The Ace of Scotland Yard
The Ace of Scotland Yard | |
---|---|
Directed by | Ray Taylor |
Screenplay by | Harold M. Atkinson[1] |
Story by | Harold M. Atkinson[1] |
Starring | |
Cinematography | John Hickson[1] |
Edited by | Alvin Todd[1] |
Production company | |
Release date |
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The Ace of Scotland Yardis a 1929Universalmovie serial.It was the first partial sound serial released by Universal Pictures. The film was released in September 1929.[2]It was a part-talkie serial using music and sound effects.[1]
This serial was a sequel to the 1927 12-chapter silent Universal serialBlake of Scotland Yard.[1]
Plot
[edit]Retired CID inspector Angus Blake tries to prevent a female jewel thief named the Queen of Diamonds from stealing a valuable ring which, according to legend, carries a curse.
Cast
[edit]- Crauford Kentas Angus Blake, retired CID Inspector
- Monte Montagueas Jarvis, Blake's servant
- Grace Cunardas Queen of Diamonds, famous jewel thief disguised as Lord Blanton's housekeeper Mary Duveen
- Florence Allen as Lady Diana Blanton, Lord Blanton's daughter
- Herbert Prioras Lord Blanton, owner of the cursed ring
- Albert Priscoas Prince Darius, desires the ring and hires the Queen of Diamonds to steal it
Production
[edit]In addition to the sound version, a silent version of the cliffhanger was made for theatres not equipped to display sound films.[3]Harold M. Atkinson wrote the serial and Ray Taylor directed it.[4]
Chapter titles
[edit]- The Fatal Circlet
- A Cry in the Night
- The Dungeon of Doom
- Menace of the Mummy
- The Depths of Limehouse
- Dead or Alive
- Shadows of Fear
- The Baited Trap
- A Battle of Wits
- The Fatal Judgement
Reception
[edit]Movie Agegave a positive review of the serial after watching the first three chapters, noting that "the picture carries a punch" and "if the succeeding chapters measure up with the first three, this serial is going to be a wow."[3]The Film Dailydeclared it "a gripping serial [that] carries a lot of fast action and suspense", specifically stating: "The camera work is exceptionally good, and the direction by Ray Taylor is aces."[3]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]Footnotes
[edit]- ^abcdefgPitts 2018,p. 5.
- ^Pitts 2018,p. 321.
- ^abcPitts 2018,p. 6.
- ^Wlaschin, Ken (October 21, 2009).Silent Mystery and Detective Movies: A Comprehensive Filmography.McFarland. p. 4.ISBN978-0-7864-5429-7.RetrievedJanuary 5,2021.
Sources
[edit]- Pitts, Michael R. (2018).Thrills Untapped: Neglected Horror, Science Fiction and Fantasy Films, 1928-1936.McFarland.ISBN978-1476632896.
External links
[edit]- 1929 films
- 1929 mystery films
- American mystery thriller films
- American silent serial films
- American black-and-white films
- American detective films
- 1920s English-language films
- Films directed by Ray Taylor
- Lost American mystery films
- Films set in London
- Transitional sound films
- Universal Pictures film serials
- 1929 lost films
- 1920s American films
- 1920s mystery thriller films
- Silent mystery thriller films
- English-language mystery thriller films