Director: William Nigh
Year:  1942
Rating: 5.0

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This is totally B film nonsense with a plot so ridiculous that the actors and director must have been rolling their eyes but still happily cashing their paychecks. And yet within this mess is a story kernel that is almost irresistible. But it is so cheaply made in such a clunky style that you only wish they had more than soda pop change to make the film. It is directed by William Nigh whose Mr. Wong films I just watched. They aren't great but compared to this they have the budget of Cleopatra.


It is war time and a group of American industrialists are Fifth Columnists who are determined to sabotage the war effort as they sit around one of their living room's drinking and smoking cigars and evilly laughing. Suddenly the door bell rings and a stranger invites himself in - Dr. Colomb - who then becomes the guest who won't leave. Oddly, as we realize later none of the traitors recognize him - they should have because he begins killing them off one by one and leaving a Japanese dagger behind. Dr. Colomb is played by the great Bela Lugosi who stares intently into their eyes and seems to appear anywhere at will - you keep expecting him to put on a black cloak and bare his teeth. For this film, it would have made sense.


The F.B.I. sends their best man to investigate and his voice sounds familiar - where have I heard it before - manly - deep - he sounds like - but it couldn't be - but yes it is . . . Hi-Ho-Silver - The Lone Ranger is on the case - Clayton Moore! Nice to see him without his mask. So these guys continue to die and Bela sticks around the house and trades witticisms with the one female in the film. Of course, since he is killing Fifth Columnists you are sort of rooting for him - but since it is Bela Lugosi you know there is something very nefarious behind his motives - and when it is revealed you will be shocked - shocked I tell you - and it is so idiotic that you have to love it - but that would be a spoiler so I will desist.

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