A Face in the Fog is a very derivative 1930's mystery movie. We have many of the staples of the genre – a mysterious black cloaked villain, a bubbly and inquisitive female journalist, a cowardly comedy character, a ridiculous murder method, etc etc. So it isn't exactly breaking the mould to say the least. However, it isn't too bad as these films go either. Unlike many mystery movies of the time, this one actually remembers to include some suspenseful moments. OK, it's hardly a white knuckle ride but it does have a reasonable villain and a good enough final confrontation; while the mystery is reasonably diverting enough. And last, and by no means least, it's very short so it never really outstays its welcome. These old Poverty Row films are for the most part extremely limited and lacking, and while this one doesn't entirely break away from that generalisation, it's one of the more entertaining ones.
Review of A Face in the Fog
