Creaky Ray Kirkwood Production about a man and his niece in an Eastern seaport meeting trouble over a stolen gem. The uncle gets his hands on a rare gem briefly before it is taken from him along with his niece. A colonial policeman, and former/future love interest to the pretty niece, goes incognito as a henchman for the kidnapper/thief with whom he has an uncanny resemblance. This is basically the plot of this short, barely under an hour, cheaply-made production. Director Fred C. Newmeyer doesn't have much to work with here: sparse budget despite the need of an "exotic" setting, a weak, yet spirited script by Norman Springer where the dual roles of Detective Jack Wilson and Butch Curtain are the primary focal points, and some less than inspiring performances. Lon Chaney plays the dual roles and is at the very least a hoot to watch. His Jack Wilson is very good and conservatively played, but Chaney goes all out for his ugly, swarthy, drunk, gambling, less-than-brilliant Butch Curtain. Though neither character gets much depth of characterization, there are a few scenes with Chaney hamming it up as Curtain gambling that I found humorous - while he plays darts a parrot continually taunts him and gets him to eye the bird several times prior to throwing a knife with great accuracy at the dart board. Shelia Terry is very fetching as the lovely niece if nothing else, but none of the other actors are too good nor are they real horrible either. This movie is mildly entertaining but really suffers from the budgetary constraints of being a Ray Kirkwood Production. The title is also misleading as it has almost nothing to do with anything.
16 Reviews
Lon Chaney Jr as hero and villain in creaky but watchable crime drama
dbborroughs14 August 2006
The plot concerns the Tear of Buddha ruby which the villain wants to get and the owner and his niece want to keep. Low budget independent film thats more than a tad creaky owing to it production rather than its story which does move along at a good clip. Certainly not a great film but it is one that over comes its limitations for a decent way to spend an hour.
Lon Chaney Jr has two roles as detective searching for a criminal mastermind and as the masterminds henchmen. Its good to see him in what would be an atypical role as a romantic leading man. Clearly the two roles was an effort to cash in on his fathers name and while its not one of the tortured roles he was well known for later in his career, he does acquit himself nicely.
Worth a look especially for Lon Chaney Jr fans.
Lon Chaney Jr has two roles as detective searching for a criminal mastermind and as the masterminds henchmen. Its good to see him in what would be an atypical role as a romantic leading man. Clearly the two roles was an effort to cash in on his fathers name and while its not one of the tortured roles he was well known for later in his career, he does acquit himself nicely.
Worth a look especially for Lon Chaney Jr fans.
A Chip off the Old Block
wes-connors21 July 2009
"A Singapore bar owner and his niece come into possession of a rare ruby, 'The Tear of Buddha', which is coveted by a ruthless criminal. The criminal succeeds in taking the gem and kidnapping the niece, while two police detectives hope to close in on him. When one of the officers is killed, his partner goes undercover to find the killer, rescue the kidnapped girl, and return the stolen gem," according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis.
Lon Chaney Jr. dips into his dad's make-up bag of tricks; he plays the good-looking lead detective "Jack Wilson" and the villainous henchman of "Johnny Fly" (Manuel López), a dart-throwing and hard-drinking hulk named "Butch Curtain". Perhaps surprisingly, perhaps not, Mr. Chaney is better as the relatively straight detective, especially after he switches identities with his thuggish look-alike. A fair bang, for the budget.
**** A Scream in the Night (1935) Fred C. Newmeyer ~ Lon Chaney Jr., Manuel López, Sheila Terry
Lon Chaney Jr. dips into his dad's make-up bag of tricks; he plays the good-looking lead detective "Jack Wilson" and the villainous henchman of "Johnny Fly" (Manuel López), a dart-throwing and hard-drinking hulk named "Butch Curtain". Perhaps surprisingly, perhaps not, Mr. Chaney is better as the relatively straight detective, especially after he switches identities with his thuggish look-alike. A fair bang, for the budget.
