 On radio , Charlie Chan was heard in several different series on three networks ( the NBC Blue Network , Mutual , and ABC ) between 1932 and 1948 . Walter Connolly initially portrayed Chan on Esso Oil 's Five Star Theater , which serialized adaptations of Biggers novels . Ed Begley , Sr. had the title role in N.B.C. ' s The Adventures of Charlie Chan ( 1944 – 45 ) , followed by Santos Ortega ( 1947 – 48 ) . Leon Janney and Rodney Jacobs were heard as Lee Chan , Number One Son , and Dorian St. George was the announcer . Radio Life magazine described Begley 's Chan as " a good radio match for Sidney Toler 's beloved film enactment . " 
