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Chandu the Magician  /  Chandu on the Magic Island

Chandu the Magician
February 7, 2016 - 7:00 pm
Billy Wilder Theater

Chandu the Magician  (1932)


Public interest in magic, hypnotism and mysticism coalesced in the radio-original character of Frank Chandler, alias Chandu the Magician, an American with mind control and invisibility powers learned from a Hindu yogi.  Translating extravagant audio storylines with special effects and exotic sets, Chandu is rife with occult tricks, deadly traps and sinister laboratories as its title mystic battles megalomaniac, death ray–wielding Roxor (Bela Lugosi).

16mm, b/w, 75 min.  Production: Fox Film Corp.  Distribution: Fox Film Corp.  Director: Marcel Varnel, William C. Menzies.  Based on the radio series created by Harry A. Earnshaw, Vera M. Oldham and R.R. Morgan.  Screenwriter: Barry Conners, Philip Klein.  Cinematographer: James Howe.  Editor: Harold Schuster.  With: Edmund Lowe, Irene Ware, Bela Lugosi, Herbert Mundin, Henry B. Walthall.

Chandu on the Magic Island  (1934)


A cult of cat worshippers lure the Egyptian princess Nadji to the faraway island of Lemuria, where they intend to sacrifice her in a ceremony to resurrect their leader.   Chandu (this time played by Bela Lugosi), races to her rescue, pitting his yogic powers against the black magic of the cult’s high priest in a dramatic supernatural duel. 

16mm, b/w, 67 min.  Production: Principal Pictures Corp.  Distribution: Principal Pictures Corp.  Producer: Sol Lesser.  Director: Ray Taylor.  Based on the radio series created by Harry A. Earnshaw, Vera M. Oldham and R. R. Morgan.  Screenwriter: Barry Barringer.  Cinematographer: John Hickson.  Editor: Carl Himm.  With: Bela Lugosi, Maria Alba, Clara Kimball Young, Deane Benton, Phyllis Ludwig.

Part of: 
Out of the Ether: Radio Mysteries and Thrillers on Screen