Midnight Mystery (RKO, 1930)

Complicated doings at a remote house off the coast of Maine, as Gregory Sloane (Hugh Trevor), the host of the party, shoots guest Mischa Kawelin (Ivan Lebedeff), who has been romancing the wife (Rita La Roy) of another guest (Lowell Sherman). But it’s all a put-up job between Gregory and Mischa, as Gregory (who is …

The Romance of Yder, ed. and trans. by Alison Adams

A young man (Yder) renders a service to King Arthur but the king shows a lack of gratitude, resulting in the fellow going off on adventures. He later becomes the object of Arthur’s jealousy when the king compels Guinevere to reveal the man whom she’d least object to marrying should Arthur die — though young …

Randy Rides Alone (Lone Star / Monogram, 1934)

A chilling opening in which a cowboy, Randy Bowers, finds a tavern filled with dead men sets up a good early movie for John Wayne. Bowers (Wayne) investigates the killings, aided by the daughter (Alberta Vaughn) of one of the victims, who even helps Randy to escape jail when he is arrested for the murders …

The Brain Eaters (American International, 1958)

A strange metal cone has appeared on the outskirts of a small town, and soon odd things begin to occur, including people being taken over by mysterious beings and acting against their friends and fellow citizens. It’s up to scientist Paul Kettering (Ed Nelson) and a small group of others (including a senator there to …

The Three Mesquiteers (Republic, 1936)

Lullaby Joslin (Syd Saylor) and his buddies, veterans of the First World War, head west to homestead, but the Canfield brothers want the land for themselves and are intent on thwarting the would-be farmers. It’s up to Syd’s pals Stony Brooke (Robert Livingston) and Tucson Smith (Ray “Crash” Corrigan) to take the part of the …

The Woman Condemned (1934)

A reporter (Richard Hemingway) comes to the aid of a young woman (Claudia Dell) who is accused of murdering a radio star but who protests her innocence, although she does have secrets that she is intent on keeping, even after the two are married. The story is a mite confusing, but the quirky development does …

Superbug on Extra Tour (1973)

Jimmy Bondi (Rudolf Zehegruber) and Dudu take part in a stunt show in England, but the organizer absconds with the take, so Jimmy and his car help his friend Aldo (Sal Borgese) to chase after the fellow. The pursuit eventually takes them to Switzerland, where the guys end up working in an antique car restoration …

When Eight Bells Toll (1971)

Effective adaptation of Alistair MacLean’s suspense novel features a young and athletic Anthony Hopkins in the lead role as a British agent investigating just what happened to a ship that has recently disappeared — along with several others previously. The changes made from the book are reasonable, and the end result is a well-paced thriller …