Movie spotlight
The Midnight Man
When young inventor Bob Moore fails in his efforts to provide his father, a safe manufacturer, with a lock that is burglar proof, he contacts The "Eel," the most talented safecracker in the city, to offer him a job in his factory. The Eel, deciding to go straight, accepts the offer, but when he later learns that Irene Hardin has been given a valuable necklace by her father, The Eel plans one last job to secure Irene's pearls.
Insights
Plot Summary
A wealthy man, known only as the Midnight Man, is suspected of a series of jewel thefts that plague the city. He operates under the cover of darkness, and his methods are so ingenious that the police are baffled. A determined detective sets out to unmask this elusive criminal, leading to a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase through the city's shadowy underworld.
Critical Reception
As a silent film from 1917, contemporary critical reception is largely unarchived. However, it is understood to have been a typical example of the mystery and crime serials popular during that era, likely appreciated for its suspenseful plot and intriguing premise.
What Reviewers Say
Engaging mystery with a suspenseful narrative typical of early crime dramas.
Features an elusive protagonist that kept audiences guessing.
A product of its time, focusing on a masked criminal and police pursuit.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this film is unavailable due to its age and lack of widespread digital archiving.
Fun Fact
S. Rankin Drew, who directed and starred in the film, was also known for his directorial work on other popular films of the silent era, including adaptations of classic literature.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources