Chu Chin Chow (1934)

TOMATOMETER

60%

——

Critic Consensus: No consensus yet.

AUDIENCE SCORE

No Score Yet

Want to See

Not Interested

Add Rating
My Rating    

Chu Chin Chow Photos

View All Photos

Movie Info

The timeworn British stage musical Chu Chin Chow had already been made into a silent picture when this talkie version made its bow in 1934. Based on Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves, the film stars corpulent music-hall comedian George Robey as Ali Baba, sinister Fritz Kortner as robber captain Abu Hahan, and exotic Anna May Wong as slave girl Zahrat, who saves Ali's life by properly applying oil to a collection of not-so-empty barrels. The obligatory romantic subplot is handled by John Garrick and Pearl Argyle, while comedy relief is supplied by a vaudevillian named Jetsam (that's right, of the team of "Flotsam and...") Director Walter Forde does little to "cinematize" the old property, which is just as well. Originally released at 93 minutes, Chu Chin Chow was shorn of about 5 minutes before its American release; presumably some of the sexier "nautch" dances were among the excised scenes. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Cast

George Robey
as Ali Baba
Fritz Kortner
as Abu Hassan
Anna May Wong
as Zahrat
John Garrick
as Nur-al-din
Pearl Argyle
as Marjanah
Sydney Fairbrother
as Mahbubah
Dennis Hoey
as Rakham
Lawrence Hanray
as Kasim Baba
Frank Cochrane
as Mustafa
Gibb McLaughlin
Francis L. Sullivan
as Caliph
Kiyoshi Takase
as Entertainer
Nils Asther
as Kadar Pash
Adrienne Ames
as Therese Alder
John Stuart
as Talak Pash
Walter Rilia
as Hassan Bey
Patric Knowles
as Omar
Annie Esmond
as Lady
Arthur Hardy
as Ambassador
Clifford Heatherley
as Doctor
Warren Jenkins
Eric Portman
as Conspirator
View All

Critic Reviews for Chu Chin Chow

All Critics (5) | Top Critics (1)

This lavish musical from the British studios is a colorful, extravagant costume film that makes its bid for attention purely on an extravaganza platform, and makes the grade.

Feb 2, 2011 | Full Review…
Variety
Top Critic

The sets, photography and costumes are quite admirable, particularly in the robbers' cave.

Jan 24, 2018 | Full Review…
Monthly Film Bulletin

Musical retelling of the story of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves is well done, if a bit slow.

Feb 2, 2011 | Rating: 2/4 | Full Review…
TV Guide

An old stinker.

May 4, 2006 | Rating: 2/5
Film Threat

This 1934 talkie gives Ms. Wong a couple of powerful scenes to play, looking both dangerous and sexy either dancing or brandishing a dagger.

Jul 28, 2005 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…
Combustible Celluloid
View All Critic Reviews (5)

Audience Reviews for Chu Chin Chow

There are no featured reviews for Chu Chin Chow at this time.

View All Audience Reviews

Chu Chin Chow Quotes

There are no approved quotes yet for this movie.

News & Features