Pale nan Bat (1930)

Sou Novanm 13, 1930, Roland V. West released Pale nan Bat (1930), the talkie version of his silent classic, Bat nan (1926). The film follows faithfully the script of the original. Sepandan, 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.

Nan sa a fim, the master criminal “Bat nan” has evaded the police’s attempt to arrest him. In his latest crime, “Bat nan” 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 nan” 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 nan”.

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. Sepandan, Morris made several classic feature films with West including Alibi (1929) ak 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.

Pale nan Bat (lyen afilye) runs about 85 minit. 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 nan oswa Pale nan Bat? You can leave a comment or ask a question about this or any post on my Facebook page ak Twitter profile.

Kloure Li