The Sphinx Reviews

Deaf-mute Atwill is accused of murder by an immigrant janitor. After being found innocent by a jury, Atwill is freed, though reporter Newton still thinks he is guilty. Newton's girlfriend, Terry, his paper's society editor, begins looking into Atwill's charitable doings in order to investigate his background. After a series of more mysterious killings, Newton becomes suspicious that Atwill is not a deaf-mute, but is using the disability only as a cover. A medical examination proves this theory wrong. Meanwhile, Terry goes to Atwill's home where she discovers a secret panel. Behind this door is Atwill's twin brother, the real deaf-mute. He tries to kill Terry, but the cops break in at the last moment to rescue her. It is only then learned that rich guy Atwill has been using his brother to cover up his nefarious deeds. For a Poverty Row thriller, this one isn't too bad. There are some wonderfully suspense-filled moments and Atwill handles this dual role with skill. Monogram remade this film some 10 years later under the title THE PHANTOM KILLER.