The Lone Wolf Spy Hunt (1939)

On January 27, 1939, Columbia Pictures released the first of the Lone Wolf films, The Lone Wolf Spy Hunt (1939). Warren William plays the “Lone Wolf” Michael Lanyard, a former safe burglar and jewel thief. The film opens with two men kidnapping Lanyard off the streets of Washington, D.C.

A mysterious man asks Lanyard to burglarize a safe but he refuses. The man surprises Lanyard by letting him leave unharmed after his refusal.

After Lanyard leaves, Mr. Gregory, played by Ralph Morgan, reveals that he has a longstanding grudge with Lanyard. He intends to frame Lanyard for the safe burglary. The spy ring wants to obtain plans for the latest military plane.

After the spy ring commits its first unsuccessful safe burglary, the police question Lanyard, whose cigarette was found at the scene of the safe burglary. Lanyard has to solve the case to keep himself out of jail. He is also trying to protect his ward, a young girl named Patricia, and his girlfriend Val Carson. Val, played by Ida Lupino, is the daughter of a U.S. Senator.

Lanyard’s investigation leads him to a fashionable party hosted by Mr. Gregory. Again, the spy ring tries to recruit Lanyard but he again refuses. Lanyard springs his own trap but will the police get there in time?

Warren William would play Michael Lanyard in nine Lone Wolf films. The series produced several entertaining “B” films, which usually run about an hour. The Lone Wolf films were the popular first entry in a double bill. You can often find these films on YouTube, Amazon Prime or where I viewed this film, syndicated channel GetTV.

Check the film out. It will be worth your time. You can leave a comment or ask a question about this or any post in the comment section below, on my Facebook page and Twitter profile.

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