The Phantom of Crestwood (1932)

Jenny Wren coerces banker Priam Andes to have a dinner party at his shorefront estate Crestwood, and instructs him to invite three other men, each of whom she plans to extort money from. ... See full summary »

Director:

J. Walter Ruben

Writers:

Bartlett Cormack (screen play), Bartlett Cormack (from a story by),

Stars:

Ricardo Cortez, Karen Morley, Anita Louise

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ricardo Cortez	...	Gary Curtis
Karen Morley	...	Jenny Wren
Anita Louise	...	Esther Wren
Pauline Frederick	...	Faith Andes
H.B. Warner	...	Priam Andes
Mary Duncan	...	Dorothy Mears
Sam Hardy	...	Pete Harris
Tom Douglas	...	Allen Herrick
Richard 'Skeets' Gallagher	...	Eddie Mack
Aileen Pringle	...	Mrs. Walcott
Ivan F. Simpson	...	Mr. Vayne (as Ivan Simpson)
George E. Stone	...	The Cat
Robert McWade	...	Herbert Walcott
Hilda Vaughn	...	Carter
Gavin Gordon	...	Will Jones

Storyline

Jenny Wren coerces banker Priam Andes to have a dinner party at his shorefront estate Crestwood, and instructs him to invite three other men, each of whom she plans to extort money from. Jenny plans to retire to Europe after a life of involvement with wealthy and influential men. Also at the party, among others, are Jenny's sister Esther and her fiance, scion of the Andes' family. But death also attends and Jenny's plans are thwarted.

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Plot Keywords:

party | sister | detective | suicide | criminal | 

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Taglines:

The most astounding crime in the history of mystery...the drama that thrilled millions on the air...Now on the screen with a million thrills! (original ad)

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Genres:

Crime | Mystery

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Certificate:

Passed

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

14 October 1932 (USA)

Also Known As:

I maska tou thanatou

Company Credits

Production Co:

RKO Radio Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

76 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Photophone System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film was originally presented as a radio serial with the final episode left out! If the listener wanted to know the ending, they had to watch the film.

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Crazy Credits

Just before the opening credits, radio announcer Graham McNamee announces the introduction of the film.

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Soundtracks

"Auld Lang Syne"
(1788) (uncredited)
Traditional Scottish music
Lyrics by Robert Burns
Partially sung a cappella by Richard 'Skeets' Gallagher at the party

User Reviews

The folks back in 1932 must have been really mad about this film!

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.