The Lone Wolf Returns

Fortunately, despite his sins in "The Broken Wing". Melvyn Douglas evinces a welcome return to form on another VintageFilmBuff DVD release, "The Lone Wolf Returns" (1935), the tenth and possibly the best of the 24-picture series. In fact, Douglas fits the role with such perfection, it's a shame he was not used again. He enjoys great support from Raymond Walburn (as his Man Friday), Thurston Hall (making the most of a showy role as the pursuing detective), Gail Patrick (the love interest) and Douglass Dumbrille (the villain, of course). Scintillating black-and-white photography by Henry Freulich, attractive sets and remarkably high production values for a 68- minutes series entry, also impress. Roy William Neill's direction is effective, although not in the same class as his later flings with Sherlock Holmes. (The DVD rates at least 9/10 - if you are lucky enough to find a copy).