. In fact, although produced prior to the outbreak of WW-II, the movie was not actually released until December 1939, by which time the war had actually begun. In a sense, therefore, "City in Darkness" represents a significant moment in history that, one might say, has been preserved in a drop of amber. It was the moment when one world crisis was averted, leading to the preservation of world peace for a last few happy months before the final unleashing of Armageddon. For that alone, if for no other reason, "City in Darkness" is still worth a look.

Hitchcoc Too much idiocy. Too much bad acting. This is kind of propaganda that would have benefited the wrong side. They talk about Neville Chamberlan on his way to try to negotiate for the good of the French people. We all know how that turned out. Usually there is some charm in these things. Not so here. There are contrived forces battling one another, trying to get significant people out of France. That loudmouthed French policeman is insufferable. There is also a lot of confusion as to what the whole goal was and why one person was a bad guy and the next was a good guy. I have to admit to almost dozing off. One reason is an almost total lack of comic relief.

utgard14 Charlie Chan (Sidney Toler) investigates a murder in Paris on the eve of World War II. No sons to help him out this time. Instead, he has buffoonish French policeman Marcel (Harold Huber) to assist him. Despite a solid cast and a then-topical storyline, it's one of the weaker entries in the Fox Chan series. The supporting cast includes some great character actors such as C. Henry Gordon, Douglas Dumbrille, Leo G. Carroll, and Pedro de Cordoba. Also the lovely Lynn Bari. It's a good cast. The problem is with Harold Huber, an enjoyable actor that has appeared twice before in the Charlie Chan series with Warner Oland. His character is overbearing and appears way too much. He pretty much doesn't leave Charlie's side and he shouts almost every line. Still, despite this fault, it's not a bad movie. Just weak for this exceptional series. It has some added historical value for WWII buffs. Also Lon Chaney, Jr. appears in a bit part.