AS IS SO often the case, what one bumps into unexpectedly, so often turns out to be far more interesting than the thing that one has intentionally sought. Much in the same way that an auto trip uncovers surprise attractions along the way of the trip, so can a Cable Movie Channel render little gems that far outshine their regularly scheduled Feature Films.
SO IT WAS last evening when Turner Classic Movies showcased the 1926 Warner Brothers Silent Feature, THE FIRST AUTO (Warner Bros./First National, 1926). Following this showing and a brief rundown on what films immediately lie ahead, they had their oft run filler spotlighting the Shorts. This evening's fare was THE COLE CASE (Warner Bros,/Vitaphone, 1931). And surprise, surprise; it was neither Musical, nor did it feature Comedic Players from Broadway, Burlesque or 'Old Broadway.'
WHAT WE HAD was a 2 or 3 Reel adaptation of an S.S. Van Dine murder mystery. Even greater a surprise was to see a dark haired John Hamilton in the lead as Inspector Carr, heading up the Homicide Bureau of a big City Police Department (New York, we presume,) Donald Meek portrayed the Forensics Man of the day, Dr. Crabtree. The Detective Squad with typically cast Warner Brothers stock company players. Donna Broome, Leonard Mudie,Herschell Mayall and Walter Wilson filled out the credited members of the cast.
VIEWING THE MOVIE so unexpectedly and in such an odd time slot (aftyer midnight in the Central Time Zone), added to both the enjoyment and the feelings of discovery. Someone recently said that a film is not old if you haven't seen it before and stumbling into this movie served to dramatically underscore tat point.
AS FOR OUR STORY, there has been a threat on a man's life and he comes to the office of Inspector Carr to seek protection. Even though there are two, big strong Detevtivesd standing watch, the man is slain in his own study. The perpetrator leaves on clues; or does he.
COMPLICATIONS TO THE plot are introduced in the form of the victim's brother and his bleach blonde floozy of a Lady Friend. Carr and Dr. Crabtree carefully go over the existing evidence and are able to revisit the crime scene; bringing all suspects together and eventually smoke out the murderer. THe killer turns out to be......., no not here. See the and enjoy dated but very likable old film.
AS A SORT of side bar, this short goes a little to prove of an unusually strong connection between Warner Brothers Studios and the ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN TV Series (National Comics/Motion Pictures for Television, 1952-58). Regulars on the Series who had some tenure as Warners Contract Players include: the Star-George Reeves, Jack Larson (Jimmy Olsen), Robert Shayne (Inspector Bill Henderson); as well screen bad guys Ben Welden and Richard Reeves.
IN THIS OUTING, we had the Lead played by John Hamilton (Daily Planet Editor,Perry White) and Brit, Leonard Mundie; who played the villainous Magician, Brockhurst, in the ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN: A Ghost for Scotland Yard, in the Super Series' second season.
ANY FILM BUFF would do himself proud in viewing this little picture even once; strictly for Hiustorical purposes, if nothing else. C'mon Schultz, it's worth investing the same amount of time that you would spend watching MEN IN BLACK, BELOW ZERO or PUNCH DRUNKS.
SO IT WAS last evening when Turner Classic Movies showcased the 1926 Warner Brothers Silent Feature, THE FIRST AUTO (Warner Bros./First National, 1926). Following this showing and a brief rundown on what films immediately lie ahead, they had their oft run filler spotlighting the Shorts. This evening's fare was THE COLE CASE (Warner Bros,/Vitaphone, 1931). And surprise, surprise; it was neither Musical, nor did it feature Comedic Players from Broadway, Burlesque or 'Old Broadway.'
WHAT WE HAD was a 2 or 3 Reel adaptation of an S.S. Van Dine murder mystery. Even greater a surprise was to see a dark haired John Hamilton in the lead as Inspector Carr, heading up the Homicide Bureau of a big City Police Department (New York, we presume,) Donald Meek portrayed the Forensics Man of the day, Dr. Crabtree. The Detective Squad with typically cast Warner Brothers stock company players. Donna Broome, Leonard Mudie,Herschell Mayall and Walter Wilson filled out the credited members of the cast.
VIEWING THE MOVIE so unexpectedly and in such an odd time slot (aftyer midnight in the Central Time Zone), added to both the enjoyment and the feelings of discovery. Someone recently said that a film is not old if you haven't seen it before and stumbling into this movie served to dramatically underscore tat point.
AS FOR OUR STORY, there has been a threat on a man's life and he comes to the office of Inspector Carr to seek protection. Even though there are two, big strong Detevtivesd standing watch, the man is slain in his own study. The perpetrator leaves on clues; or does he.
COMPLICATIONS TO THE plot are introduced in the form of the victim's brother and his bleach blonde floozy of a Lady Friend. Carr and Dr. Crabtree carefully go over the existing evidence and are able to revisit the crime scene; bringing all suspects together and eventually smoke out the murderer. THe killer turns out to be......., no not here. See the and enjoy dated but very likable old film.
AS A SORT of side bar, this short goes a little to prove of an unusually strong connection between Warner Brothers Studios and the ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN TV Series (National Comics/Motion Pictures for Television, 1952-58). Regulars on the Series who had some tenure as Warners Contract Players include: the Star-George Reeves, Jack Larson (Jimmy Olsen), Robert Shayne (Inspector Bill Henderson); as well screen bad guys Ben Welden and Richard Reeves.
IN THIS OUTING, we had the Lead played by John Hamilton (Daily Planet Editor,Perry White) and Brit, Leonard Mundie; who played the villainous Magician, Brockhurst, in the ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN: A Ghost for Scotland Yard, in the Super Series' second season.
ANY FILM BUFF would do himself proud in viewing this little picture even once; strictly for Hiustorical purposes, if nothing else. C'mon Schultz, it's worth investing the same amount of time that you would spend watching MEN IN BLACK, BELOW ZERO or PUNCH DRUNKS.
