Walter Pidgeon returns for a third appearance as suave-yet-rugged detective Nick Carter in this fast-paced spy picture.
Set very much on the eve of America's entrance into WWII, the plot involves American traitors distributing flyers about a new regime and Nick Carter's (initially reluctant) efforts to track down and put them out of business. Spies, patriotism, murder – it's a neat little movie featuring a solid cast and efficient script.
Donald Meek offers able assistance and mild comic relief as Bartholomew the Bee Man. Put in charge of escorting a group of ladies off of a plane, he gets a little overzealous: "The first one that makes a break dies like a dog!" he barks. (Of course, they trample him and give him a bump on the head.)
Other capable cast members include Tom Conway as a shady character; Kaaren Verne as an earnest immigrant pressured to betray her new country; and Joyce Compton as would-be detective Chris Cross.
Walter Pidgeon looks like he's enjoying himself as the dashing lead character who spouts like dialog like, "Well, this is swell. Seven beautiful girls and every one of them a murder suspect."
There's not much substance, really, but it's a pleasant mix of adventure, mystery and comedy.