Unmemorable low-budget mystery with a title meant to exploit audience interest in the famous, but unrelated, pulp and radio character, has a reporter trying to solve murders distinguished by the presence of thousand dollar bills, loot from a bank robbery, on the victims. The film was Cesar Romero’s screen debut. Not recommended. Otto thinks you …
Read the full post →“<em>The Shadow Laughs</em> (Trojan, 1933)”
Moderately amusing adventure film based on a British wartime comic strip has the title character (Kirsten Hughes) and her boss, the Colonel (Robin Bailey), traveling to Africa in pursuit of diamonds that Nazi agents (led by “Lola Pagola,” played by Maud Adams) also are seeking. Sam Jones costars as a guide who ends up helping …
Read the full post →“<em>Jane and the Lost City</em> (1987)”
This Shaw Brothers action comedy (English title: The Treasure Hunters) focuses on two guys compete against a much more sinister rival in a search for a hidden treasure, while themselves attempting to stay out of the clutches of a cross-eyed police chief. There’s plenty of broad humor, and the fights are pretty good, but the …
Enjoyable entry in the Warren William Lone Wolf series from Columbia has Michael Lanyard (William) in Havana to acquire a stamp for his collection and ending up involved with a young woman whose fiancé is in jail for a murder he did not commit. Of course, the Lone Wolf lends a hand, but then himself …
Read the full post →“<em>The Lone Wolf Keeps a Date</em> (Columbia, 1940)”
American International’s beach movie series draws to a close with this fantasy entry minus Frankie, Annette, and some of the other regulars. Here, recently deceased Hiram Stokley (Boris Karloff), hoping to accomplish a good deed to get into Heaven with the assistance of his ghostly love, Cecilia (Susan Hart), tries to foil the nefarious plans …
Read the full post →“<em>The Ghost in the Invisible Bikini</em> (American International, 1966)”
Retired (?) super-thief Modesty Blaise (Monica Vitti) is recruited by the British government to foil a jewel heist, and though she warns them that if they double-cross her she will target the diamonds herself, she allows herself to be persuaded to take the job. The heist is being planned by the nefarious and odd Mr. …
Laurel and Hardy are in the Wild West, trying to deliver a valuable deed to the daughter of a dead prospector, but they must overcome the scheming of the daughter’s employer and his conniving wife to do so. There are plenty of laughs, and the boys perform a nice, amusing little musical number (“The Trail …
Novelty toy salesmen get caught up in a South American revolution when one is mistaken for a murdered rebel leader and the canny rebels decide to make use of the resemblance in their effort to oust the oppressive regime currently in power. Wry vehicle for English comic duo Morecambe and Wise has quite a bit …
Dean Martin essays the role of espionage agent Matt Helm with tongue firmly planted in cheek, in the first of series of movies loosely based on Donald Hamilton’s ruthless character reworked into distinctly lighter fare. Here, Helm partners with a former flame (Daliah Lavi) and then with an innocent mixed up in the whole affair …
Read the full post →“<em>The Silencers</em> (Columbia, 1966)”
Early sound musical set in New Orleans, notable for featuring the team of Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolsey in supporting roles, has little interest save as a historical curiosity. Although some of the singing and dancing is good, a hackneyed plot and a stiff leading man weaken the film; Bebe Daniels in the title role …
