Night Key (1937)

A "new" Karloff film is always welcome, 30 July 2007

David Mallory is an inventor. Twenty years ago, he invented an alarm system that was so good his partner, Steven Ranger, stole his ideas and set-up his own security/alarm firm without compensating Mallory. Well, Mallory has now developed two new inventions. The first is an improvement on his old system – an electronic beam that detects intruders. He intends to sell the improvement to Ranger. It' s not until his old buddy does him wrong a second time that Mallory unveils his second new invention – an electronic key that will allow anyone who uses it to bypass the Ranger security system. Mallory begins using it to set off alarms all over town as a joke to annoy Ranger. But when the local crime boss gets wind of Mallory's invention, he wants it – and not for practical jokes.

While Boris Karloff is always welcome in any movie he appeared in, the role of David Mallory could, in all honesty, have been played by just about anyone. The role did not require Karloff's unique talents and abilities. I suppose that's one of the things that bothers me the most about Night Key – you have Karloff, why not use him to the fullest? I understand that Universal owed Karloff a movie, but why make this? Why not put him in something more in keeping with the image that Universal had already built up? It doesn't make much sense to me.

Overall, however, Night Key is an enjoyable little b-type picture. The film is nicely paced with rarely a lull to loss interest. Director Lloyd Corrigan does a solid job in that area. And the 68 minute runtime doesn't hurt either. The acting is good. Other than Karloff, I was impressed with Jean Rogers as his daughter and Hobart Cavanaugh as his less than reputable new friend. Though it's often predictable, the plot is nonetheless engaging. While I could have done without the subplot involving the relationship between Rogers' characters and one of the Ranger security guards, I've got few complaints otherwise. Overall, Night Key is not a bad way to spend an evening.

6/10