There are quite mixed reviews for this one … the pluses are Warren William in many eyes and that scene where he’s sitting with Ida Lupino and Rita Hayworth at the same restaurant table … envy.
That in itself raises the question of the cast … how important is it to you? Or is the director or some other aspect more important in your mind? Would you watch a film if you saw certain players? Would you avoid a film if certain players were in it?
I’d avoid Barbara Stanwyck, Lucille Ball, Peter Lorre, Lauren Bacall, John Wayne, Edward G. Robinson, increasingly James Mason, Benny Hill, Terry Thomas, Doris Day, Grace Kelly, Ronald Reagan, Elizabeth Taylor, dozens more.
For? Ida Lupino and Rita Hayworth for a start, Jeanne Crain, Jean Simmons, Clint Eastwood, Bogey, William Powell, Leslie Nielson … dozens and dozens.
A review:
“Warren William is that ex-safecracker Michael Lanyard, The Lone Wolf, in “The Lone Wolf Spy Hunt.” Criminals, led by Ralph Morgan, who are after some plans from the war department, try to frame the retired crook for the theft.
What makes this film a cut above the usual B detective film is the terrific cast. Not just any B movie has Ida Lupino and pre-electrolysis Rita Hayworth as the female leads. They are not only excellent in their roles but beautiful, Hayworth being on the side of the bad guys and Lupino playing Lanyard’s young girlfriend.
He complains about being old enough to be her father, which in real life, was true. Here, the character is 35. This would undoubtedly get a laugh from today’s audience. He was 45 and in today’s youth-obsessed society, could pass for 60.
Virginia Wiedler plays Lanyard’s tomboy daughter, lending the same kind of terrific support she did in “The Philadelphia Story.” Being a big fan of Warren William, I’ll watch him in anything. The persona he used for many of these types of roles – relaxed, unflappable, charming, and funny – seems to hit the right notes, even though in silents, he played the villain. He’s like a poor man’s William Powell, but in his own way, every bit as good.
Lots of fun.”
Mr JH
quite a pleasant bit of entertainment after 16 hours of research, studying say ton and his minions ways, along with Bible study.
I just read your comments on it and other “performers”.
of course, some I agree with. one or 2 I don’t fathom.
fwiw- of the olden days of films, mostly I am ok with most. i don’t like standwitch, bet davis, joan crawford has Not risen from the dead. l ball I rather doubt to see in the New Jerusalem.
I gained appreciation for Cagney after an interview where he spoke strongly on why he made his last movie (a true patriot it seems).
the ones i refuse anything to do with of recent manufacture include, but not limited to:
de capro, sean pinn, r the nero, score sayz he, hanoi jane, mary l streep, and a close associate of say ton, as well as who is not sane obummer- gorge the clowney.
I’ve been on too long.
btw
I watch almost all the vdo/films you share. I appreciate the time, energy, effort put into finding worthy ones.
mind your health my friend.
Redacted
A few years ago I watched The Searchers on TV having seen it described as the best Western ever made. I thought it wasn’t much cop but I did learn, somewhat to my surprise, that John Wayne could act.
I agree with the review. Warren William just about managed to carry off the age difference but we aren’t taking it too seriously anyway. An enjoyable hour and a bit.
Players I avoid? Quite a few who became so famous that films were built around them – it often didn’t work in my view.