A Face in the Fog

A mysterious murderer known as The Fiend is targeting the people of a theatre. To draw the killer into the open, newspaper reporter Jean Monroe (June Collyer) writes an article claiming that she saw his face and can identify him; naturally that makes her a target. Sure enough, the killer strikes but isn't successful. Jean's love interest Frank Gordon (Lloyd Hughes) tries to protect her while playwright Peter Fortune (Lawrence Gray) assists the police in apprehending the villain.

This poverty row effort is so cheap that it doesn't even deliver on the fog promised in the title (or sound effects for a gun firing, for that matter).

Sloppily written and directed, with no notable performances (unless you count Al St. John as comic relief photographer Elmer, who is only notable for being so thoroughly irritating), the film lurches awkwardly from scene to scene. There's a modicum of fun to be had from the ridiculous idea of a gun (silently) firing frozen poison into the victims and leaving no marks, and the hunchbacked killer in black cloak and hat is suitably menacing, but the film is too slapdash and laboriously talky to be an effective thriller.

3.5/10, rounded up to 4 for the entertaining acrobatic dance rehearsal at the theatre.

A Face in the Fog is a very derivative 1930's mystery movie. We have many of the staples of the genre – a mysterious black cloaked villain, a bubbly and inquisitive female journalist, a cowardly comedy character, a ridiculous murder method, etc etc. So it isn't exactly breaking the mould to say the least. However, it isn't too bad as these films go either. Unlike many mystery movies of the time, this one actually remembers to include some suspenseful moments. OK, it's hardly a white knuckle ride but it does have a reasonable villain and a good enough final confrontation; while the mystery is reasonably diverting enough. And last, and by no means least, it's very short so it never really outstays its welcome. These old Poverty Row films are for the most part extremely limited and lacking, and while this one doesn't entirely break away from that generalisation, it's one of the more entertaining ones.

A Face in the Fog (1936)

** (out of 4)

A masked killer known as The Fiend uses a special bullet that is guaranteed to kill his victim as well as leave his mark. Frank (Lloyd Hughes) and Jean (June Collyer) take an interest in the mystery and decide to track The Fiend down but soon they become a target.

A FACE IN THE FOG is an early producer credit for Sam Katzman who would become one of the most prolific producers in Hollywood. This Poverty Row film is certainly far from bad but at the same time there's really nothing here that sets it apart from the dozens of other "old dark house" type thrillers that were released throughout the decade. While there are a few interesting things here in the end it's pretty forgettable.

Both Collyer and Hughes are decent in their roles and they at least keep the film entertaining. Al St. John, former co-star of Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle, is the comic relief friend but takes away more than he adds. At just a hour the film moves fairly quickly and as I said it's interesting enough to hold your attention. I will say that I liked the look of the killer and the opening sequence is also quite good. Still, A FACE IN THE FOG really doesn't stand out in a crowded field so it's only for die-hards of the genre.

My copy of this film is very difficult to watch (lots of vertical wavy lines), so it was tough to stick with this film, but it was an interesting 1930s murder mystery. It was fun to see lots of old cars with running boards all over the street scenes. The acting was competent, & the plot involved a novel idea (of "frozen" bullets). You have to forget about the fact that the killer carried these "frozen" bullets around for hours in his pocket, but that's a mere insignificant detail in a "Poverty Row" film such as this one. I rate it 5/10.

"A stage company cast finds themselves terrified when a bizarre killer known as 'The Fiend' targets them for death. A pair of reporters and their clumsy photographer set out to work the story of 'The Fiend' and find themselves targets as well. Just as you think our trio of heroes has the case solved, you're thrown another twist that has you wondering who the killer really is," according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis.

Taking "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" to Hollywood, producer Sam Katzman's lack of studio settings probably helps "A Face in the Fog" look interesting, especially toward the end (1930s traffic). The direction could be improved upon; for example, the camera angle on the fight scene is not helpful. The budget appears slight. Under the circumstances, most of the silent/talkie crossover cast perform it amiably.

**** A Face in the Fog (2/1/36) Robert F. Hill ~ Lloyd Hughes, June Collyer, Al St. John