La araña

During the 1930s, murder mysteries were a dime a dozen in Hollywood. Apart from westerns, I honestly think they made more murder films than anything else! So, when I tell you that "The Spider" is a murder film, don't immediately assume it's just like all the rest!!

The setting for the crime is a theater. Chartrand (Edmund Lowe) is a stage magician whose tricks are huge, spectacular and real crowd pleasers. During one of his performances, something strange happens. Chartrand's assistant, who has amnesia, sees someone in the audience he recognizes. At that moment, the lights go off and shots ring out. The assistant's mean uncle is now lying dead on the floor...and none of the many folks in the theater saw much of anything. Unfortunately, the police investigating seem to be like MOST cops in these mysteries...they're idiots who keep jumping to conclusions. And you know the cops are a mess when Warren Hymer plays one of them!! So, it's up to Chartrand to try to help the police figure out who really is behind the murder.

The best thing about the film is the wonderful sets and style...they are wild and breathtaking. The second best thing is Edmund Lowe, who is excellent as usual. What isn't so wonderful are some of the supporting characters who mostly are unncessary and were apparently added for comic relief. The worst is El Brendel...who usually is very annoying. Also, all the psychic mumbo jumbo wears thin after a while. While Chartrand is obviously supposed to be a great magician, at times he seems to have god-like powers...which is pretty silly. Overall, a mixed bag that at least has the distinction of being unusual and it will definitely keep your attention.

By the way, one silly cliche in this one is one I've seen too many times. The magic show, which is almost completely a visual medium, is at one point being broadcast over the radio!! As silly as this sounds, it could be worse--I've seen film supposedly having them broadcast dancing and dancing lessons on the radio! Huh???!!!!