**** A Scream in the Night (1935) Fred C. Newmeyer ~ Lon Chaney Jr., Manuel López, Sheila Terry
Z-Grade beginning for Lon Chaney Jr. A clunky must see for his dedicated fans
DarthVoorhees13 October 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Lon Chaney Jr is one of if not my favorite actor. I have to give a fair warning I'm probably going to look at this film through rose colored lenses. There is no debating that 'A Scream in the Night' isn't very good and that it only has the most niche of appeal for Lon Chaney Jr completists. I will say though that on those most narrow of terms that yes I kind of got a kick out of seeing my hero in an early leading man role.
Before you can even really discuss the film on it's own merits you have to acknowledge that it is a public domain disaster. The hiss and poor picture make a lot of the scenes nearly unwatchable and I imagine that the copy of the film I saw was one of the better ones. 'A Scream in the Night' is already convolutedly plotted and poorly paced so your viewing experience is already at a disadvantage. I had to rewind a few times to get another look at plot points (hey I'm not lying about my Chaney Jr dedication).
Really the only appeal at all is Chaney Jr and 'A Scream in the Night' does not disappoint as an oddity in his filmography. This must be right around the time that Creighton Chaney made the fateful decision to become Lon Chaney Jr and 'A Scream in the Night' exploits it to the extreme. Ironically I say 'A Scream in the Night' is a film more in the mold of Chaney's legendary father than any of the Universal monster pictures. I was reminded quite a bit of films like 'Road to Mandalay' or 'West of Zanzibar' in looking at how Jr brought the ugly ruffian Butch Curtain to life. The plot of a detective taking a duel role is right out of one of his father's most famous roles in 'London After Midnight'. The producers of 'A Scream in the Night' must have been fans of the Man of a Thousand Faces, particularly the Browning films.
So how does Lon Jr stack up to his father in this similar role? To be honest? I was entertained by the way he moved between characters. Lon actually has an opportunity for his dual roles to interact with each other, it's a hoot. Could Chaney Jr have made a career being a master of the same type of leading man character driven films his father made? 'A Scream in the Night' does not show great hope for that career direction. And yet even in this clunky low budget production aged by neglect...we see the beginnings of Chaney's charming and sad screen presence.
Interestingly enough in early interviews and press Lon Chaney Jr was heralded as a potential suave leading man in the mold of Clark Gable. Chaney's turn as Jack Wilson gives you pause for thought. He was a very handsome young man before he abused his body so.
Before you can even really discuss the film on it's own merits you have to acknowledge that it is a public domain disaster. The hiss and poor picture make a lot of the scenes nearly unwatchable and I imagine that the copy of the film I saw was one of the better ones. 'A Scream in the Night' is already convolutedly plotted and poorly paced so your viewing experience is already at a disadvantage. I had to rewind a few times to get another look at plot points (hey I'm not lying about my Chaney Jr dedication).
Really the only appeal at all is Chaney Jr and 'A Scream in the Night' does not disappoint as an oddity in his filmography. This must be right around the time that Creighton Chaney made the fateful decision to become Lon Chaney Jr and 'A Scream in the Night' exploits it to the extreme. Ironically I say 'A Scream in the Night' is a film more in the mold of Chaney's legendary father than any of the Universal monster pictures. I was reminded quite a bit of films like 'Road to Mandalay' or 'West of Zanzibar' in looking at how Jr brought the ugly ruffian Butch Curtain to life. The plot of a detective taking a duel role is right out of one of his father's most famous roles in 'London After Midnight'. The producers of 'A Scream in the Night' must have been fans of the Man of a Thousand Faces, particularly the Browning films.
So how does Lon Jr stack up to his father in this similar role? To be honest? I was entertained by the way he moved between characters. Lon actually has an opportunity for his dual roles to interact with each other, it's a hoot. Could Chaney Jr have made a career being a master of the same type of leading man character driven films his father made? 'A Scream in the Night' does not show great hope for that career direction. And yet even in this clunky low budget production aged by neglect...we see the beginnings of Chaney's charming and sad screen presence.
