Originally this was supposed to be a Charlie Chan film, and it does feel markedly different from the first two Moto films. It throws off the exotic locales for more down to earth police sleuthing in America.

Some of the comic relief, mostly in the form of a boxer-turned-actor, falls flat, but those moments involving Peter Lorre still manage to shine through. It's briskly-paced and well-told entertainment. It may not have some of the darker undertones and moody lighting of the usual Moto film, but it makes up for it.