Amazing Chan and the Chan Clan, The (CBS 1972-1974, Keye Luke)

This, the second television incarnation of Charlie Chan, was in animated form, produced by Hanna Barbera, and shown on Saturdays its first season. The clever detective was back solving mysteries in this version, and was “assisted” by the Chan Clan, a group consisting of Charlie’s ten children and the family dog Chu Chu. Henry and Stanley were Charlie’s eldest, and therefore the leaders of each mystery/search, which took place in a different American locale every week.

The Clan tooled around in a van which could change into various vehicles, depending on what was needed for camouflage. The family also performed as a rock group, sans Charlie of course; he was always more of a solo artist. The well-intentioned Clan would try to help solve the mysteries, usually doing more harm than good; Charlie would then bail them out at the end of the show by clearing up everything.

The voice of Charlie was provided by Keye Luke, who portrayed Number One son in the Charlie Chan movies of the 40’s. Except for Henry and Alan, the children’s voices were almost immediately recast, as their dialects were deemed too thick to be understood by Western audiences. In an intersting footnote, future Oscar winner Jodie Foster was one of the actresses brought in to replace the original voice talents.

The second season of the show consisted of repeats, and aired on Sundays.

production details
USA / CBS – Hanna Barbera / x20 minute episodes / Broadcast 9 September 1972 – 22 September 1974

cast
Brian Tochi as Alan Chan
Leslie Kumamota (1972) as Anne Chan
Jodie Foster (1972-74) as Anne Chan
Keye Luke as Charlie Chan
Jay Jay Jue (1972) as Flip Chan
Gene Andrusco (1972-74) as Flip Chan
Bob Ito as Henry Chan
Leslie Juwai (1972) as Mimi Chan
Cherylene Lee as Mimi Chan
Debbie Jue (1972) as Nancy Chan
Beverly Kushida (1972-74) as Nancy Chan
Robin Toma (1972) as Scooter Chan
Michael Morgan (1972-74) as Scooter Chan
Steven Wong (1972) as Stanley Chan
Lennie Weinrib (1972-74) as Stanley Chan
Virginia Ann Lee (1972) as Suzie Chan
Cherylene Lee (1972-74) as Suzie Chan
Michael Takamoto (1972) as Tom Chan
John Gunn (1972-74) as Tom Chan
Don Messick as Chu Chu