Interestingly enough in early interviews and press Lon Chaney Jr was heralded as a potential suave leading man in the mold of Clark Gable. Chaney's turn as Jack Wilson gives you pause for thought. He was a very handsome young man before he abused his body so.
Chaney Jr.
kairingler3 March 2014
Definitely not one of Lon Chaney Jr.'s more memorable films that's for sure,, for the large part I believe he was terribly miscast for this particular role.. and probably should have avoided this film altogether. He plays to his credit though 2 roles.. one of a Police Detective, and the other of a drunkard, criminal.. a gem is in possession of a man , then it is stolen from him,, and the detective has to get his hands on it,,, there are two women involved, so you have a love triangle going on between several men,, which complicates things in the movie, such as a doublecross.. my favorite part of the movie without a doubt is the parrot scene,, where the drunkard.. Chaney Jr. character is throwing darts at a dartboard,, and there is a parrot right next to the dart board,, and the parrot is so annoying,, and you have to laugh as the man grows very agitated at the parrot and every time he throws the darts,, the look on the parrot's face is priceless.
"Tell Me, Have You Ever Been Shot In The Head?!"...
azathothpwiggins29 June 2021
In A SCREAM IN THE NIGHT, police detective, Jack Wilson (Lon Chaney Jr.) is on the trail of ruthless criminal mastermind, Johnny Fly (Manuel Lopez), who is out to steal a precious ruby.
Meanwhile, romance blooms when Jack is reunited with his old flame, Edith Bentley (Sheila Terry). Jack's investigation leads him into a dark underworld, where he goes undercover as a notorious thug named Butch Curtain.
As crime dramas go, this one's enjoyable enough. Chaney does quite well in his dual role, getting to play both a good guy and a bad guy.
Vintage low-low-budget entertainment...
Meanwhile, romance blooms when Jack is reunited with his old flame, Edith Bentley (Sheila Terry). Jack's investigation leads him into a dark underworld, where he goes undercover as a notorious thug named Butch Curtain.
As crime dramas go, this one's enjoyable enough. Chaney does quite well in his dual role, getting to play both a good guy and a bad guy.
Vintage low-low-budget entertainment...
Rather craptastic!
planktonrules10 May 2011
Warning: Spoilers
This film is notable for one thing--an early appearance by Lon Chaney, Jr.--here billed under his actual name, Creighton Chaney. Aside from that, it's a very low-budget B-movie--and it shows its low pedigree in every way. The acting is often abysmal, the script clichéd and I assumed it was directed by a chimp! The film is about some stolen ruby and a criminal that strangles his victims but as yet is unknown. To get to the bottom of this, a police detective (Chaney) poses as one of the killer's henchmen--who just so happens to look EXACTLY like Chaney!!! How fortuitous! Think about it. the odds of a person looking EXACTLY like someone else are astronomically great. Yet here, on top of that, the cop on the case just happens to look exactly like the #1 suspect!! Sometimes in film you need to suspend disbelief to enjoy them--here you just need to be very stupid! The bottom line is that the actors(?) often struggle over delivering their lines (especially the ones doing outrageous accents), there is a fight scene at the end that is hilariously bad and the entire plot is based on a bad cliché. Even for fans of B-movies, this one is very slow going and dull.
By the way, if you do choose to see this film, listen to Chaney's voice. Neither character sounds like Chaney did in his films just a few years later. My assumption is that he got some voice lessons in order to deepen his voice.
By the way, if you do choose to see this film, listen to Chaney's voice. Neither character sounds like Chaney did in his films just a few years later. My assumption is that he got some voice lessons in order to deepen his voice.
Meaninglessly titled Lon Chaney vehicle
Red-Barracuda4 July 2010
A detective is on the pursuit of a jewel thief somewhere in the Far East. This very short movie moves at a snail's pace and in truth does not provide very much entertainment. Lon Chaney plays two separate roles here, as the aforementioned detective and a drunken thug. In all honesty, neither character is terribly interesting. Neither is the plot-line either. It's all very lethargic and poorly presented. It was obviously shot on a low budget but that's not really much of an excuse for something so tedious. The title of the movie is entirely meaningless too - I guess it was designed to make it sound like a horror film, and the Chaney name would help sell it. But there are no thrills in this one sadly. The star of the show was probably the lippy parrot that lived in the bar. That of course is strictly faint praise.
