The Phantom Express (1932)

A railway is threatened by mysterious wrecks, which turn out to be caused by criminals using a unique deception.

Director:

Emory Johnson

Writers:

Laird Doyle, Emory Johnson

Stars:

William Collier Jr., Sally Blane, J. Farrell MacDonald

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
William Collier Jr.	...	Bruce Harrington
Sally Blane	...	Carolyn Nolan
J. Farrell MacDonald	...	D.J. 'Smokey' Nolan
Hobart Bosworth	...	Mr. Harrington
Axel Axelson	...	Axel, the Fireman
Lina Basquette	...	Betty
Eddie Phillips	...	Dick Walsh
Robert Ellis	...	Reynolds
Claire McDowell	...	Ma Nolan
David Rollins	...	Jackie Nolan
Tom O'Brien	...	Red Connelly the Telegraph Operator
Huntley Gordon	...	President of Rival Railroad
Brady Kline	...	Slim - a Thug
Jack Pennick	...	Bubba - a Thug
Jack Mower	...	Head Thug

Storyline

An engineer at the throttle of a locomotive speeding through a tunnel sees the lights of a train approaching from the other end. Although the signals say the track is clear, he still sees the train's lights. He grinds the train to a halt, derailing it. He survives, but many passengers are killed. He is fired in disgrace, but sets out to prove his innocence by finding the "phantom express."

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Plot Keywords:

train | railway

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Genres:

Mystery | Thriller

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 August 1932 (USA)

Also Known As:

Il lampo

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Majestic Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

70 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Photophone System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

User Reviews

Interesting at first...

This film begins with what appears to be a model train going down the model tracks. However, at least it is a pretty good model train! Anyway, it's supposed to be a real one and an accident is caused when the headlamp of another train appears to be heading right for them—and the train derails trying to avoid it. However, it turns out there was no other train—it's some sort of trick. So, the playboy son of the railroad owner decides to go undercover to investigate.

While this all might sound interesting, despite an interesting premise, the film really bogs down and shows that it's only a cheaply made film by a cheap-o studio. After all, the ending is just god-awful—with ridiculous stunts and an explanation of the mystery that made my brain hurt. I can clearly understand why this film was allowed to slip into the public domain—it's bad and there's little to recommend it.