Movie buffs will especially like this version of the famous novel by Earl Derr Biggers, who created CHARLIE CHAN. The novel was subsequently written into a play by George M Cohan.
The cast is extraordinary, sort of a who's WHO of noted character actors, replete with an old dark house setting. Handsome Gene Raymond plays a young up and coming writer called William Magee, who takes the bet of writing a compelling whodunit, and in a short period of time. That's the kicker. Accordingly, he settles down at the remote, boarded up (for the winter) Baldplate Inn, where there's lots of peace and quiet to finish his book. So he thinks.
It turns out the place is a hideaway for crooks, armed and dangerous, desperately searching for lots of hidden loot. The procession of bad guys, dropping in and out of the spooky hotel is hilarious, not to mention some witty dialogue and exchanges. Raymond is characteristically fun to watch, an addictive smile to match, amazed at his surprise guests, about as amazed as they are to bump into him! Plenty of atmosphere to go around, reminsicent of Biggers' Charlie Chan mystery novels. Best bets, lots of wind, creaky doors and eerie noises.
Co-starring two beautiful actresses, Margaret Callahan (as Mary), whose career unfortunately faded a few years later, and popular Erin O'Brien Moore as Myra. Eric Blore, best known for the Astaire/Rogers musicals, plays Professor Boulton. Henry Travers, always a delight to watch, plays quirky Lem. Additionally a young Walter Brennan plays the railroad station agent(!) and distinguished Grant Mitchell plays Mr. Hayden. Yet a few other familiar faces pop up in bits.
Interestingly, there are no notes as to why there were two directors assigned to the film; William Hamilton and Edward Killy, both who had many film credits.
Best watched late night, the later the better. A gem. The definitive dvd box set released by Warner Brothers 2012. Two dvd set, also featuring the 1929 (starring Richard Dix) and 1947 versions. Thanks always to TCM for running this oldie.
