“The Crooked Circle” (1932) starring Zasu Pitts & James Gleason / Z-View
The Crooked Circle (1932)
Director: H. Bruce Humberstone
Screenplay: Ralph Spence (original screenplay), Tim Whelan (additional dialogue)
Stars: Zasu Pitts, James Gleason, C. Henry Gordon, Raymond Hatton, Berton Churchill, Spencer Charters, Robert Frazer, Frank Reicher and Christian Rub.
Tagline: WHAT TIME IS IT WHEN THE CLOCK STRIKES 13? THRILLS will creep on you-LAUGHS will leap on you! IN ZASU PITTS FIRST FEATURE PICTURE
The Plot…
The Crooked Circle, a secret group of criminals, has vowed to kill Colonel Theodore Walters. Walters is a member of the Sphinx Club, a group of amateur detectives.
When the Sphinx Club meets at a creepy, old mansion, the Crooked Circle plan to make good on their vow.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
The Crooked Circle is a variation on “The Old Dark House” movies that were popular in the era. Hidden passageways, ghosts, bad guys and a touch of comedy are staples of this genre.
Zasu Pitts and James Gleason were the top billed stars, but their characters aren’t the main focus of the film.
Zasu is her real name. Her mother made it up taking the last two letters of Eliza and the first two letters of Susan. Her mother’s sisters were named Eliza and Susan.
Zasu Pitts was the inspiration for Popeye’s girlfriend, Olive Oyle!
The Crooked Circle (1932) rates 3 of 5 stars.
