The Menace

This is an early Colombia talkie directed by the underrated Roy William Neill. It is based on an Edgar Wallace novel, "The Feathered Serpent" and is another interesting adaptation of his work (see the 1938 "The Terror" and "Dark Eyes of London"). This curio has some nice horror overtones such as the statue of a feathered serpent and mummy cases that make up a creepy museum room in the house in which the action takes place. There is also a lead character disfigured and re-appearing after plastic surgery and the climax of the action takes place on Halloween night during a party in which even the band is heavily costumed. It may be the only horror movie of the thirties to boast a real Jack-o-Lantern also. As for plot, it starts with the hero of the film receiving plastic surgery and going back to his home to clear his name in the murder of his father and to bring justice to those who committed the crime. He returns as a stranger and the action ensues and everyone is suspected. The cast is very good, including a young Bette Davis and veterans like H.B. Warner and Halliwell Hobbes, always on hand in this type of film. Walter Byron is good as the disguised hero. All-in-all a fun little film with some nice atmospheric touches and a steady pace. Recommended to those who like this sort of thriller.