There had been many Lone Wolf movies with various actors playing the title character before 1939 and there would be several to follow after 1943, but Warren William without doubt was the definitive Michael Lanyard. This was his 6th film out of 9 and is a very entertaining entry.
There are some nice directorial touches starting with the opening having William deliver an amusingly righteous speech in a tuxedo top, only to have the camera pull out to reveal he has only boxer shorts on and is rehearsing. Plenty of comedy such as this and the delightful presence of Eric Blore, who again delivers an hysterical performance as Jamison - the Lone Wolf's valet, keep the action moving along.
By the time the series hit the 5th episode it was clear that the plots got a little more ridiculous. This one is the first to get topical regarding the war as it was released just before the US entered WWII. The Napoleon jewels have been smuggled out of Europe just before the Nazis could get them. The owners want to sell them to raise money for the Allies. Inspector Crane is in charge of keeping the jewels safe and calls in Lanyard to consult on how to avoid jewel thieves. Of course, things do not go as planned for Crane and Lanyard is suspect #1 when real jewel thieves involve him by kidnapping Jamison believing he is the Lone Wolf.
Just like in the Boston Blackie series, you have to wonder how many times the inspector has to witness the former jewel thief save the day and still always instantly suspect and arrest him. By this time it naturally gets a little tired. What makes these films so entertaining though, are not the recycled plot lines as much as the great work by the actors. William as Lanyard is not just one step ahead, he's about 10 steps ahead of everyone else. Like Charlie Chan and Sherlock Holmes, you just have to sit back and enjoy his creative ability to get out of any jam. William always portrayed a great air of confidence and charm no matter what the circumstances. And Blore's hysterical take on the impish Jamison is a constant joy to watch. The chemistry between the two was always excellent, evident here in the scenes when they have to reverse roles to keep up the act that Jamison is the Lone Wolf.
The Lone Wolf series was one of the best from the golden age of detective films of the 1930s and 40s. Secrets of the Lone Wolf is another solid film in the series.
There are some nice directorial touches starting with the opening having William deliver an amusingly righteous speech in a tuxedo top, only to have the camera pull out to reveal he has only boxer shorts on and is rehearsing. Plenty of comedy such as this and the delightful presence of Eric Blore, who again delivers an hysterical performance as Jamison - the Lone Wolf's valet, keep the action moving along.
By the time the series hit the 5th episode it was clear that the plots got a little more ridiculous. This one is the first to get topical regarding the war as it was released just before the US entered WWII. The Napoleon jewels have been smuggled out of Europe just before the Nazis could get them. The owners want to sell them to raise money for the Allies. Inspector Crane is in charge of keeping the jewels safe and calls in Lanyard to consult on how to avoid jewel thieves. Of course, things do not go as planned for Crane and Lanyard is suspect #1 when real jewel thieves involve him by kidnapping Jamison believing he is the Lone Wolf.
Just like in the Boston Blackie series, you have to wonder how many times the inspector has to witness the former jewel thief save the day and still always instantly suspect and arrest him. By this time it naturally gets a little tired. What makes these films so entertaining though, are not the recycled plot lines as much as the great work by the actors. William as Lanyard is not just one step ahead, he's about 10 steps ahead of everyone else. Like Charlie Chan and Sherlock Holmes, you just have to sit back and enjoy his creative ability to get out of any jam. William always portrayed a great air of confidence and charm no matter what the circumstances. And Blore's hysterical take on the impish Jamison is a constant joy to watch. The chemistry between the two was always excellent, evident here in the scenes when they have to reverse roles to keep up the act that Jamison is the Lone Wolf.
The Lone Wolf series was one of the best from the golden age of detective films of the 1930s and 40s. Secrets of the Lone Wolf is another solid film in the series.