# XVIII: The Barstow Train explained — The Chinese Parrot

> Chapter companion for The Chinese Parrot by Earl Derr Biggers.

## What happens

Bob Eden and Charlie Chan visit P. J. Madden's empty palace, then travel to Hollywood where they meet Paula Wendell and tour a film studio. They learn that Eddie Boston has left for San Francisco, apparently paid by Madden. Bob Eden then interviews actress Norma Fitzgerald, who reveals she knew Jerry Delaney but becomes suspicious when Eden mistakenly describes Delaney as red-haired, contradicting her knowledge.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

The glamorous film studio hides the tragic lives of extras; Norma Fitzgerald's friendly demeanor masks her suspicion; Madden's empty palace and his payment to Boston suggest hidden motives.

### Class and Power Dynamics

Madden's wealth and influence allow him to manipulate others, such as paying Boston to leave; the extras represent the lower class struggling for survival in the film industry.

## Character check-ins

### Bob Eden

Accompanies Chan to Madden's palace and Hollywood; interviews Norma Fitzgerald about Jerry Delaney.

### Charlie Chan

Observes Madden's house, visits the film studio, and advises Eden to interview Norma Fitzgerald alone.

### Paula Wendell

Guides Eden and Chan through the studio, provides information about Eddie Boston, and mentions her upcoming work at the Petticoat Mine.

### Norma Fitzgerald

Actress and acquaintance of Jerry Delaney; becomes suspicious when Eden mistakenly describes Delaney as red-haired.

### P. J. Madden

Referenced as having visited his house but not entered; suspected of paying Eddie Boston to leave.

### Eddie Boston

Reported to have left for San Francisco, possibly paid by Madden; claimed to know about Delaney.

## Key lines

> Trifles, mostly. But trifles sometimes blossom big. Detective business consist of one unsignificant detail placed beside other of the same. Then with sudden dazzle light begins to dawn.

Small details can become significant when combined; detective work involves piecing together seemingly unimportant facts until the truth emerges.

_Chan explains his method of investigation to Eden._

> Leading men and women are standardized, more or less, but the extras—they’re different. If you talked with some of them you’d be amazed. Brains and refinement—remarkable pasts—and on the bargain counter now at five dollars a day.

While stars are predictable, the extras have diverse and often tragic backgrounds, now working for low pay.

_Paula Wendell comments on the contrast between film stars and extras._

> Knew Jerry at McGuire’s, you say? And since when has he had red hair?

You claim to know Jerry from McGuire's, but you don't even know his hair color.

_Norma Fitzgerald catches Eden's mistake, revealing his deception._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_chinese_parrot_se/chapters/xviii-the-barstow-train
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_chinese_parrot_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_chinese_parrot_se/chapters