Counter-Espionage (1942)

Columbia Pictures’ Lone Wolf series, starring Warren Williams as Michael Lanyard, is one of my favorite “B” film series. Williams played the debonair jewel thief, who somehow always ends up helping the police solve a series of crimes. Counter-Espionage (1942) begins with Lanyard stealing top secret plans from Sir Stafford Hart’s safe.

Scotland Yard’s Inspector Stephens rushes to the scene to investigate. Stephens is joined by Lone Wolf regulars Inspector Crane, played by Thurston Hall, and Detective Dickens, played by Fred Kelsey. Crane and Dickens were visiting Inspector Stephens, when he received the call about Lanyard stealing the documents from the safe.

Lanyard is aided by his faithful butler Jamison, played by Eric Blore. Jamison and Detective Dickens provide most of the comic relief in the series. I read several reviews on-line, which said the series became more serious with Counter-Espionage.

I disagree with this assertion. The writers introduce more serious topics like espionage and World War II. However, Jamison and Dickens continue to provide the comedy relief in the films.

I saw Counter-Espionage (affiliate link) on Amazon Video recently but saw it last year on the syndicated televison station, GetTV. The film runs about 75 minutes. I would rate it four out of five stars and recommend the film to classic movie buffs.

If you’ve seen the film, what did you think of it? You can leave a comment or ask a question about this or any post on my Facebook page and Twitter profile.

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