A jewel thief suspected of being a local serial killer targeting police officers decides to solve the mystery himself to clear his name.A jewel thief suspected of being a local serial killer targeting police officers decides to solve the mystery himself to clear his name.A jewel thief suspected of being a local serial killer targeting police officers decides to solve the mystery himself to clear his name.
Ivan F. Simpson
- Hutchinson
- (as Ivan Simpson)
Robert Adair
- Constable
- (uncredited)
Norman Ainsley
- Reporter
- (uncredited)
Ted Billings
- Barfly
- (uncredited)
William A. Boardway
- Courtroom Spectator
- (uncredited)
Barlowe Borland
- Waiter
- (uncredited)
Alfred Cross
- Reporter
- (uncredited)
Captain Francis
- Reporter
- (uncredited)
Victor Gammon
- Reporter
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaPreview audiences rejected the original ending, where "Nick" did not get "Jane". Retakes and additional scenes were ordered, but directed by Richard Boleslawski because director Edgar Selwyn was unavailable.
- GoofsWhen Robert Montgomery lists the crime scenes, he says that X always strikes in a deserted area of London. However, one of the crime scenes mentioned is Marble Arch, which is a very busy area in central London. Also, the first murder shown takes place on the bank of the Thames, but none of the crime scenes mentioned is anywhere near the river, and Gates End Lane, the scene of the last murder, is a fictitious street, although the other streets named are real.
- Quotes
Jane Frensham: Do you know why I like you?
Nicholas 'Nick' Revel: No, Why?
Jane Frensham: Because you're so straight. I think you're the straightest man I've ever met.
- ConnectionsVersion of The Hour of 13 (1952)
Featured review
A Policeman's Lot Is Not a Happy One
Well-done mystery/thriller with Robert Montgomery playing a jewel thief suspected of being a police serial killer. The plot adapted by Philip MacDonald from one of his own novels is tightly woven and executed very nicely by director Edgar Selwyn. Selwyn, for a 1934 film, uses lots of flair and style in creating a suspenseful pace and good atmosphere. I particularly liked the way he used his cast - all of whom do excellent jobs. Montgomery is in top form as the "hero" out to find the killer in order to exonerate himself of the heinous killing spree. Aiding him is a love interest played by Elizabeth Allan, a truly lovely actress as the police commissioner's daughter. Henry Stephenson plays her father in that very stiff upper lip fashion he was so accustomed to. Lewis Stone also rounds out the cast playing a police superintendent convinced Montgomery is guilty of the crime of stealing a valuable diamond and killing the bobbies. Forrester Harvey gives an inspired portrayal as a London cabbie in on the jewel heist. He has marvelous comic timing in a more subtle way than just being a buffoon as so typically used in films like this. But it is Montgomery's portrayal that really gives the film its steam and he is as charming as ever. This is one of those rare diamonds one comes across every now and then from the Golden Age of film-making. This is a first-rate mystery with excellent direction, good performances, and an interesting,convincing script.
helpful•171
- BaronBl00d
- Nov 28, 2005
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- The Mystery of Mister X
- Filming locations
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime1 hour 24 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1
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