Author Archive: Retro

Fact, fiction and espionage are combined in this drama that follows the exploits of Eisenhower’s top aide, Mark Clark, and other important Allies as they journey to an important meeting held on Algeria’s coast. The precise location of this vital secret gathering is upon a piece of film which must not fall into enemy hands, lest the Allied honchos get captured. The film is hidden in a German colony in Algiers. It is up to one of Britains top spies to bring it to safety. He is hindered by a Nazi spy who follows him. He is assisted by an American woman and a French woman. They are successful and gun-play ensues as they try to flee the country.

While dodging a tenacious reporter, Starrett and his fiancee are shipwrecked with the newsman and must battle against the dangers of Africa. Dir. Harry Hoyt, Albert Kelley

A young female escapee from a reform school joins a pickpocket academy in Paris. She is caught red-handed on her first attempt at stealing by an upperclass man (Rathbone). He recruits her for a job. Great cast, elaborate production.

Parish priest tries to reform street punk Paul Baroni–nicknamed “Monk” because of his disfigured face–by teaching him how to box and involving him in church activities. All goes well for a time. Produced by Jack Broder. Dir. Wallace Fox.

Secret plans for a remote-control operated missile are stolen by an unethical inventor and an FBI agent must go to a spooky old mansion to get them back. Based on the novel “On Irish Hill” by Peter B. Kyne. Produced by Sam Katzman. Dir. Robert Hill

Based on a popular radio game show in which people did silly or embarrassing things in order to win prizes, this lively comedy centers upon a pair of radio producers, both of whom have come up with similar ideas for a show to convince a major sponsor to exclusively back their efforts.

This WW II-era actioner, shot on location in the Philippines, tells the story of a former American fighter who single-handedly (literally–as he was honorably discharged after losing a hand in battle) organizes a crack team of guerrilla fighters and fights the invading Japanese.

A woman turns to crime after she is wrongly sent to prison for a hit-and-run accident that was really the fault of a wealthy playboy. Ladd has a minor role, filmed before he hit the big time. Written by crime reporter Martin Mooney, this was the first production from Frank and Maurice King. Dir. Phil Rosen Great performance by Woodbury as a woman with an unhappy past who turns to a life of crime. She is then sent to prison for the hit-and-run crime of a wealthy playboy.

Mill girl marries an old bookie she doesn’t love in order to get jobs for her father and brother. Well made, well acted drama about a family’s struggle to survive and maintain dignity during the Depression. Dir. King Vidor.