Think Fast, Mr. Moto

Think Fast, Mr. Moto is a compelling crime thriller film released in 1937, a classic of the underappreciated "Mr. Moto" movie series. The film features the indomitable Peter Lorre in the lead role as the enigmatic international spy, Mr. Moto. Directed by Norman Foster, the film also stars Virginia Field and Thomas Beck, who add more color and melodrama to this intriguing narrative.

The movie introduces us to Mr. Moto, a courteous and businesslike Japanese secret agent, on a transatlantic ocean liner, coincidentally the same one steaming towards Shanghai which an American smuggler, Bob Hitchings Jr., played by Thomas Beck, is on. Hitchings, the son of a shipping magnate, is unwittingly involved in an elaborate smuggling scheme designed by adroit villain Nicolas Marloff, played by Sig Ruman.

In her own separate plotline, the charming and sly Eleanor Joyce, played by Virginia Field, works for Marloff, but has motives of her own. Hitchings becomes enamored with Joyce before he's aware of her true intentions, which further muddles the uncomplicated, honest life he's used to. Peter Lorre's character, Mr. Moto, steps in, navigating through this twisted labyrinth of deceit and hidden agendas, working towards uncovering the masterminds behind the illegal operation. Each character holds their cards close, making the film a spell-binding guessing game of who can be trusted.

Throughout the film, Peter Lorre masterfully portrays Mr. Moto, a character originally created by the novelist John P. Marquand. He's a compact man appearing harmless at first glance, yet possessing physical prowess capable of taking down foes effortlessly. His character also demonstrates a judicious use of intellect and guile in getting to the truth.

The script, penned by Howard Ellis Smith and Norman Foster, provides Lorre with ample opportunities to showcase his unparalleled acting prowess. The movie hits all the right notes of suspense, melodrama and action, skillfully keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. The narrative unfolds through a series of fascinating twists that progressively delve deeper into the seedy underbelly of international smuggling operations.

Thomas Beck delivers an earnest performance as Bob Hitchings Jr., who initially seems mere 'fish-out-of-water' in this world of international intrigue and danger. Meanwhile, Virginia Field is captivating as the seemingly innocent but dangerously capable Eleanor Joyce. The supporting cast, led by Sig Ruman's Nicolas Marloff, lends credibility to the ensemble, contributing significantly to developing the film's intense atmosphere.

Director Norman Foster's craft is evident in the flawlessly composed shots and maneuvers employed to derive suspense and thrill from the narrative. He ably extracts the best from his cast while maintaining a sense of continued urgency in the story. The film avoids falling into the sensationalism trap that befalls many crime thrillers from the era. Instead, it paints a believable picture of a world ridden with crime. Yet, at its heart, it remains an entertaining story about an elusive detective's efforts to outwit a band of criminals.

The complex weave of numerous subplots is evidenced by the expert handling of camera work in the film. With the breathtaking cinematography by Harry Jackson and editing by Norman Colbert, there's a well-crafted execution of each scene, keeping the story engaging and visually pleasing. The absorbing atmospheric score by R.H. Bassett and Samuel Kaylin further adds depth, working in the background to give an appropriate soundtrack to the various twists and dramatic events transpiring on screen.

Think Fast, Mr. Moto enjoys a pace that does not falter throughout its run time, proving early on that it lives up to the thrill of its title. While the plot is thickly layered with mystery, deception, and heart-pounding action sequences, this film offers fascinating character arcs as well. The characters are not one-note, each having depths that are unraveled as the plot progresses.

In conclusion, Think Fast Mr. Moto stands as an intriguing suspense thriller that cherishes its characters as much as its plot. Peter Lorre's riveting portrayal of the lead character, combined with the consistent performances of the supporting cast, underscore the film's ability to capture and hold the attention of its viewers till the very end. It is a classic movie that will be enjoyed by anyone interested in the crime thriller genre or vintage cinema.