In the first of the RKO B series, George Sanders is engaged to Nina Vale, who wants him to go respectable. Soon enough, she's dumped in favor of Wendy Barrie, a series of murders and jewel thefts, and a very nice turn by Florence Bates as a society doyenne.
Why RKO dumped the Saint series in favor of Michael Arlen's knock-off is a bit of a mystery. The story roving about is that Leslie Chateris complained too much about his plots not being used in all their repetitive glory. I suspect he was negotiating for more money. In any case, when this movie came out, he sued RKO for plagiarism. Given that both series were much of a muchness, it's hardly surprising. In any case, Sanders was off to Fox soon enough, with his brother taking over the role.
It's carried on Sanders' charms, which is all right, although he's ably supported by a cast that includes Alan Jenkins, Eddie Brophy, Arthur Shields, Turhan Bey, Lucille Watson, and Willie Fung.
Why RKO dumped the Saint series in favor of Michael Arlen's knock-off is a bit of a mystery. The story roving about is that Leslie Chateris complained too much about his plots not being used in all their repetitive glory. I suspect he was negotiating for more money. In any case, when this movie came out, he sued RKO for plagiarism. Given that both series were much of a muchness, it's hardly surprising. In any case, Sanders was off to Fox soon enough, with his brother taking over the role.
It's carried on Sanders' charms, which is all right, although he's ably supported by a cast that includes Alan Jenkins, Eddie Brophy, Arthur Shields, Turhan Bey, Lucille Watson, and Willie Fung.