The Hidden Hand (1942)

Memorable, crazy movie

Good story, Not enough for a whole film

Good concept, poorly executed.

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

There was a time when every major studio turned out "B" movies, 60 minute quickies to fill a double bill. "The Hidden Hand," for example. It features a group of credible, little-known actors (aside from Craig Stevens who had not yet played Peter Gunn) and keeps the budget slim by using only one set, a mysterious mansion where members of a greedy family gather to be knocked off. Why are there a pair of homicidal hands behind the painting in the living room? How come the carpet nearby hides a quick dip in a watery grave?? And how did the mistress of the manor get out of the crypt in which she was interred to plot the demise of her house guests? At least, the cast includes Milton Parsons who is either the funniest or scariest butler to escape an insane asylum. In short, a surprisingly entertaining throwback.

Hidden Hand, The (1942) ** (out of 4) Yet another "old dark house" mystery but this one here lets you know who the killers are and lets you in on their secret plan. A rich old woman helps her crazy brother escape from an insane asylum so that he can pretend to be her butler while she invites over various members of her family who are just waiting for her to die so that they can get her money. The old lady fakes her death with the help of her doctor so that she can see how the family members will act once she's gone and then more bodies start to pile up. The plot to THE HIDDEN HAND is at least something fresh but sadly the direction is so lacking that you can't help but feel the movie is twice as long as its 63-minute running time. I really enjoy watching "B" movies but this one here really took me by surprise because it seemed the screenwriter at least wanted to try something different and separate this from other entries in the genre but sadly the director simply didn't have any idea how to inject any life into the picture. There are countless scenes that just drag along including one very boring one where the family members just whisper to one another how they wish the old woman would just drop dead. Of course, none of them ever stop to think that someone listening might not be too thrilled with what they're saying. Another problem is that none of the characters are all that likable including the good girl (Elisabeth Fraser) who we know is going to get the money. Fraser is pretty good in her role even though the screenplay doesn't require too much. The same is true for Julie Bishop and Craig Stevens in their roles. The film stealer is without question Milton Parsons who plays the psychotic brother. His performance is so wacky and over-the-top that you can't help but have fun with his character. The way he's unshaven, hair as wild as can be and the way he stalks around the house is just downright fun and you can't help but wish the character had a stronger movie around him. We even get Willie Best doing his typical "scared servant" bit. THE HIDDEN HAND is one of a countless number of films that tried to fool viewers with various twists and turns. There really isn't anything ground-breaking here but the weak direction really keeps it from being better.

This is no "Halloween", but I really enjoyed this movie..not for the scares, but for the laughs. It was a great way to pass a couple of hours on a lazy Sunday afternoon in the middle of winter. Willie Best was really entertaining. The other characters did just enough and although it was very campy by today's standards, I can't fault any of them. At the end when the policemen all left the house satisfied that they had solved the crime (but left all the bodies in the hidden basement well), I laughed right out loud. I found this movie on the Turner Classic movie channel, where I watch most of the black and white movies I enjoy. If you just look at it as pure entertainment, you'd be sure to enjoy it.

Possibly my comments won't fit with other viewers' comments as I saw this film in 1942 when it was issued, and I was 7 years old.As a 7 year old I found it scary, interesting, and sometimes comic.I realize 62 years later the film would probably not frighten me now in the least. I think the story was original. Milton Parsons I remember well. His funereal manner was fascinating and his appearance is vivid in my memory. I remember him as a good little cameo actor from the 1940s, as well as one unfortunate, Rondo Hatton, who was not an actor but appeared as a monster due to his acromegaly. Bring back the films of the 1940s and early 1950s!