The Charlatan

Holmes Herbert (as Peter Dwight) is a magician, and quick-change master-of-disguise; he has assumed the role of Count Merlin, a "Master of Occult Services". Margaret Livingston (as Florence Dwight Talbot) is his ex-wife, who, fifteen years earlier, took their baby daughter and hooked up second husband Rockliffe Fellowes (as Richard "Dick" Talbot). Ms. Livingston isn't one to stand by her men, and has already decided to run away with her doctor, Philo McCullough (as Walter Paynter). She goes to Mr. Herbert for a crystal ball reading, unaware he is her ex-husband…

You should know, initially, that the "crystal ball story", early in the film, is the story of how Livingston took her daughter and left Herbert for Fellowes. It really isn't at all clear (as either a bell, or a crystal ball). It's also astonishing how Livingston sits right down with Herbert for a dead-on perfect "reading" of their past, and doesn't know who he is, under the turban. She later says, "What a fool I was not to have recognized you!" Indeed.

Later, events are easier to understand. Circumstances lead to all the characters being in a house, during a storm. A murder is committed, and you're left wondering - who's the guilty party? While there is some suspense, there are no real clues (that I could see); so you'll have to take a shot in the dark on this one. Herbert's is the film's main performance attraction; he certainly is a master of disguise!

***** The Charlatan (1929) George Melford ~ Holmes Herbert, Margaret Livingston, Philo McCullough