THE SQUEAKER
UK, 1937, 77 minutes, Black and white.
Edmund Lowe, Sebastian Shaw, Ann Todd, Robert Newton, Alistair Sim.
Directed by William K. Howard.
One of the many versions of Edgar Wallace's stories over the decades. Wallace died in 1932 and had achieved some status. Alexander Korda produced this rather lavish presentation of the Wallace story and employed the stars of the time - of interest now because of the later careers of Robert Newton, Alastair Sim, Ann Todd. There is rather a subdued elegance about British crime thrillers compared with the thirties' U.S. thrillers.
1. An entertaining crime story? The popularity of Edgar Wallace over the decades? The many film versions?
2. Edgar Wallace and crime stories of the twenties and thirties? Capturing the atmosphere of the times? Crime, the police, investigation? London society?
3. Black and white photography, Scotland Yard? Editing, various technical devices for creating atmosphere and for the identity of the Squeaker? Music, cabaret songs? The popular crime style of the thirties' film-making in Britain?
4. How interesting the basic crime situation? Jewel robberies, the elegant fence for distribution of jewellery? flis strict deals? His anonymity? His informing? The device of communicating by fog and breath on the car windows? Graeme and his robbery, confrontation with The Squeaker and decision to reveal his identity? The revelation that Sutton was the Squeaker? Audience interest in his identity, cover-up, relationship with Carol, pursuit by Graeme, investigation by the police, pursuit by Barrabal?
5. The presentation of Scotland Yard and the British traditions? Barrabal and his being down-and-out, his story, his being re-employed? The support of Scotland Yard? His success and achievement and reinstatement? Barrabal and his personality, his skills? The impersonation to Carol and to Sutton? Carol's disillusionment with him? The romantic interludes? The build-up to his investigation and exposure of the case? Thirties' hero of the crime film?
6. Sutton and his respectability, relationship with Carol, employing Barrabal, his relationship with the police? The revelation that he was the Squeaker? His cover-ups, confrontation with Graeme? Breakdown?
7. The sub-plot with Graeme and his robbery, hopes, relationship with Tamara? His arrest, interrogation, escape, pursuit? The inevitability of his death?
8. Collie and his knowledge of the underworld, connections with Barrabal, with Graeme? His Scot's humour? Type, work?
9. The portrait of the police at work?
10. Audiences enjoying the clues, investigations, confrontation? The appeal of this kind of crime thriller? Its basic presentation of The Squeaker, right and wrong, justice and its administration?
