Ep 4. The Adventure of the Chinese Dog

Ellery Queen is a classic American mystery series that follows the adventures of the titular character, a fictional detective and author, as he solves cases in 1940s New York City. Season 1 episode 4, titled "The Adventure of the Chinese Dog," is one of the series' most famous episodes.

The episode begins with Ellery Queen and his father, Inspector Richard Queen of the NYPD, investigating a recent break-in at a wealthy Chinese merchant's home. The only thing stolen was a small statuette of a Chinese dog, which the merchant claims is worth a fortune. The Queens are skeptical of his claim, but when the merchant turns up dead the next day, they quickly realize that there is more to this case than meets the eye.

As they investigate, the Queens find themselves drawn into the world of New York's Chinatown, where they encounter a variety of colorful characters, including the dead man's beautiful daughter, a shadowy Chinese gangster, and a young scholar studying ancient Chinese mythology.

As they follow the clues and piece together the puzzle, the Queens discover that the Chinese dog is not just an ordinary statue, but a powerful talisman that is said to bring good luck and fortune to its owner. With the help of their friend and forensic expert Dr. Xavier, they analyze the statue and learn that it contains a hidden compartment that may hold the key to the mystery.

But before they can solve the case, the Queens find themselves embroiled in a deadly game of cat and mouse with the real killer, who will stop at nothing to keep the secret of the Chinese dog from getting out.

With its intricate plot, colorful characters, and richly detailed setting, "The Adventure of the Chinese Dog" is a classic example of the Ellery Queen series at its best. Whether you are a longtime fan of the series or a newcomer to the world of classic mystery fiction, this episode is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.