RACKETS AND SPY-RINGS

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22768, 21 July 1939, Page 18

RACKETS AND SPY-RINGS

The latest Jack Holt film brings to light the scandal syndicate which ruins the reputations of industries and individuals. It is “Whispering Enemies,” beginning to-day at the Crystal’Palace.

Holt is at his stellar best as the dynamic manufacturer whose business is destroyed overnight when’ unscrupulous competitors spread the rumour that his products contain poison. In revenge, he undertakes a similar campaign oi scandal-spreading against his rivals, and almost succeeds. The story, of that revenge makes “Whispering Enemies” a most interesting film. Dolores Costello, as Holt’s leading lady, is the owner of the rival firm. It is her subordinates who destroy Holt without her knowledge of their tactics, and she, in her turn, who undertakes to fight the insidious whispering campaign directed against her.

Holt’s ability is matched by that of Miss Costello, who has an exacting role that she plays well. Other good performances are contributed by Addison Richards, Pert Kelton, Donald Briggs, and Joseph Crehan. The film was directed by Lewis D. Collins, who has been responsible for several recent Holt successes.

In “The Lone Wolf Spy Hunt,” the associate feature at the Crystal Palace, Warren William has the leading role, as Michael described by

Thrillers for the Crystal

the “New York Times” criiic as “a fellow of infinite engagingness, a comedian himself, who has the mar-riage-minded Ida Lupino and the whimsical child, Virginia Weidler, as comic foils, and who is doing quite well in the antique business since his divorce from the underworld.” “The Lone Wolf Spy Hunt” tells of an alien spy gang which incriminates the Lone Wolf in the theft of government plans. In order to prove that his reformation is real, the Lone Wolf reverts to his ancient calling to declare war on Ralph Morgan, who heads the spy network. From this point onward the story is an hilarious, thrill-packed threecornered battle of wits involving the Lone Wolf, Morgan’s agents, and the police, William's detective-playing daughter, played by Virginia Weidler. contributes to the merriment and mixups. Rita Hayworth, Ben Welden, Marc Lawrence, and Thomas Dugan stand out in the well-chosen supporting cast, and Peter Godfrey’s direction is deft and stimulating.

At the 20th Century-Fox studio preview of the thriller. “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” Nigel Bruce, who knew Conan .Doyle well, was deeply impressed by Rathbone's characterisation of Holmes.

“Amazing!” he exclaimed. “Elementary, my dear Watson,” replied. Rathbone with a smile.

The particularly strong cast in the film version of Daphne du Maurier’s novel. “Jamaica Inn,” includes Charles Laughton, Leslie Banks, Emlyn Williams, Maureen O’Hara, and Mane Ney. Additional dialogue was written for the film by J. B. Priestly.