Betty Laidlaw Movies
- 1939
Fighting Mad was the second of producer Phil Krasne's "Renfrew of the Royal Mounted" films to be released by Monogram (taking over from the defunct Grand National Pictures). In this endeavor, Renfrew (James Newill) and his young pal Kelly (Dave O'Brien) take on American gangster Cardigan (Milburn Stone), who muscles his way into the Great White North. Cardigan has enlisted the reluctant aid of heroine Ann (Sally Blane), who out of fear of being arrested on a trumped-up charge is helping the villain smuggle stolen loot across the border. Comedy relief is provided by Benny Rubin as a Lower East Side type who aspires to become a mountie. In the next "Renfrew" outing, Murder on the Yukon, the heroine was played by Polly Ann Young, sister of Fighting Mad's Sally Blane. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- James Newill, Sally Blane, (more)
- 1938
This murder mystery is set behind-the-scenes of a radio station. the trouble begins when a hated cad of a sponsor is found murdered during the climax of a live radio show. The sponsor had a reputation for using women. A clever radio engineer solves the mystery. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Donald Woods, Nan Grey, (more)
- 1938
On the Great White Trail was the second B-picture inspired by Laurie York Erskine's "Renfrew of the Royal Mounted" books. James Newill is back as Renfrew, who on this occasion tries to solve a robbery and murder. The villains are a gang of fur thieves who've been targeting the trading posts owned by Andrew Larkin (Robert Fraser). Renfrew's mission is compromised somewhat by the presence of Larkin's headstrong daughter Kay (Terry Walker), who insists upon participating in the manhunt. Originally produced by Criterion Pictures, On the Great White Trail was distributed by Grand National. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- James Newill, Terry Walker, (more)
- 1938
The rivalry between two columnists provides the basis of this drama. The most powerful of the two (patterned after columnist Walter Winchell) is notorious for presenting the most sensational murder trial suspects on his radio broadcasts and in his print columns; the arrogant fellow never hesitates to proclaim the guilt or innocence of the defendants. The other journalist is almost an unknown, and is quietly looking for ways to undermine his credibility. To see if she can dredge up some dirt on him, she begins working as his personal secretary. Together they begin investigating a case involving a socialite accused of killing her adulterous husband. The secretary/journalist lays her other scheme to rest when she and the columnist falling in love and marry. It is their dog that provides the key clue that finds the socialite innocent. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Gargan, Joy Hodges, (more)
- 1937
The rollicking music of Gilbert and Sullivan is featured in this musical. It tells the story of a dance hall girl with a love of money. She will spend it every chance she gets as long as it is not hers. Trouble ensues when she sponges off a bookie during a date. To get revenge, he becomes her manager and forces her to join a Gilbert and Sullivan troupe. Any money she makes is to be his. Songs include: "The Mikado," "Patience," "Pirates of Penzance," and "Ruddigore." ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Robert Armstrong, Irene Hervey, (more)
- 1934
Rin Tin Tin clone Tarzan the Wonder Dog is top-billed in the independently produced Inside Information. Tarzan nuzzles up to hero Rex Lease, a detective assigned to locate some missing bonds. The crooks prove no match for Tarzan, who bares his fangs and tears their clothes asunder. A happy ending is had by all, include Lease's lady friend Marion Shilling. Inside Information was co-scripted by Victor Potel, a silent comedy star of the pre-World War I era. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rex Lease
- 1934
The late "B"-picture historian Don Miller once referred to the "teenage sex" exploitationers of the 1930s as the "Enlighten Thy Daughter-type film." A remake of the 1917 picture of the same name, the 1934 version of Enlighten thy Daughter stars Herbert Rawlinson as Dr. Richard Stevenson, who for the edification of the audience relates the tale of two daughters. Ruth (Beth Barton), the offspring of Stevens' hypocritical brother (Russ Hicks), is neglected by her parents in matters of sex education; as consequence, she trods the primrose path, ending up pregnant, then dead. But Dr. Stevens' own daughter Alice (Claire Whitney), is told the facts of life early on, and as a result makes responsible romantic decisions in her later life. Enlighten thy Daughter was distributed on a States' Rights basis by -- who else? -- Exploitation Pictures Inc. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Herbert Rawlinson, Charles Eaton, (more)
