Quite rightly, this one is generally regarded as the wettest version, although it does have some appeal when it is uneasily - and none too competently - played for laughs instead of thrills on- screen. Of course, there are still some thrills to be had in the movie scenario, but even these are undercut by the obvious stage origins of the screenplay which is apparently based on the stage dramatization by George M. Cohan rather than the Earl Derr Biggers novel itself. In fact, this is so evident that even viewers unacquainted with the novel will realize they are watching a filmed stage play.
Another problem is that Philip Terry does not make a particularly personable hero. And the rest of the players are no more than adequate at best - with the one exception of Eduardo Ciannelli who registers as the chief villain.
Fortunately, director Lew Landers has contrived a few effective moments and even more importantly, Jack MacKenzie's wonderfully glossy, low- key photography makes up for a lot of the movie's shortcomings.
Another problem is that Philip Terry does not make a particularly personable hero. And the rest of the players are no more than adequate at best - with the one exception of Eduardo Ciannelli who registers as the chief villain.
Fortunately, director Lew Landers has contrived a few effective moments and even more importantly, Jack MacKenzie's wonderfully glossy, low- key photography makes up for a lot of the movie's shortcomings.