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The Bat Whispers (1930)

6.5 | Nov 13, 1930 (US) | Mystery, Comedy, Crime, Horror | 01:23

Greatest All Talking Thriller

Infamous burglar "The Bat" commits a daring jewelry theft despite heavy police presence. Soon after, a bank theft occurs, which may be the work of the criminal as well. Meanwhile, Cornelia Van Gorder has various people arrive at her old mansion, including her niece, Dale, a bank employee, and police detective Anderson. When guests start turning up dead, Cornelia begins to suspect that The Bat may be lurking around the estate.

Featured Crew

Director, Writer
Makeup Artist
Director of Photography
Assistant Director
Editor
Editor
Director of Photography
Theatre Play
Theatre Play

Cast

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Chester Morris
Detective Anderson
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Chance Ward
Police lieutenant
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Una Merkel
Dale Van Gorder
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Richard Tucker
Mr. Bell
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Wilson Benge
The Butler
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DeWitt Jennings
Police Captain
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Sidney D'Albrook
Police Sergeant
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S.E. Jennings
Man in Black Mask
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Grayce Hampton
Miss Cornelia van Gorder
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Maude Eburne
Lizzie Allen

Reviews

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CinemaSerf
6 | Jun 13, 2022
When a diamond necklace is stolen from under the very noses of the police, the perpetrator - "the Bat" - leaves them a note saying they can relax - he is off to pastures new... Shortly afterwards, suspicious things start going on at a country house where a mystery unfolds that leads the assembled group to try to track down a satchel with half a million bucks in it! The antics in the house are well paced and entertaining - especially the completely over the top Una Merkel "Dale van Gorder" who is quite literally scared by her own shadow. The lighting and settings are very stage bound, but in this instance that helps keep the production tight and engaging. The action is plentiful, if a little slapstick at times - and the ending straight out of a Laurel and Hardy film. It's worth sticking with it right to the ending though - quite an innovative invitation to the audience not to leak the identity of the "Bat" to their friends lest they, too, risk becoming his next victims. It's fun, this - not great, but fun.