Back when Lon Chaney Jr. was a fairly decent actor.
mark.waltz21 January 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Most actors get better with age. In the case of Lon Chaney Jr., he started off promising but proceeded to get more mannered and melodramatic as he aged. Changing his name from Creighton to Lon Jr. with this low budget adventure, he actually played two completely opposite characters, and did a decent job. As a young man, he was quite handsome, but by the time he played the wolf man, he had put on a lot of weight and seemed to be older than he really was.
Playing a detective and an Igor like cripple who is obviously up to no good, Chaney even gets to act opposite himself. The plot deals with kidnapping and a stolen ruby, attacks on innocent tourists, and the jealousy of a native girl towards the blonde kidnapping victim. It's cheaply made and often creaky, but some sudden ingenious camera shots give this a larger element of mystery. Stereotypical middle eastern villains are total clichés, while the Americans are presented as noble and heroic, victims of the darkly presented criminals.
Exotic native girl Zarah Tazil is the most one dimensional of the vindictive characters, jealous over blonde beauty Sheila Terry, and desperate to scar her pretty face. But Terry is no Barbie doll blonde, able to take care of herself opposite the hot tempered Tazil. Chaney's pathetic Butch Curtain is given several dimensions, so he is spared the defensiveness of the other middle eastern, but what's up with that ridiculous name? The script is filled fortune cookie like prophecies that just get sillier and sillier. Almost serial like in its format, it manages to be interesting cheap entertainment that gets more ridiculous but gives off some laughs which ultimately makes it likable while wretched dreck at the same time.
Playing a detective and an Igor like cripple who is obviously up to no good, Chaney even gets to act opposite himself. The plot deals with kidnapping and a stolen ruby, attacks on innocent tourists, and the jealousy of a native girl towards the blonde kidnapping victim. It's cheaply made and often creaky, but some sudden ingenious camera shots give this a larger element of mystery. Stereotypical middle eastern villains are total clichés, while the Americans are presented as noble and heroic, victims of the darkly presented criminals.
Exotic native girl Zarah Tazil is the most one dimensional of the vindictive characters, jealous over blonde beauty Sheila Terry, and desperate to scar her pretty face. But Terry is no Barbie doll blonde, able to take care of herself opposite the hot tempered Tazil. Chaney's pathetic Butch Curtain is given several dimensions, so he is spared the defensiveness of the other middle eastern, but what's up with that ridiculous name? The script is filled fortune cookie like prophecies that just get sillier and sillier. Almost serial like in its format, it manages to be interesting cheap entertainment that gets more ridiculous but gives off some laughs which ultimately makes it likable while wretched dreck at the same time.
Malaysian Gangster
Aegelis21 April 2022
There's some interesting elements to this detective story, as a criminal uses a lot of wit, influence, and power to capitalize on theft. Main characters are believable persons, though there is a fair share of stereotypical caricatures as well. Story is interesting enough, and a nice action pack brawl, abrupt ending.
There were a few parts that seemed to drag a little, but if you've got nothing else to do for the day, a little patience pays off. Some ideas and actions were hokey, and the disguised person is a bit too easily accepted, especially on close-ups. All-in-all, and enjoyably entertaining film with writing that holds some water.
There were a few parts that seemed to drag a little, but if you've got nothing else to do for the day, a little patience pays off. Some ideas and actions were hokey, and the disguised person is a bit too easily accepted, especially on close-ups. All-in-all, and enjoyably entertaining film with writing that holds some water.
First outing for Lon Chaney Jr. under heavy makeup
kevinolzak14 November 2023
1935's "Scream in the Night" was the last of two features produced by Ray Kirkwood's Commodore Pictures, starring vehicles for the 29 year old Lon Chaney Jr., whose dual role here isn't really much better than "The Shadow of Silk Lennox." Instead of a natty big city gangster, Lon is on the right side of the law as Jack Wilson, tracking down master jewel thief Johnny Fly (Manuel Lopez) to Singapore, where he infiltrates the smugglers by impersonating the scarred Butch Curtain (also Chaney), owner of the waterfront dive where the gang resides. Curtain gives the younger Chaney a chance to compete with his father under a heavy makeup, otherwise that's where the comparison ends, for neither part gives him much to do apart from having two (admittedly attractive) leading ladies. Contrary to what many reviewers have to say, Lon didn't change his name to do these two low budget efforts, since he answered the call at RKO for "Captain Hurricane," only to see his footage end up on the cutting room floor, followed by an unbilled bit in Paramount's "Hold 'Em Yale" (he first receives credit as 'Lon Chaney Jr.' in a second Paramount, "Accent on Youth"). Neither of his Commodore films saw any release in 1935, this one earning a 1943 premiere for Astor Pictures, following Lon's star making performances in "Of Mice and Men" and "The Wolf Man."
Underrated.
jacobjohntaylor122 June 2018
Come on this a very scary movie. It has a great story line. It also has great acting. It is a very scary movie. a lot scarier then The Silences of the lambs. It is also a lot scary then Hannibal. It is also a lot scary then Hannibal rising. It is a very scary movie. Not has good Red Dragon or Halloween. But almost has good.
Chaney Jr Fans Might Like This One
Rainey-Dawn10 January 2016
Not a completely terrible film but it's not a good film. It is however fun to watch Lon Chaney Jr playing two roles: Jack Wilson & Butch Curtain. Butch a shady wharfside pub owner and Jack the look-alike detective that dresses like Butch to catch the criminals and get back the stole gem.
It's a weird crime-mystery that has some funny moments. It's not a good film at all but just above horrible - but extremely watchable for Chaney Jr. - he's the best thing about the film besides the feisty females in the story.
Watch this for Chaney Jr or if you really like older bad crime-mysteries... if you are a fan of either then you might get a kick out of this film.
4/10
It's a weird crime-mystery that has some funny moments. It's not a good film at all but just above horrible - but extremely watchable for Chaney Jr. - he's the best thing about the film besides the feisty females in the story.
Watch this for Chaney Jr or if you really like older bad crime-mysteries... if you are a fan of either then you might get a kick out of this film.
4/10
Chaney Before Chaney
Michael_Elliott3 December 2008
Scream in the Night (1935)
* (out of 4)
Detective Jack Wilson (Lon Chaney, Jr.) is after a jewel thief in a small seaport. This was the first film where Chaney went by the name "Lon" and it's apparent he did so here to cash in on his father's memory and name. The film has a title at the start to let us know Lon Chaney, Jr. is the "star" and he's playing two roles, something his father did several times. Chaney offers up two very different roles with different results. He's actually pretty good as the detective but his scenes as the drunk are over the top and silly. As far as the film goes, it's pretty bad from start to finish. I normally get some sort of enjoyment out of these "B" mysteries but this one here is just downright awful with a bad story, weak supporting characters and horrible direction. This is without question one of the weakest mysteries I've seen. What's so shocking is that the movie runs under a hour yet it feels like three.
* (out of 4)
Detective Jack Wilson (Lon Chaney, Jr.) is after a jewel thief in a small seaport. This was the first film where Chaney went by the name "Lon" and it's apparent he did so here to cash in on his father's memory and name. The film has a title at the start to let us know Lon Chaney, Jr. is the "star" and he's playing two roles, something his father did several times. Chaney offers up two very different roles with different results. He's actually pretty good as the detective but his scenes as the drunk are over the top and silly. As far as the film goes, it's pretty bad from start to finish. I normally get some sort of enjoyment out of these "B" mysteries but this one here is just downright awful with a bad story, weak supporting characters and horrible direction. This is without question one of the weakest mysteries I've seen. What's so shocking is that the movie runs under a hour yet it feels like three.
