Nick Carter was an extremely popular character in literature, that also spawned a successful radio series that ran about a dozen years. However, the so-called master detective never had much of a film career in the U.S., as only three Nick Carter movies ever got made (and they were based on original stories). Produced by MGM, they were definitely B movies, but were enjoyable enough.
This is the first in the series, with Canadian born Walter Pidgeon cast as the dapper and intelligent sleuth. Here he is called into service when industrial espionage becomes a major problem at the Radex Aircraft Company; he poses as an executive with the organization. He finds no shortage of dubious individuals, and takes the time to fall in love with lovely and appealing nurse / stewardess Lou Farnsby (Rita Johnson).
An early American credit for the celebrated Jacques Tourneur ("Cat People", "Out of the Past"), this has some well executed action sequences, and impressive aerial photography. It also goes a little too heavy on the comedy relief, with Donald Meek stealing the show as Bartholomew, a bee keeper who aggressively tries to sell Carter on the value of his services. While not exceptional in any way, it *is* fun, with Pidgeon making for a likable Carter. He's ably supported by a roster of top character actors such as Henry Hull, Stanley Ridges, Addison Richards, Henry Victor, Milburn Stone, Martin Kosleck, Frank Faylen, Sterling Holloway, and Wally Maher.
Followed by "Phantom Raiders" and "Sky Murder".
Six out of 10.
This is the first in the series, with Canadian born Walter Pidgeon cast as the dapper and intelligent sleuth. Here he is called into service when industrial espionage becomes a major problem at the Radex Aircraft Company; he poses as an executive with the organization. He finds no shortage of dubious individuals, and takes the time to fall in love with lovely and appealing nurse / stewardess Lou Farnsby (Rita Johnson).
An early American credit for the celebrated Jacques Tourneur ("Cat People", "Out of the Past"), this has some well executed action sequences, and impressive aerial photography. It also goes a little too heavy on the comedy relief, with Donald Meek stealing the show as Bartholomew, a bee keeper who aggressively tries to sell Carter on the value of his services. While not exceptional in any way, it *is* fun, with Pidgeon making for a likable Carter. He's ably supported by a roster of top character actors such as Henry Hull, Stanley Ridges, Addison Richards, Henry Victor, Milburn Stone, Martin Kosleck, Frank Faylen, Sterling Holloway, and Wally Maher.
Followed by "Phantom Raiders" and "Sky Murder".
Six out of 10.