The Crooked Circle

The Crooked Circle is a delightful combination of comedy, mystery, and suspense that was released in 1932. The movie showcases the prodigious talents of its well-chosen ensemble cast; the brilliant Zasu Pitts, the charismatic Ben Lyon, and the versatile James Gleason, vying to steal the scenes which they so effortlessly did, with their impeccable comedic timings and skillful performances.

Directed by H. Bruce Humberstone, and written by Ralph Spence and Tim Whelan, The Crooked Circle imbues elements of laugh-out-loud comedy with the eerie vibes of a classic mystery thriller. The narrative centers around a secret criminal organization known as "The Crooked Circle", and the members of a radio-loyal amateur detective club, who get entangled in a tangled web of intrigue and hilarity.

The plot begins with an interesting turn of events as a mysterious band of hooded villains, known as The Crooked Circle, pledge to get revenge on a noted singer turned amateur detective, Brand Osborne, played by Ben Lyon, and his high-spirited, loyal group of fellow vigilantes called "The Sphinx Club". The setting majorly takes place in a supposedly haunted house, providing the quintessential stage for an engaging mystery drama sprinkled with the humor, largely bestowed by Zasu Pitts and James Gleason.

Zasu Pitts delivers an exceptional performance as Nora Rafferty, a constantly nervous and jumpy maid who adds to the hilarity of the movie with her comedic skills. Her wit and her uncanny ability to blend horror with humor, often at the most unexpected times, provide a light-hearted balance to the tension-filled narrative.

Ben Lyon, as the leader of The Sphinx Club, showcases his charm and courage as he tries to outsmart the sinister operations of the Crooked Circle. His character straddles the intersection of humour and gravity with ease, personifying the enigmatic detective who always remains one step ahead of his enemies.

James Gleason, on the other hand, in the role of the sardonic taxi driver ‘Cremer', provides comic relief. His charm and downright cleverness, combined with a knack of turning situations around, bring exuberance and entertainment throughout the film, making him an unforgettable character.

As the plot unfolds, the cast of this movie finds themselves starting to converge in a seemingly haunted house. What follows is a night filled with suspense and surprises, where secret passages, sliding panels, and spectral figures keep the audience on their toes. This movie balances the most grueling suspense with the most uproarious comedy, rustling up a truly unique cinematic experience.

The supporting roles in the movie cannot go unnoticed either. C. Henry Gordon as Rankin, a suave criminal mastermind, and Roscoe Karns as Harry Carter, also a part of The Sphinx Club, complement the film’s atmosphere with their engaging performances.

At its core, The Crooked Circle is not just about a quest to solve a mystery or catch a criminal organization. Rather, it is about diverse characters and unexpected shenanigans, all melded together in a narrative that combines elements of comedy, mystery, and suspense.

Despite being produced in the early 1930s, the film holds up remarkably well, exhibiting timeless comedy and suspense that can still appeal to contemporary audiences. Moreover, it was one of the earliest films broadcast on television, testifying to its enduring appeal and relevance.

Visually speaking, the movie’s cinematography is worth noting. Given that it was created at a time when the film industry was transitioning from silent films to talkies, the director effectively leverages camera work and sound to heighten the suspense and humor.

In conclusion, The Crooked Circle is an intriguing blend of crime, mystery, and comedy genres that promises (and delivers) suspense, laughter, and entertainment, surely appealing to an audience who shares a love for these genres in classic cinema. The memorable performances by the main actors, the thrilling plot twists, and the well-timed comedic breaks make it a noteworthy offering from Hollywood's golden era.