Another in the Conrad Nagel-Eleanor Hunt series of crime-busting "B" features, this one is not nearly as interesting as the ones actually directed by Joseph H. Lewis who here officiates as supervising film editor – but with little distinction. Maybe he just had nothing to work with and could do little with the dull material shot by director Louis J. Gasnier (even though, according to IMDb, Lewis had an uncredited hand in the direction here as well). On the other hand, this entry is competently acted, notwithstanding some banal dialogue – "Either we get out of here fast, or it's curtains for us!" How Nagel can speak lines like these with a perfectly straight face does credit to his professionalism. The plot is not only routine, but actually runs out of steam about three-quarters the way through, and thus needed to be padded out with some comic relief episodes involving Si Jenks as a crusty old cabdriver. On the other hand, there's probably just enough action and just barely sufficient production values to satisfy the series' most undemanding fans. Available on a good quality Alpha DVD.
Review of The Gold Racket
