The Bat Whispers (1930)

Azaroaren on 13, 1930, Roland V. West released The Bat Whispers (1930), the talkie version of his silent classic, Bat egin (1926). The film follows faithfully the script of the original. Hala ere, West is able to experiment with film techniques like tracking shots, still a novelty in early sound cinema. Editing still dominated as the continuity and story moving technique.

Film honetan, the master criminal “Bat egin” has evaded the police’s attempt to arrest him. In his latest crime, “Bat egin” murders and steals jewelry from an industrialist, while police officer sit in the next room.

Mrs. Cornelia van Gorder, played by Grayce Hampton, has rented an isolated country manor, where the loot from a bank robbery may be hidden. The lure of stolen money brings “Bat egin” to the country estate with the hope of finding it in the cavernous house.

Mrs. van Gorder is joined by her niece, maid, caretaker and a group of other visitors. One of the visitors is Detective Anderson, played by Chester Morris, who intends to trap “Bat egin”.

Roland V. West, who directed this film, cast his close friend Chester Morris in most of his later films. Classic film fans probably remember Morris as “Boston Blackie” from the popular 1940s “B” film series. Hala ere, Morris made several classic feature films with West including Alibi (1929) eta Corsairs (1931). Both West and Morris (Best Actor) were nominated for Academy Awards at the 2nd Academy Awards in 1930 for their work on Alibi.

The Bat Whispers (kidea lotura) buruzko eskailerak 85 minutu. The end of the film contains a plea from Morris not to give away the ending of the film to film goers, who have not seen the film yet.

Which film did you prefer, Bat egin edo The Bat Whispers? You can leave a comment or ask a question about this or any post on my Facebook orria eta Twitter profila.

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