A real scream
kapelusznik1827 January 2014
in the late 1950's***SOILERS*** Lon Cheney Jr. is both the scuzzy unkempt and petty crook Butch Curtin as well as the handsome well dressed & spoken private investigator Jack Wilson here as he tries to recover the stolen Tear of Buddha emerald in some un-named country that's seems to be situated between China & India.. The emerald was stolen from American diamond dealer Joe Bentelt, John Ince, after he was almost strangled by Johnny Fly, Manuel Lopez, who's been after it for years. Being a dead ringer for Butch Curtain who's Fly's assistant Jack Wilson after having Curtain arrested and put on ice takes over his identity in an effort to get Johhny to reveal where the emerald is hidden.
Not much of a movie in that it was so bad that it's studio, Astor Studios, kept it on the shelf for eight years only to release it in 1943 when Cheney was by then an established star and feeling some movie goers and Cheney fans will be interested in seeing it just for that reason alone. The film limps alone until the final scene where we have Wilson as Butch Curtain have it out with Johnny Fly. That's after his cover was blown by Johnny's jealous girlfriend Mora, Zarah Tazil, who felt he was to leave her for another woman. This was when Mora in a jealous fit went after the other woman the kidnapped Edith Bentley, John Bentley's daughter, played by Shelia Terry. It was Shelia who Mora felt had stolen Johnny Fly away from her which led to a wild cat fight between the two at the end of the film.
As for Lon Cheney's Jr. it wasn't until some four years later in 1939 when he played the part of the tragic and simple minded Lenny in "Mice and Men" that he made him a star. And it could have been the reason that no one saw "A Scream in the night" and how awful it was that made it very possible for Cheney to have gotten that part. and from there he went to bigger and better roles like "The Wolf Man" and "Son of Dracula" as well as the unforgettable Butcher Benton in the bad movie classic "Indistructable Man" before his movie career fizzled out.
Not much of a movie in that it was so bad that it's studio, Astor Studios, kept it on the shelf for eight years only to release it in 1943 when Cheney was by then an established star and feeling some movie goers and Cheney fans will be interested in seeing it just for that reason alone. The film limps alone until the final scene where we have Wilson as Butch Curtain have it out with Johnny Fly. That's after his cover was blown by Johnny's jealous girlfriend Mora, Zarah Tazil, who felt he was to leave her for another woman. This was when Mora in a jealous fit went after the other woman the kidnapped Edith Bentley, John Bentley's daughter, played by Shelia Terry. It was Shelia who Mora felt had stolen Johnny Fly away from her which led to a wild cat fight between the two at the end of the film.
As for Lon Cheney's Jr. it wasn't until some four years later in 1939 when he played the part of the tragic and simple minded Lenny in "Mice and Men" that he made him a star. And it could have been the reason that no one saw "A Scream in the night" and how awful it was that made it very possible for Cheney to have gotten that part. and from there he went to bigger and better roles like "The Wolf Man" and "Son of Dracula" as well as the unforgettable Butcher Benton in the bad movie classic "Indistructable Man" before his movie career fizzled out.
A future star gets new crediting
Byrdz5 November 2021
This item from the IMDb trivia says a LOT about this film : "Although this film was made in 1935, there is no evidence it was actually shown publicly until 1943, when Astor Pictures acquired the rights and put it out to take advantage of Lon Chaney Jr.'s subsequent stardom in horror roles for Universal."
That and , according to the posters, that the Title is SCREAM IN THE NIGHT and not A Scream in the Night.
Muddled as it is, it was interesting to see a young and enthusiastic Chaney not only finally credited but credited as Lon. Jr.
The two fights at the end of the film are a hoot ... all rolling around, missed punches and assorted hair pulling.
That and , according to the posters, that the Title is SCREAM IN THE NIGHT and not A Scream in the Night.
Muddled as it is, it was interesting to see a young and enthusiastic Chaney not only finally credited but credited as Lon. Jr.
The two fights at the end of the film are a hoot ... all rolling around, missed punches and assorted hair pulling.
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