Director: William Nigh
Year: 1942
Rating: 5.0
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.
