Nick Carter nos Trópicos

"Phantom Raiders" is the second of three Nick Carter mystery films made by MGM that starred Walter Pidgeon. His co-star in all three is Donald Meek who plays Bartholomew, a beekeeper and wanna-be detective. Carter calls him "Beeswax," and the bee man turns out to be a sharp sleuth in his own right. In this film he saves Nick's life at least twice. He always shows up in the nick of time - to save Nick.

This film takes place in Panama where Nick has gone on vacation and Bartholomew tracks him down to deliver a $5,000 check for his taking on an investigation of ship bombings or sinkings in the Pacific out of Panama. Nick discovers that an old acquaintance, Al Taurez, from a crime racket in the States has set up shop in Panama. A whole lot of characters are involved in this one, but Nick solves it.

This series of Carter mysteries was made during World War II, but before the U.S. entered the war. While moviegoers would be getting newsreel reports of the war in Europe and somewhat in China, there would be no hint of a war going on in these films.

This film has some notable supporting actors of the day, including Joseph Schildkraut, Nat Pendleton and Cecil Kellaway. In each of these films, Carter has an image of a playboy and he seems to go for floozies. Still, Pidgeon is a delight to watch as an actor for his amiable persona - even when he is commanding.

None of these films were first class productions. The plot is somewhat choppy and the screenplay is just fair. But, it's an enjoyable enough film to watch on a rainy day.

Here are some favorite lines from the film.

Bartholomew, "This Mr. Taurez seems to be a man of generous nature." Nick Carter "Ah, yeah, Nick, would give his best friend a knife in the back any day."

Nick Carter, "Uh, I don't suppose you're a spy?" Cora Barnes, "Oh, but I am. Everyone in Colon's a spy. Haven't you seen the sign in the movie theaters? No spies under 18 admitted."

Nick Carter, "Al, you look different." Al Taurez, "Well, perhaps you miss the handcuffs, hnh,hnh."

Nick Carter, "Tell me, Al, what became of the Cleaners and Dyers Union you used to run in the old days?" Al Taurez, "Oh, Nick, you know I'm superstitious. When 13 G-men started looking for me on a Friday, I figured that was bad luck and I got out of town."

As B-films go, PHANTOM RAIDERS is just a slight cut above a serial cliffhanger, the kind that the poverty row studios churned out in the '30s and '40s. Surprisingly enough, this one comes from MGM and has a certain gloss.

It's fast moving, neatly developed and, except for some unnecessary comic interludes, provides a satisfying look at the pre-WWII era. Nick Carter (Pidgeon) is assigned to find out who is blowing up cargo ships in Panama for insurance money. We learn early on that the culprit is the cruel and cunning Joseph Schildkraut, always one step ahead of the authorities until the very end.

Donald Meek has a rather annoying role as a bee-keeper who happens to be Carter's sidekick. His unlikely role is a departure from his usual "meek" roles but it becomes tedious after some comic interludes in a mystery that tries to blend corny humor with suspense. Thankfully, the good supporting cast includes Florence Rice, John Carroll, Cecil Kellaway and Nat Pendleton.

Not bad, but easily a programmer you can afford to miss. Obviously made before Walter Pidgeon became a big name at Metro via being teamed with Greer Garson in a series of successful films.

If you're a fan of the old private dick movies from the 30s & 40s then I'll bet you a wooden nickel that you're gonna like this one. It has plenty of cliche's, but remember, when this film was new a lot of the plot devices were not quite so hackneyed. The use of lighting and shadow is nicely done noir, all in glorious black & white of course. Walter Pidgeon is fine as Nick Carter. This is apparently his second time playing the streetsmart, wry humored, skirt chasing gumshoe. The rest of the cast is just fine too. It's not Bogart, Astor, Greenstreet, & Lorre; but it was released a year before that film, against which all in this genre are inevitably compared to. I really liked Nat Pendleton as tough guy "Gunboat". To sum it up, I love the corny humor and tidy endings of the films from this era. That old timey slang really cracks me up too. Say you birds, give dis picture show an even break and don't take it too seriously... I wouldn't kid ya, I'm on da level here.

The other two entries in the Nick Carter detective series focused on spies or Fifth Columnists; this one is about an evil insurance scam whereby cargo ships, with their crews, are blown up. Llewelyn's of London, the insurer of the ships, hires Carter to investigate. Joseph Schildkraut as the suave but vicious gangster leader behind the bombings easily outshines the rather uninspiring performance of Walter Pidgeon as Nick Carter. The most striking scene in the whole movie is the brief scene showing the crew of the cargo ship amiably chatting with one another moments before their ship is blown up. An incredible scene. As with the other two entries in the series, this one has an excellent supporting cast with Florence Rice, John Carroll, Nat Pendleton, Cecil Kellaway, and Schildkraut. Donald Meek is on hand as Carter's sidekick, the wacky Mr. Bartholomew. It's a matter of taste whether one finds the Bartholomew character annoying or welcome comedic relief. Either way, he certainly is a memorable character. I think this is the best of the Nick Carter movies and certainly worth a watch, but the series itself is not as good or entertaining as many another B detective series.

Though he's the title character, Welter Pigeon plays a back seat to the villain. The villain is played smoothly by the superb Joseph Schildkraut. The rest of the cast is fun. Nat Pendleton is Schildkraut's bodyguard. Donald Meek is Pigeon's sidekick -- and a beekeeper, to boot. Florence Rice is very good in what looks like a sympathetic role, and is, though she's initially on the wrong side of the law.

What makes this stand out is its plot. We see this at the very start; so I'm giving nothing away: Schildkraut is blowing up ships at sea to collect on their insurance. It's shocking to think of such cold-blooded behavior. But to underline the heinous nature of his crime, we see the captain and some crew members chatting just before theirs is blown to bits.

This isn't the greatest of Jacques Tourneur movies. But his masterly touch is evident. Schildkraut is often photographed in profile and generally partially in shadow. He reminds one of a streamlined, custom-made sports car of the time. He is stylish -- and almost impossibly cruel.