The Charlie Chan Clan – The animated series of the 70s

December 6 2023

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In the panorama of animated series of the 70s, an often overlooked gem but full of charm and originality is "The Amazing Chan and the Chan Clan". This series, produced by the famous Hanna-Barbera and animated by Eric Porter Studios in Australia, marked an era, combining mystery, adventure and a pinch of humor in a format suitable for the whole family.

The series, broadcast in the United States on CBS from 9 September to 30 December 1972 and in Italy on Rete 4 within the Ciao Ciao container from 21 November to 21 December 1979, stands out for its ability to merge the ancient with the modern. Inspired by the Charlie Chan series of mystery novels and films that began with the 1925 novel “The House Without a Key,” “The Charlie Chan Clan” brings an iconic mystery figure to the small screen in a fresh, new look. lively.

The series follows the adventures of Charlie Chan, a sagacious and calm detective, and his ten children, each with a distinct personality and a key role in the investigation. The diversity of the characters, from the musician to the mechanic, from the technological genius to the artist, makes each episode unique and unpredictable. Together, they tackle a series of mysteries, solving them with ingenuity, collaboration and, of course, some witty banter.

A distinctive element of “The Charlie Chan Clan” is its soundtrack. The songs, often performed by the characters themselves, add a touch of joy and lightness, making the series enjoyable even for a younger audience. The music, which ranges from pop to funk, is an example of the series' ability to capture the spirit of the era while remaining timeless.

Despite its short duration, “The Charlie Chan Clan” has left an indelible mark on the hearts of many viewers. The combination of mystery, adventure, music and humor, along with a positive and diverse representation of an Asian family, makes this series a little gem of animated television. Even today, decades later, “The Charlie Chan Clan” continues to be a shining example of how an animated series can be entertaining, educational and culturally significant.

The History of the “Charlie Chan Clan”

The animated series “The Charlie Chan Clan” revolves around the adventures of the legendary Chinese detective Charlie Chan, a character created by the writer Earl Derr Biggers in 1925. Charlie Chan, known for his wisdom, intelligence and calm, is flanked by a lively and diverse family consisting of his ten children and their adorable dog Chu-Chu. Together, they travel the world solving mysteries and catching cunning criminals.

Chan's children, each with a unique personality and distinct talents, are named by their father according to their age – from “Son Number One” to “Son Number Ten”. The eldest, Henry and Alan, are often at the center of the action. Alan, a teenage genius, is the builder of the Chan Van, a high-tech camper that can transform into various modes of transportation with the push of a button. This vehicle is instrumental in their adventures, allowing the family to travel wherever needed for their investigations.

Henry and Stanley, the two eldest sons, often form a duo in investigations, with Stanley dressing up in bizarre ways to help (or sometimes complicate) the job. These disguises are a source of entertainment but also frustration for the more serious Henry.

A distinctive element of the series is the musical band of the children of Chan, known as “The Chan Clan”. In each episode, the group performs a song, adding a unique musical touch and entertaining the audience with various musical genres.

Although Chan's sons are often involved in problematic situations during their investigations, it is always Charlie Chan who solves the case in the end. His ability to deduce the truth from the smallest clues and connect events is what ultimately leads to the resolution of each mystery.

“The Charlie Chan Clan” is not just a cartoon of mystery and adventure; it is also a story of family, of collaboration and of respect for the different abilities and personalities of each member. Through their adventures, the Chans teach the importance of teamwork, perseverance and intelligence, making this series a timeless classic for viewers of all ages.

Technical Sheet of the “Charlie Chan Clan” Series

Original title: The Amazing Chan and the Chan Clan
Original language: English
Country of Production: United States
Author of the Character: Earl Derr Biggers
Directed by: William Hanna, Joseph Barbera
Manufacturers: Joseph Barbera, William Hanna
Music: Hoyt Curtin
Production Studio: Hanna-Barbera
Original Transmission Network: CBS
First Broadcast in the USA: 9 September 1972 - 30 December 1972
Number of Episodes: 16 (complete series)
Duration of an Episode: About 22 minutes
Transmission Grid in Italy: 4 network
First broadcast in Italy: November 21, 1979 - December 21, 1979
Gender: Crime, detective story

The “Charlie Chan Clan” series stands out for its unique combination of mystery and detective elements, presented in an animated format that makes it suitable for audiences of all ages. With the expert direction of William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, the series captured the essence of Charlie Chan's classic mysteries, enriching them with the energy and originality typical of Hanna-Barbera productions. Hoyt Curtin's score, with its catchy melodies and distinctive style, helped create the unique and memorable atmosphere of the series.