The Lone Wolf in Paris ** (1938, Francis Lederer, Frances Drake, Walter Kingsford, Leona Maricle, Olaf Hytten) – Classic Movie Review 6843

Francis Lederer signs up as The Lone Wolf for one episode only, taking over from Melvyn Douglas in the sequel to The Lone Wolf Returns (1935). Frances Drake co-stars as a rival robber posing as princess in distress who pays reformed jewel thief Michael Lanyard aka The Lone Wolf (Lederer) to nab back her family’s crown jewels stolen by a devious duke (Walter Kingsford).

The Lone Wolf in Paris is a mildly amusing thriller, but it is a couple of notches down from its predecessor, with Lederer acceptable but slightly disappointing as a substitute for Douglas.

Also in the cast are Walter Kingsford as Grand Duke Gregor de Meyerson, Leona Maricle as Baroness Cambrell, Olaf Hytten as the valet Jenkins, Albert Dekker as Marquis Louis de Meyerson, Maurice Cass as hotel manager Alfonse Fromont, Bess Flowers as Davna, Ruth Robinson as The Queen of Arvonne, Pio Peretti as Prince Paul of Arvonne and Eddie Fetherston as henchman Mace.

The Lone Wolf in Paris is directed by Albert S Rogell, runs 66 minutes, is released by Columbia Pictures, is written by Arthur T Horman, based on the story by Louis Joseph Vance, and shot in black and white by Lucien Ballard.

Warren William took over as The Lone Wolf in The Lone Wolf Spy Hunt (1939), making the role his own in a run of nine movies that ended with Passport to Suez (1943).

Czech-born Francis Lederer (November 6, 1899 – May 25, 2000) worked until the week before he died, at the age of 100.

© Derek Winnert 2018 Classic Movie Review 6843

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