This mystery starring Elaine Hammerstein was based on the novel by Harold McGrath. The story centers around two small statuettes containing valuable emeralds, which are said to project a sinister influence on the possessor. The czar of Russia gives the statuettes to a grand duke, who, in turn, gives them to his secretary, John Hawksley (Jack Mulhall). Hawksley sends them to America in a friend's possession and follows after. But Gregor Karlov (Wallace Beery), one of the members of Russia's new regime, wants to get his hands on the statuettes, and he too travels to America. Back in the U.S., Hawksley falls in love with Dorothy (Hammerstein), the daughter of his banker, Barrows (Eric Mayne), who is holding onto the statuettes. When Barrows is found killed, Hawksley becomes the prime suspect. Cutty, a member of the secret service (David Torrence), helps tracks down the real killer who is -- guess who? -- Karlov. Cutty kills Karlov in a fight and Hawksley marries Dorothy. This story was remade as a Poverty Row feature in 1931, with Warner Oland in the villain role.
by Janiss Garza
synopsis
