I was shocked when I read the IMDb trivia about this one. Apparently, this story was part of a radio program back in 1932. It seems that the final episode of a radio serial was deliberately left out--and if people wanted to see it they had to go see this movie!! What a bunch of jerks! Fortunately, viewers today do not have to have heard the broadcasts if they want to watch "The Phantom of Crestwood".
So, was it worth the wait for this mystery to unravel itself? Perhaps it was back in 1932, but today the whole thing comes off as rather forced. Part of it is that the film's plot is only okay. Part of it is that although I've always loved Ricardo Cortez in films, here he isn't that interesting--as he talks too fast and his usual suave demeanor is missing. Now I am not saying it's a bad film but there are tons of other B mysteries that are as good or better. Plus the film could have really used an injection of humor or something to make it stand out from the crowd. Adequate.
So, was it worth the wait for this mystery to unravel itself? Perhaps it was back in 1932, but today the whole thing comes off as rather forced. Part of it is that the film's plot is only okay. Part of it is that although I've always loved Ricardo Cortez in films, here he isn't that interesting--as he talks too fast and his usual suave demeanor is missing. Now I am not saying it's a bad film but there are tons of other B mysteries that are as good or better. Plus the film could have really used an injection of humor or something to make it stand out from the crowd. Adequate.