In The Lone Wolf Takes a Chance (1941) we see a plot with potential ruined by some ill-considered choices when it comes to character. The basics are good: the inventor of a railcar which emits poison gas when broken into is kidnapped by those seeking the combination, yet the kidnapping is clever enough that no one but retired diamond thief Lone Wolf (Warren Williams) realizes a kidnapping has taken place. The plot has enough twists to make it interesting, and the antagonists are not without smarts, as the the mastermind also masquerades as a doctor unconnected to the kidnappers, stationed to conveniently diagnose the victim as being quite ill. In the plot we can see the back and forth of resourceful people competing to reach a goal.
But the movie falls apart in character selection. The police are mostly buffoons or egotists to a degree unbelievable and very, very annoying. This is not unusual for the Lone Wolf series. However, the Lone Wolf’s butler (odd, that, eh?), played by Eric Blore, who in previous outings has shown a degree of wit and ingenuity, in this entry merely competes with the police for foolishness and fearfulness. He becomes a major disappointment, compounded by his better appearances in other parts of the series.
As my Arts Editor points out, add in the element of knowing all will be in well in the end, and the movie fails to compel one’s attention honestly; indeed, I’m tempted to condemn the “happy ending” tradition out of hand. Only the interest in the complexities of the plot kept my attention; I actively squirmed whenever the police occupied the screen, and nearly wept when the butler displayed his incompetence and lack of charm.
Hard to recommend this go.
