by Hal Erickson
synopsis
By Whose Hand? is a swift little thriller expertly assembled by up-and-coming Columbia Pictures. Ricardo Cortez stars as a society swell who, unbeknownst to all but insurance investigator J. Thornton Baston, is actually the daring Agent X-9. More troubleshooter than spy, Cortez is assigned to solve a baffling jewel theft. All the evidence points to Cortez' sweetheart Eugenie Gilbert, and even he is convinced for a while that she's guilty. The actual miscreant is nearly as clever and resourceful as Cortez-but only nearly. Art director Robert E. Lee does wonders convincing us that Columbia's decidedly economical sets are actually a lavish night club and a huge mansion.
characteristics
- Prostitute/prostitution
- Robber
- Private-detective
- Photograph
- Maniac
- Opal
- Romance
- Romantic
- Thief
- Whore
- Theft
- Suspect
- Schoolteacher
- Streetwalker
- Love
