Like most Monogram films, about three sets are used for 75% of the picture. Unlike most Monogram films, this one has some fine writing, acting and direction.
The best thing about this film is Helen Gilbert. In the film, two men fall madly in love with her and basically commit crimes and throw away their careers away for her after seeing her only a few times. Helen is just beautiful enough to make this believable. He is posed, intelligent and plays the piano beautifully.
In real life she was married seven times between 1938 and 1950. One can only imagine how many proposals she turned down. She only starred in four or five movies and it is hard to understand why she did not become a much bigger star.
As usual, Alan Mowbray gives a wonderfully comic performance, as the doctor who quickly losses his objectivity over Helen. As usual, Gilbert Rowland is effective as a convict trying to escape from a prison island.
Nothing much happens in the film. It doesn't quite fit into any genre type, being a mix of romantic comedy and escape from prison melodrama. Yet, it manages to be mostly surprising, breezy and fun. Its a nifty little picture from Monogram, well worth the one hour and six minutes it takes to see it.
Seven of my eight points is for Helen Gilbert.
The best thing about this film is Helen Gilbert. In the film, two men fall madly in love with her and basically commit crimes and throw away their careers away for her after seeing her only a few times. Helen is just beautiful enough to make this believable. He is posed, intelligent and plays the piano beautifully.
In real life she was married seven times between 1938 and 1950. One can only imagine how many proposals she turned down. She only starred in four or five movies and it is hard to understand why she did not become a much bigger star.
As usual, Alan Mowbray gives a wonderfully comic performance, as the doctor who quickly losses his objectivity over Helen. As usual, Gilbert Rowland is effective as a convict trying to escape from a prison island.
Nothing much happens in the film. It doesn't quite fit into any genre type, being a mix of romantic comedy and escape from prison melodrama. Yet, it manages to be mostly surprising, breezy and fun. Its a nifty little picture from Monogram, well worth the one hour and six minutes it takes to see it.
Seven of my eight points is for Helen Gilbert.