The Bat Whispers
| The Bat Whispers | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Directed by | Roland West |
| Produced by | Joseph M. Schenck |
| Written by |
Avery Hopwood (play) Mary Roberts Rinehart (play) Roland West |
| Starring |
Chester Morris Una Merkel |
| Music by | Hugo Riesenfeld |
| Cinematography |
Ray June (35mm) Robert H. Planck (70mm) |
| Edited by | Hal C. Kern James Smith |
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Production
company |
Joseph M. Schenck Productions for Art Cinema Corporation
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| Distributed by | United Artists |
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Release date
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Running time
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83 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
The Bat Whispers is a 1930 American Pre-Code mystery film directed by Roland West, produced by Joseph M. Schenck, and released by United Artists. The film is based on the 1920 mystery play The Bat, written by Avery Hopwood and Mary Roberts Rinehart and previously adapted to film in 1926.
A mysterious criminal by the name of "The Bat" eludes police and then finally announces his retirement to the country.
In the countryside near the town of Oakdale, news of a bank robbery in Oakdale has put Mrs. Van Gordner’s maid, Lizzie, on edge. Mrs. Van Gordner is leasing the house from Mr. Fleming, the Oakdale bank president, who is in Europe. The chief suspect in the bank robbery, a cashier, has disappeared. Mrs. Van Gordner’s niece, Dale arrives followed by the gardener she has hired. Dr. Venrees arrives and tell Mrs. Van Gordner that he has received a telegram from Fleming stating that because of the robbery he will be returning soon and will need to occupy his house.
There are mysterious noises in the house and lights turning on and off. A rock is thrown the window with a note threatening harm if the occupants don’t leave. Dale, and the gardener, who is actually Brook, the missing teller, are looking for a secret room in the house. They believe the money from the robbery is hidden there.
Detective Anderson shows up and questions Mrs. Van Gordner. Mr. Fleming’s nephew, Richard, arrives at Dale’s request. She is hoping he can help in finding the secret room. Richard finds the house plans but refuses to show them to Dale. He pushes her away and runs up the stairs but he is shot by someone at the top of the stairs and falls dead. Mrs. Van Gordner sends for a private detective.
A mysterious masked man sticks a gun in the caretaker’s back and tell him he better get everyone out of the house. The lights continue to go on and off. The shadow of the Bat is seen by various occupants of the house.
Anderson states that Fleming isn’t in Europe but robbed his own bank. He accuses the doctor of being part of the plot.
An unconscious man is found in the garage. He comes to and is questioned by Anderson. He can’t remember anything. Anderson tells the private detective to keep an eye on him.
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Wikipedia