Mysterious Mr. Moto, produced in 1938 by Twentieth Century Fox, is the fifth in a series of eight films starring Peter Lorre as Mr. Moto.[1]
| Mysterious Mr. Moto | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Norman Foster |
| Screenplay by | Philip MacDonald Norman Foster |
| Based on | Mr. Moto novel series by John P. Marquand |
| Produced by | Sol M. Wurtzel |
| Starring | Peter Lorre Mary Maguire Henry Wilcoxon Erik Rhodes |
| Cinematography | Virgil Miller |
| Edited by | Norman Colbert |
| Music by | Samuel Kaylin |
| Distributed by | Twentieth Century-Fox |
Release date |
|
Running time | 63 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
The film is based on the character of Mr. Moto created by John P. Marquand, from an original screenplay by Philip MacDonald and Norman Foster.
It was originally known as Mysterious Mr. Moto of Devil's Island.
Plot
editA daring escape is made from the French penal colony on Devil's Island by Mr. Moto, pretending to be Ito Matsuka, a Japanese murderer, and Paul Brissac, who belongs to a group of assassins. Brissac changes his name to Romero when they arrive in London and Moto stays on as his houseboy.
Moto then uncovers a plot to assassinate pacifist industrialist Anton Darvak.
Cast
edit- Peter Lorre as Mr. Kentaro Moto
- Mary Maguire as Ann Richman
- Henry Wilcoxon as Anton Darvak
- Erik Rhodes as David Scott-Frensham
- Harold Huber as Ernst Litmar
- Leon Ames as Paul Brissac (alias Romero)
- Forrester Harvey as George Higgins
- Fredrik Vogeding as Gottfried Brujo
- Lester Matthews as Sir Charles Murchison
- John Rogers as Sniffy
- Karen Sorrell as Lotus Liu
Production
editHenry Wilcoxon replaced Michael Whalen in the cast.[2] It was an early Hollywood role for Australian actor Mary Maguire.[3]
Filming took place in March and April 1938, shortly after completion of Mr Moto's Gamble.[4]
During filming Peter Lorre, as Moto, impersonated a seventy-year-old German painter.[5]
Reception
editThe film was released in May 1938. The Los Angeles Times praised the "exciting action".[6] It arrived in New York in September.[7]
Home media
editThis film, along with Think Fast, Mr. Moto, Thank You, Mr. Moto and Mr. Moto Takes a Chance, was released on DVD in 2006 by 20th Century Fox as part of The Mr. Moto Collection, Volume One.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "NEWS OF THE SCREEN: George Arliss Will Appear in 'Suez' at 20th CenturyFox-Donald O'Connor Gets Role in Crosby Film Other Items at Fox Coast Scripts Of Local Origin". New York Times. March 12, 1938. p. 13.
- ^ "RICHARD DIX CAST FOR 'GROUND CREW': To Star in Picture Which RKO Will Make One of Its More Impressive Productions DICK POWELL GETS ROLE Will Appear in 'The Hottentot'-'Start Cheering' Opens at Rialto Here This Morning Frances Farmer Replaced Coast Scripts Of Local Origin". New York Times. March 16, 1938. p. 21.
- ^ HEDDA HOPPER (April 7, 1938). "In Hollywood". The Washington Post. p. X26.
- ^ "Nationalities Vary On 'Mr. Moto' Set". The Washington Post. April 19, 1938. p. X10.
- ^ "Age Moto 40 Years In 20 Minutes". The Washington Post. May 8, 1938. p. TT4.
- ^ von Blon, Katherine T. (May 28, 1938). ""CHAPERONED BY THREE" NOVEL, INTERESTING PLAY". Los Angeles Times. p. A7.
- ^ "SCREEN NEWS HERE AND IN HOLLYWOOD". New York Times. September 17, 1938. p. 20.