Charlie Chan (Warner Oland) and Number 1 Son (Keye Luke) are travelling to New York via ocean liner, also aboard is Billie Bronson (Louise Henry) who is returning from exile. Someone seems to be very interesting in getting their hands on something in her possession for sure as her cabin has been ransacked. It is discovered that Billie has information on her which could blow open a criminal racket in the city.
In New York, Billie heads to a club to confront owner Burke (Douglas Fowley) but is later found dead in his office. A man is later found dead in her hotel room. Charlie and the police (Harold Huber) try to discover who is behind the crimes, reporters Joan (Joan Marsh) and Speed (Donald Woods) are also close behind. Maybe too close?
This is a fine entry in the Charlie Chan series, with plenty of clues, red herrings and potential suspects. The actual culprit turns out to be a bit of a surprise too. The rather dubious night club where male patrons can take photographs of the girls dancing is hilarious.
