The Incredible Stranger

Incredible Stranger, The (1942)

*** 1/2 (out of 4)

Part of MGM's Passing Parade shorts, this film takes place in the late 1880's when a stranger arrives at a small town. Previously the stranger had a house built and is constantly ordering stuff for four even though he is the only one living there. The people in town want to know what's going on but it takes five years for the secret to get out. This was always one of the better short series produced by MGM and this here is one of the better episodes. Tourneur was on the break of becoming a big time director but you really can't see any of his trademark style here, even though he still creates a very good movie. The entire film is done with narration so there's no spoken dialogue but this trick is actually good for the movie. The secret of the man is rather obvious but it's still nice when it's revealed.